Camden Catholic's football team is 3-2 through five games with a former NFL cornerback on the sideline.

James Bradberry, a Cherry Hill resident who spent eight seasons with the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles, joined the Irish this fall as a first-year assistant coach. The Philadelphia Inquirer's Alex Coffey first reported Bradberry's new role on Sept. 18.

The 3-2 start is a sharp turn from last year's 2-9 record under former head coach Wayne Gilliam, who left in January 2025 for Haddon Heights. Camden Catholic dropped a 55-0 decision to Pennsauken on Aug. 28 before rebounding with three wins in its next four games, according to MaxPreps. The Irish beat Riverside 26-20, shut out Florence Township Memorial 24-0 and topped Maple Shade 20-14 on Thursday, Sept. 24.

Senior running back Nymir Daily has powered the turnaround. Daily carried 31 times for 305 yards and four touchdowns in the Sept. 4 win over Riverside, earning West Jersey Football League offensive player of the week honors. Bradberry told the Inquirer he believes Daily can play at the collegiate level.

"I didn't expect it. You don't expect an NFL player to come to a 2-9 team … So to see him come here, it was motivation," Daily told the Inquirer. "It boosted our confidence that we could really be good."

Bradberry finished his NFL career with 112 passes defended and 19 interceptions. He earned a Super Bowl ring with the Eagles in 2024 while on injured reserve, according to the Inquirer, mentoring young defensive backs Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell during that championship run. The Eagles released him in June 2025.

A friend pointed Bradberry toward Camden Catholic last August. He called athletic director Jim McHugh, who recognized the former Pro Bowler after Bradberry mentioned he was originally from Alabama. McHugh connected him with head coach John Martino, who invited him to campus.

Bradberry first met the players on Aug. 18. Martino introduced him as joining practice for the day. Less than 24 hours later, Bradberry returned and committed to the program full time. McHugh told the Inquirer that Bradberry puts in more time than other coaches on staff, attending every film session, workout and walk-through.

The bond between Bradberry and Daily goes beyond the field. Martino told the Inquirer that Bradberry stepped in to calm Daily after an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the Riverside game.

Bradberry said he may pursue a college coaching position next year as he works his way up. For now, "Coach JB" is at Dulczak Family Field five days a week, in his own town.