Brandon Powell

Brandon Powell was born on September 12, 1995, in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He began his collegiate athletic career at the University of Florida as a running back, a position he played during his freshman year. He later transitioned to wide receiver during his sophomore year. Throughout his college career with the Florida Gators from 2014 to 2017, Powell consistently contributed to the team’s offense. As a freshman, he recorded 15 receptions for 147 yards and one touchdown. His sophomore year saw him achieve 29 receptions for 390 yards and three touchdowns, including a 77-yard score against Ole Miss. During his junior season, he secured 45 receptions for 387 yards and two touchdowns. In his senior year, Powell led the team with 42 receptions for 406 yards and three touchdowns.

After going undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, Powell signed with the Detroit Lions as a free agent on May 11, 2018. He made an early impact, starting a game on December 30, 2018, where he caught six passes for 103 yards against the Green Bay Packers. Following his time with the Lions, he joined the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad on September 2, 2019, and was promoted to their active roster on November 5, 2019. He later had brief stints as an offseason and/or practice squad member with the Buffalo Bills in 2021 and the Miami Dolphins in 2021. In November 2021, Powell signed with the Los Angeles Rams.

A significant turning point in his professional career came on December 26, 2021, while playing for the Los Angeles Rams. He returned a punt for a 61-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings, a play that was crucial in securing a playoff berth for the Rams. For this performance, he was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Powell continued to contribute, and the Rams went on to win Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals. He re-signed with the Rams for the 2022 season. On March 22, 2023, Powell signed with the Minnesota Vikings, where he served as the primary punt returner and achieved career-high receiving numbers with 29 catches for 324 yards and one touchdown during the 2023 season. He signed a one-year contract extension with the Vikings on March 12, 2024, continuing his active NFL career.