Interview - Bryn Joslin

Bryn Joslin is the coach/manager of The Brady Bunch (TBB).

This interview was conducted during Week 5

TPC: So, Bryn, good to talk with you. At time of this interview you’re sitting on a three win streak and looking good for a win against the Rifles unless Kelce pulls out 21+ pts. Fancy your chances?

Bryn: After being predicted an end of 0-14 right at the beginning of the season I’m just happy to have some wins. As for this week it still feels too close to feel confident.

TPC: Yeah, based on that earlier analysis you’re sitting on a nice few wins! First fantasy season, do you have any reflection on what’s going well?

Bryn: Dumb luck 😁 unlike others there's never many points on my bench, but that's because my entire bench is pretty rubbish. I'm not looking forward to when my main line get injured or have a bye week.

TPC: Haha, fair enough!! A recent dumb luck win for you was against the dear wife. Hopefully that’s all water under the bridge now! For those of us who don’t know you, what’s life like, how long have you been married, etc.?

Bryn: We got married this June. Started dating in lockdown, which was nice. As two Christian kids who are prominent in church it was nice to be able to feel out the relationship without everyone watching.

I'm a web developer by trade, but a massive Bible nerd by choice. Did a Bible college degree, and looking to start my Masters in Biblical studies hopefully in the next year or so.

TPC: Oh that’s interesting! What led you to go to Bible College and continue with the Masters?

Bryn: Initially it came out of being a youth pastor and feeling struck that I get paid to teach people the Bible but didn't really know it myself. That, and I was always a bit of a nerd and missed the academics of school. But when I started I fell in love with it. Biblical studies is a little bit of a hodge podge of humanities. There's languages and linguistics, history, literature, philosophy, theology, all wrapped into one.

But I suppose it's the languages and the literature side that attracts me the most. In the Old Testament we have writings and teachings that have been wrestled with and curated and woven together over nearly 1000 years. Then being able to understand the original languages to properly appreciate it in its 'somewhat' original form. Apologies. I said I was a massive Bible nerd 😂

TPC: Pretty epic when you put it like that! Hope you really enjoy continuing to study.

As a web developer as well, you know I’m gonna pull you into making changes and improvements on the Chronicle 😉

Bryn: Haha, my skills are actually quite restricted to the platforms and tools we use at work, but I’m happy to take a look.

TPC: So you picked up NFL relatively recently and chose to follow the Bucs. If not for seeking the glory of Tom Brady (so you tell us), then why them?

Bryn: The real answer is spite. I’d been with Grace all of 2 months and she insisted that I pick a team to support, even though I’d made it very clear I wasn’t interested in any sport. Finally giving in I researched who were the worst NFL team of all time, and proudly declared I was now a fan of the Bucs. Low and behold they took on Brady. That year they battered the Packers twice and won the Super Bowl. As a Packers fan Grace was not impressed.

This has actually proved to be a bit of a theme in our relationship. A year in, I was bullied into joining the family PL Fantasy Football team. Knowing nothing about football I picked a team based on the colours of their shirts. I went on to win the family league. So maybe, 2 years in, this year I can pull off a hat trick (Bucs Championship, PL win, and NFL win) with winning this league 😂 I’m not hopeful, but I can pray 😂

TPC: I feel like Grace's mistake there was giving you a choice of team to support instead of telling you you’re a Packers fan now! Nevertheless, as a sports convert under duress, where’s your enjoyment level for NFL now?

Bryn: I’m now a full convert. Having started the relationship with no interest in any sport we now have two TVs in our living room so on Sundays we can have Redzone in the background while we watch the F1 and I have half an eye on my PL Fantasy team. My own friends and family don’t recognise me anymore

TPC: Ha! As someone with a similar story vis-a-vis televised sports I can relate. #TeamLando btw

Last question, you’ve lately changed your team logo to a kitten in a Brady jersey. Anything you want to tell us there?

Bryn: That's our team mascot. Our kittyback. Like Jalen Hurts, he also likes running the ball.

TPC: Well, all the best to you, The Bunch, and the Kittyback for the rest of the season! Thanks for taking the time for the interview!

Bryn: My pleasure. I've enjoyed it!