Brandin Echols Bio
Brandin Echols is an American professional football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Northwest Mississippi Community College and the University of Kentucky and was selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Echols has established himself as a promising player in the league, known for his agility and defensive skills on the field.
Early Life and Background
Brandin Echols was born on October 16, 1997, in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in Southaven, Mississippi, where he attended Southaven High School. During his high school years, Echols began to develop his skills in football, initially playing as a wide receiver before transitioning to defensive back. His athletic talent was evident early on, and he garnered attention for his performance on the field. After high school, Echols continued his education and athletic career at Northwest Mississippi Community College, where he played football for two seasons.
Path to American Football
Echols began his college football career at Northwest Mississippi Community College in 2017, where he played as a wide receiver before switching to defensive back. In 2018, he earned recognition as a second-team NJCAA All-American, showcasing his potential as a defensive player. Following his success at the junior college level, Echols committed to the University of Kentucky on September 23, 2018. He played for Kentucky in 2019 and 2020, where he continued to develop his skills and made significant contributions to the team. In the 2021 Gator Bowl, he recorded his first interception, marking a pivotal moment in his college career.
Brandin Echols Career
Early Career (2021-2024)
Brandin Echols was drafted by the New York Jets with the 200th pick in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He officially signed with the Jets on May 7, 2021. Echols quickly made an impact, being named a starting cornerback at the beginning of his rookie season. He started the first nine games of the season before suffering a thigh injury in Week 10, which led to his placement on injured reserve. After recovering, he was activated on December 11, 2021. In 2022, Echols played in 13 games for the Jets, contributing eight total tackles to the team’s defense. However, his season ended prematurely when he was placed on injured reserve on January 7, 2023.
Breakthrough (2025-Present)
On March 13, 2025, Brandin Echols signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking a new chapter in his professional career. This move to the Steelers represents an opportunity for Echols to further establish himself in the NFL and contribute to a storied franchise. His performance in the upcoming seasons will be closely watched as he aims to build on his early career achievements and make a significant impact on the field.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Brandin Echols has demonstrated his potential as a cornerback, with notable statistics including a total of 138 tackles, 18 pass deflections, and six interceptions as of Week 7 of the 2025 season. His journey from college football to the NFL showcases his dedication and skill in the sport.
Brandin Echols Award Nominations
Brandin Echols has not received any major award nominations during his career thus far.
Brandin Echols Awards Won
Brandin Echols has not won any major awards during his professional football career.
Brandin Echols Family
Information regarding Brandin Echols’ family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Brandin Echols was involved in a serious car accident on April 22, 2022, in Florham Park, New Jersey, which resulted in the partial paralyzation of the other driver. At the time of the incident, Echols was traveling at 84 mph in a 50 mph zone. In January 2023, he faced charges related to the accident, including fourth-degree assault by auto and several traffic violations. He was accepted into a diversionary program in March 2023 to avoid the charges, indicating a willingness to address the consequences of his actions.
