The Patriots’ Brandon “Bam” Childress is a reserve player of many talents.

The Providence Journal / Mary Murphy

FOXBORO — By the time a season is over, every NFL team uses more than 53 players to get through the schedule. Whether it’s because of injuries or matchups or just to shake things up, there are always some extra players who come in and need to perform.

Brandon “Bam” Childress is one of those players for the New England Patriots. The 25-year-old has been back and forth between the practice squad and active roster since being signed as an undrafted rookie in 2005 out of Ohio State. But when he’s on the field in uniform, Childress contributes in every area — as a receiver, on special teams, and even as a cornerback.

Though he is a fan favorite for his all-out style, Childress has set himself up well for life after football, perhaps because his back-and-forth career. He breeds and shows bull mastiffs (his Web site is www.legendarybullies.com), and also owns a commercial real estate company.

A former Ohio Mr. Football at St. Peter Chanel High just outside Cleveland, Childress was at Fenway Park with teammate Troy Brown to see his hometown Indians lose to the Red Sox in Game Six of the American League Championship Series.

Here’s more of this week’s Up Close:

MY FIRST CAR: Was an ’88 Honda Accord — the “Gold Ghost.” It was my brother’s car; a hand-me-down.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND THE DAY: With my dogs; just take them to the park and let ’em run. I have seven bullies.

MY HERO: Is my mother, Willeen. She’s the hardest worker on earth that I know of. She still works two and three jobs.

IF I WASN’T IN THE NFL: I’d be breeding dogs, owning my real estate company and spending time with my family.

ONE OF MY CHILDHOOD MEMORIES: I’ve got a million of them. When I was little, when my mom went to work, she’d come home late, and I’d always stay up to make sure she came home (safe). Once she came home, I’d go back to bed.

MY GUILTY PLEASURE: I’m a sucker for honey buns. Honey buns, and my (girlfriend) makes “Bam burgers” — they’re French toast with eggs and bacon and lots of syrup. They’re not good for me, but I eat them anyway.

smanza@projo.com