Falcons K Matt Bryant returned Sunday to Raymond James Stadium, where he became the Bucs most accurate kicker in his four-year stint before getting cut in the preseason.  Bryant, 34, played for the United Football League’s Florida Tuskers before signing with Atlanta Dec. 1, acknowledged some odd feelings upon his homecoming of sorts. Bryant made 2-of-3 field goals.

“It was a little weird,” Bryant said. “I feel like I should be getting my wife and going to grab something to eat right now. It was good. I was just glad I was able to be a par of a little bit of history with this organization. I’ve only been here five games, but it’s been great from day 1, so I was happy to be part of it.”

It’s been an emotional holiday season for Bryant, whose father, William Bryant, passed away Christmas night after an 18-month battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. Bryant returned to practice last Thursday after attending the funeral. Bryant had also lost his 3-month-old son, Matthew Tryson, in September 2008.

“It seems like it’s been one thing after another, but you’ve just gotta kind of roll with the punches,” Bryant said. “As far as professional level, I’m ecstatic about being here. Front office, everyone has been real genuine to me. Can’t ask for anything more."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com