“Regardless of who’s lined up against me, I just wanted to show them that Christian Bedford can ball just like them,” Benford added. “And regardless of where I came from FCS, Baltimore, it doesn’t matter. I just wanted to show that I can do what I can do.”
Benford has wanted to have the opportunity since he was a kid to play in the NFL, so when the time came for kickoff, it was nothing but a joyful feeling.
“It wasn’t no fear, it wasn’t no timidity, it wasn’t no scariness,” Benford said. “It was straight joy and happiness. I’m playing a kid’s game and lining up against one of the best.”
Their eagerness to stay on the field stood out as McDermott shared that neither of the two cornerbacks wanted to be taken out of the game.
“These are the things you don’t always see or hear; he (Bernard) had a chance to tap out the next kickoff coverage and he’s like, ‘No, I got it,'” McDermott said. “That says a lot about a young man in terms of wanting to be out there and wanting to do everything he can to help the team and taking advantage of all the opportunities they get.”
Even though the rookies are looking ahead to what’s next and are focused on improving areas of their game for the next time they take the field, tonight’s game will be one to remember.
“It was something I can cherish for the rest of my life,” Elam said. “Something I’ll never take for granted. Probably remember this game when I’m 90 years old.”