Dan Buckner facts for kids

Dan Buckner (born May 31, 1990) is an American former professional football player. He played as a wide receiver, catching passes for his team. Dan Buckner played college football for the University of Arizona and the University of Texas at Austin. He even played in a big game called the 2010 BCS National Championship Game. During his career, Buckner was part of several teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ottawa Redblacks, Calgary Stampeders, Arizona Rattlers, and Los Angeles KISS.

Early Life and High School Football

Dan Buckner grew up in Allen, Texas. He was a very talented football player at Allen High School. Many top colleges wanted him to play for their teams. He received scholarship offers from schools like Baylor, Nebraska, Texas, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma.

College Football Career

Dan Buckner started his college football journey at the University of Texas. He played there in 2008 and 2009.

Playing for the Texas Longhorns

In his first year, 2008, he played a little bit. He caught 5 passes and scored 2 touchdowns. His team, the Texas Longhorns, won a share of the Big 12 South title. They also won the Fiesta Bowl.

In 2009, Buckner became a main target for quarterback Colt McCoy. He caught 29 passes and scored 4 touchdowns in the first 5 games. He even scored a touchdown in three games in a row. This was a special achievement, as only a few players in school history had done it. He helped Texas win the Big 12 Championship. They also played in the BCS Championship game.

Transferring to Arizona

After his time at Texas, Dan Buckner transferred to the University of Arizona. He did not play in 2010 because of transfer rules. He then played for Arizona for two seasons.

From 2011 to 2012, he had a great impact. He caught 103 passes for 1,379 yards and scored 7 touchdowns. In 2012, he was second in receiving yards for his team, the Arizona Wildcats. He also ranked ninth in the Pac-12 conference. That year, his team had a good record of 8 wins and 5 losses. They also won the 2012 New Mexico Bowl against Nevada.

Professional Football Journey

After college, Dan Buckner began his professional football career. He played for several teams in different leagues.

Time with the Arizona Cardinals

On April 27, 2013, Buckner signed with the Arizona Cardinals. He joined them as an undrafted free agent after the 2013 NFL draft. He was released at the end of training camp. Later, on September 17, 2013, he joined their practice squad. He was released again a few days later.

Buckner returned to the Cardinals' practice squad on November 5, 2013. He stayed with them through the end of that season. He signed with them again for the 2014 offseason. However, he was cut from the team at the end of camp in 2014.

Playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On September 24, 2013, Buckner was signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad. He stayed with them for a short time. He was released from the team on October 1st.

Joining the Ottawa Redblacks

On October 7, 2014, Dan Buckner signed with the Ottawa Redblacks. This team plays in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played in two games for the Redblacks. He did not catch any passes during his time there.

With the Calgary Stampeders

On January 15, 2015, the Ottawa Redblacks traded Dan Buckner. He went to the Calgary Stampeders in a trade that also involved another player. He was released from the Stampeders during their training camp that summer.

Playing in the Arena Football League

Dan Buckner also played in the Arena Football League (AFL). This league plays football indoors on a smaller field.

First Stint with the Arizona Rattlers

On July 8, 2015, Buckner signed with the Arizona Rattlers. He played 5 games with them in the 2015 season. He caught 26 passes for 304 yards and scored 3 touchdowns.

Time with the Los Angeles KISS

On April 14, 2016, Buckner was assigned to the Los Angeles KISS. He played only one game with them. On May 24, 2016, he was placed on recallable reassignment.

Second Stint with the Arizona Rattlers

On June 6, 2016, Buckner returned to the Arizona Rattlers. In this second period, he mainly played defense. He helped the Rattlers reach ArenaBowl XXIX, the championship game of the AFL.