When DeWayne Carter went to plan his inaugural football camp, the Buffalo Bills defensive tackle knew he could count on a few teammates to show up for the cause.
Safety Darrick Forrest was one of the players to lend a hand, even though he’s still brand new to the Bills.
“It’s cool because actually we grew up about 20 minutes from each other,” Carter said.
Buffalo Bills Mandatory Mini Camp
Safety Darrick Forrest wants to be a consistent performer for the Bills. Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
Carter and Forrest didn’t directly know each other growing up, but they had mutual friends and even overlapping coaches. When Carter’s camp was rolling around, Forrest knew it was the perfect time to get to know Carter.
With teammates and campers, Forrest also got a small taste of what’s to come with Bills Mafia.
“That was cool to me,” Forrest said. “Man, never seen something like that, you know? We were out there singing Buffalo chants. It just felt like a good energy, like, I love it.”
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Forrest, who signed a one-year deal with the Bills in March, is acclimating quickly. When fellow safeties Cole Bishop and Damar Hamlin both dealt with injuries during mandatory minicamp, Forrest was able to get more time on the field. Forrest still is learning his new team after spending four years with the Washington Commanders, but Bills safeties coach Joe Danna has seen impressive strides.
“Great attitude,” Danna said of Forrest. “Works extremely hard. Obviously, he’s a little bit – he’s not as far along as some of the vets, just because he just got here, but very eager and really excited to see him in the future compete with the guys in the room.”
Forrest is open about the fact that he’s still adjusting – it’s only been a few practices, after all. But when Bishop and Hamlin missed time, Forrest got to see what it was like to communicate more with fellow safety Taylor Rapp. Forrest credited all the safety room with getting him up to speed.
“It’s been great,” he said. “Start off little rocky, but you know how it is: steady climbs.”
Forrest, who turned 26 in May, joined the Bills as a free agent this offseason. His four years in Washington, where he was a fifth-round draft pick, gave him a solid understanding of what it takes to make it in the NFL.
“He’s been around the league, so it’s not like he’s new to it,” Danna said. “Studies hard, asks good questions, great attitude, positive outlook – he’s just a guy that you enjoy being around. He’s been a positive addition to our group.”
Forrest has heralded the culture of the Bills, and he is a positive addition to it with his own outlook.
“My personality is very fun, outgoing, but then I could be serious, you know, sometimes I could be angry, so a little bit of everything,” Forrest said.
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Bills defender Darrick Forrest catches the ball during minicamp on June 11. Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
The anger is really just channeled onto the field, where he plays defense hard, until it comes time after to celebrate a play. Forrest’s ability to tap into a more fierce mindset when it’s time to work has impressed his teammates, even during spring workouts.
“He’s strong as an ox,” Carter said. “He plays in the back, but he lifts with like, D-line and linebackers.”
With the Commanders, Forrest started 17 games and played in 40 across his four seasons. He was a contributor on special teams as well.
The next challenge for Forrest is maintaining his level of play each and every day on the field. At Bills minicamp, he said Tuesday wasn’t his best, but Wednesday’s practice was better. Thursday was about building off Wednesday. His goals with his new team are simple.
“I want to be consistent. That’s it. I just want to go out there be consistent,” Forrest said.
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