Gus Bradley, a seasoned NFL coach, seldom had the chance to watch his son Carter play football live during his high school and college years due to his coaching commitments. Carter played quarterback at Florida high schools, Toledo, and South Alabama colleges while Gus was busy preparing his teams for games.
Recently, Carter Bradley signed with the San Francisco 49ers, joining the same team where Gus is in his first season as a defensive assistant. Gus expressed excitement about this development, though their conversations remain limited given the whirlwind of events.
Gus emphasized that their relationship has always been more father-son than coach-player, focusing on life lessons like handling setbacks rather than football tactics. After Carter was released by the Raiders before training camp, Gus was informed in advance about the 49ers inviting Carter to a tryout, ensuring Carter was comfortable with the opportunity.
Despite being more interested in Carter’s performance, Gus maintains his professional focus on defense during practices, reviewing Carter’s plays later on film. He acknowledges the challenge of separating his parental feelings from his coaching responsibilities but is proud of Carter’s progress and determination. Carter secured a spot as the fourth quarterback on the 49ers after impressing during tryouts, according to coach Kyle Shanahan.
Fan Take: This story highlights the unique blend of family dynamics and professional sports, showing how personal connections intersect with career opportunities in the NFL. For fans, it’s inspiring to see legacy and hard work come together, and it hints at exciting opportunities for Carter Bradley to grow in a competitive league.
