Wide Receiver Brett McDermott signs with the Colts

1980collegegrad
Sat, 16 May 2009 21:10:07 +0000

Brett McDermott was watching the end of the NFL draft in his Worcester apartment when a phone call changed the former Mansfield High School athlete’s life dramatically.

“I wasn’t expecting to get drafted,” he said. “The draft went by and then 20 minutes later my agent called.”

McDermott was told to wait by the phone, as the Indianapolis Colts would be calling, offering him a free agent contract.

“My teammates were there and it was crazy,” McDermott said with a laugh. “Everyone was yelling and screaming and it was out of control.”

In moments, the receiver and economics major went from preparing to study for finals and getting ready for graduation from Holy Cross to getting on a plane for Indianapolis and a fast-paced introduction to life in the NFL.

“It was just surreal,” McDermott said. “I brought every glove I’ve ever used, but they had everything there for free. Putting the helmet on for the first time was very cool.”

In the two-day mini-camp for the draft picks and free agents, McDermott got a taste of what life is going to be like. And his new NFL textbook is quite hefty.

“It was pretty intense,” McDermott said. “They put a lot on you. The concepts are the same, but the terminology is different. You have to learn how they call the play in the NFL.”

After competing in college and the Boston College Pro day, McDermott had an idea how fast the other receivers and defensive backs would be, but mini-camp opened up his eyes to the other positions.

“I was standing on the sidelines and watching the interior linemen,” he said. “Those guys can fly.”

Indianapolis cut ties with All-Pro receiver Marvin Harrison in the offseason and use a lot of receiver sets, which should give McDermott more opportunities. Another fact that weighed into his decision to say yes to Indianapolis was that the Colts are known for giving chances to free agents over the years. The philosophy is basically everyone is equal in camp and the best ones get to play.

“The Colts are a great organization,” said Mansfield High head coach Mike Redding. “They use a lot of receivers and spread the offense around. He can return kicks and punts and play on special teams. Brett has the tackling skills from when he played defense.”
[Mansfield’s McDermott lands spot with Colts - Mansfield, MA - Mansfield News](http://www.wickedlocal.com/mansfield/sports/x1194160842/Mansfields-McDermott-lands-spot-with-Colts)