GB #32

Gary Brightwell

Running Back · Arizona

A well-traveled sixth-round back out of Arizona now fighting for reps in the Bengals' backfield.

Gary Brightwell is a running back for the Cincinnati Bengals who has built a journeyman NFL career on special teams value and depth-chart reliability since entering the league with the New York Giants. He's spent time on multiple rosters and practice squads while continuing to push for a consistent role.

★ Sixth-round pick, 2021 NFL Draft

★ 1,305 rushing yards and nine touchdowns across four seasons at Arizona

★ NFL experience with three franchises: Giants, Browns and Bengals

Path to the league

Brightwell played four seasons at Arizona from 2017 to 2020, appearing in 40 games and rushing for 1,305 yards and nine touchdowns for the Wildcats. The New York Giants drafted him in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the 196th overall pick.

Career highlights

Brightwell has appeared in NFL games for the Giants and Cleveland Browns in addition to Cincinnati, carving out a niche primarily through special teams work and depth-chart contributions as a running back. He joined the Bengals' practice squad in November 2024 and has continued fighting for a roster spot in the competitive Cincinnati backfield.

2025 season recap

Brightwell spent much of 2025 on the Bengals' practice squad, seeing game action in two contests as a practice squad elevation. His role remained limited behind Cincinnati's primary backs, with his contributions coming mainly in a depth and special teams capacity.