Brandon Denson facts for kids
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Denson with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2011
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| Born: | July 22, 1987 Ypsilanti, Michigan, U.S. |
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| Career information | |
| CFL status | American |
| Position(s) | LB/DE |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | 230 lb (100 kg) |
| College | Michigan State (2005–2009) |
| High school | Willow Run (Ypsilanti) |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2011 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats |
| 2012–2013 | Cleveland Gladiators |
| 2013 | Montreal Alouettes |
| 2014 | Ottawa Redblacks* |
| *Offseason or practice squad only | |
| Career stats | |
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Brandon Denson (born July 22, 1987) is an American who used to play professional football. He played in two different leagues: the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Arena Football League (AFL). He played college football at Michigan State University. Brandon was a member of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Montreal Alouettes, and Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL. He also played for the Cleveland Gladiators in the AFL.
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Early Life and Sports
Brandon Denson was born on July 22, 1987, in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He played high school football at Willow Run High School. He was a main player for three years as a running back (who carries the ball) and a cornerback (who defends against passes).
As a senior, he ran for 750 yards. In his last game, he had a career-best 210 yards and scored three touchdowns.
Other Sports in High School
Brandon also played basketball at Willow Run. He averaged 4.4 points and 8.7 rebounds as a power forward during the 2004–05 season. He was a four-year starting centerfielder for the baseball team. He led the team with ten stolen bases in his junior year.
He also earned awards in track during his senior year. He competed in the 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, and long jump. During his senior year, Brandon was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
College Football Career
In 2005, Denson joined the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan State University. He joined as a walk-on, meaning he wasn't given a scholarship at first. He spent the 2005 season as a running back without playing in games, which is called a redshirt year.
He earned a "letter" (a special award for playing well) for four years, from 2006 to 2009. In 2006, he switched to playing strong safety (a defensive position). He played in eight games, mostly on special teams (units that handle kicking plays). He made two tackles and returned one punt for 20 yards.
Playing for the Spartans
In 2007, Brandon played in all 13 games, mainly on special teams. He recorded six solo tackles and four assisted tackles. In 2008, he changed positions again to linebacker (a defensive player who stops runs and covers passes). He played in 12 games. He appeared as a Sam linebacker in certain defensive plays and on special teams. That season, he had 19 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 1.5 sacks (tackling the quarterback), and broke up three passes.
As a senior in 2009, Denson played in 12 games and started ten as a Will linebacker. He made 23 solo tackles, 45 assisted tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one interception. He missed one game that year due to an injury. Brandon studied criminal justice at Michigan State.
Professional Football Career
In 2011, Denson played in four games for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League (CFL), starting one. He made five defensive tackles, seven special teams tackles, and recovered one fumble (picking up a dropped ball).
In May 2012, Brandon tried out for the Carolina Panthers at their rookie minicamp (a training camp for new players). However, he was not signed to their team.
Arena Football League
Brandon Denson joined the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League (AFL) on June 19, 2012. He was later placed on injured reserve on July 2, meaning he couldn't play due to injury. He rejoined the Gladiators on November 1.
In 2013, he was placed on a list for players unable to perform physically on March 10, but was activated the next day. He was placed on a suspended list on April 2, 2013. He made six solo tackles and six assisted tackles for the Gladiators during the 2013 season. He was later reassigned on June 11, 2014.
Canadian Football League Return
Denson spent most of the 2013 CFL season on the practice roster of the Montreal Alouettes. This means he trained with the team but wasn't on the main active roster. He did play in one game but did not record any statistics.
In January 2014, Denson signed with the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks. On June 10, 2014, it was announced that Denson had been released from the team.
After Football
After his football career, Brandon Denson competed in the eighth season of the TV show American Ninja Warrior in 2016. He has also worked as a disciplinarian at Voyageur Academy in Detroit, Michigan.
