ScoutIndex

CIN CIN

Gary Brightwell

RB

A 6th-round pick (196th overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Arizona, Gary Brightwell has built an NFL career since. He's currently with CIN, in his 5th season in the league. His size stands out most — the 81st percentile at the position. Across 5 NFL seasons, he has totaled 164 rushing yards and 1 touchdown.

Size

6'1", 218#

College

Arizona

Draft

Rd 6, 196th overall (2021)

Seasons

2021–2025

2025 ScoutIndex Rating · RB

Methodology
51.5

60th percentile among RBs · limited sample

2 games · 0 touches

Volume×0.1-0.87
Receiving×0.14+0.24
Total EPA×0.24+0.33
Conversion×0.1+0.01
Ball security×0.06+0.02
Yards/carry×0.12+0.10
Rush EPA/carry×0.24+0.09

2025 attribute card

click a row to see the formula
AthleticismRushingReceivingImpact

group averages

Athleticism

Speed13▶

Percentile of 40-yard dash time among RBs at the NFL Combine (faster = higher), 2000–present.

Burst28▶

Percentile of vertical jump + broad jump among combine RBs.

Agility0▶

Percentile of 3-cone + short shuttle among combine RBs (faster = higher).

Size81▶

Height/weight z-score vs. the RB cohort (from official bio, not combine-dependent).

Rushing

Rush Efficiency58▶

Rushing EPA ÷ carry.

Yards/Carry61▶

Rushing yards ÷ carry.

Conversion53▶

(Rushing first downs + ½ rushing TD) ÷ carry.

Receiving

Receiving76▶

Receiving EPA ÷ target, plus a reception-volume bonus — the same formula behind the Rating's receiving component.

Impact

Ball Security28▶

Fumbles lost ÷ touch (fewer is better).

Volume4▶

Carries + receptions this season.

Efficiency70▶

Total EPA (rushing + receiving) per game.

Career (regular season)

SeasonTmSIGPass ydsPass TDRush ydsRush TDRecRec ydsRec TD
2025CIN51.52
2024CLE511
2023NYG45419547
2022NYG49.8151411539
2021NYG50.37416

Career profile

Gary Brightwell has appeared in 29 regular-season games across 5 NFL seasons on file, playing for 3 teams: NYG (2021–2023), CLE (2024), CIN (2025).

He has rushed for 164 yards and 1 touchdown. As a receiver he has caught 11 passes for 92 yards and 0 touchdowns. His most productive rushing season was 2022 with NYG: 141 yards and 1 touchdown in 15 games.

Career highs (regular season)

2025 splits

regular season

2025 game log

WkOppLineScore
Week 12NE—49
Week 13BAL—48

Gary Brightwell — common questions

What position does Gary Brightwell play?
Gary Brightwell is listed as an RB.
Which teams has Gary Brightwell played for?
In the seasons on file (1999 onward), Gary Brightwell has played for NYG (2021–2023), CLE (2024), CIN (2025).
Where did Gary Brightwell go to college?
Gary Brightwell played college football at Arizona.
When was Gary Brightwell drafted?
Gary Brightwell was selected in round 6, 196th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft.
How many touchdowns has Gary Brightwell scored?
Gary Brightwell has 1 touchdown in the regular-season games on file (1 rushing).
What is Gary Brightwell's ScoutIndex Rating?
Gary Brightwell rated 51.5 for 2025, the 60th percentile among RBs (provisional or limited sample). Ratings run 0–99; about 60 is a league-average qualified starter.

Related players

Top teammates, last season on file

Drafted in round 6, 2021

Also from Arizona