Michael Bandy Bio
Michael Bandy, born December 5, 1997, is an American professional football wide receiver and punt returner for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, he wears jersey number 83 and is listed as an active member of the Broncos roster. Before reaching the NFL, Bandy played college football for the San Diego Toreros, where he established himself as one of the most productive pass catchers in FCS history. He has also spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers, the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL, and the TSL Conquerors of The Spring League.
Known for his speed, route running, and special teams value, Bandy has carved out a journeyman role in professional football, moving between practice squads and active rosters while continuing to develop his game. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a Broncos receiver with a touchdown catch highlights his persistence and work ethic.
Early Life and Background
Michael Bandy was born on December 5, 1997, in La Mirada, California, United States. He grew up in Southern California, a region well known for producing talented football players at both the high school and collegiate levels. From an early age, Bandy showed a passion for sports, and football quickly became his primary focus.
Bandy attended Servite High School in Anaheim, California, a private Catholic school with a strong athletic tradition. At Servite, he developed the foundational skills that would later allow him to compete at the collegiate level. His performance in high school helped attract attention from college recruiters, eventually paving the way for his commitment to the University of San Diego.
Although specific details about his family background are not widely documented, Bandy’s upbringing in La Mirada and his time at Servite shaped his early football identity. The combination of California athleticism and a disciplined high school program prepared him for the next step in his football journey.
Path to American Football
Bandy’s path to professional American football began at the University of San Diego, where he played for the San Diego Toreros from 2016 to 2019. During his four seasons with the program, he became one of the most decorated wide receivers in school history. He finished his college career with 192 receptions for 3,294 receiving yards and 28 receiving touchdowns, establishing himself as a reliable target in the passing game.
His production at San Diego earned him two First-team FCS All-American selections in 2018 and 2019, as well as two First-team All-Pioneer Football League honors in the same seasons. Bandy also set an NCAA FCS record for the highest yards per reception average, with a minimum of ten receptions, posting a remarkable 32.4 yards per catch. These accomplishments made him one of the most respected wide receivers at the FCS level.
Despite his impressive college résumé, Bandy went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. Rather than give up on his professional aspirations, he used the disappointment as motivation to prove himself through alternative football leagues and practice squad opportunities.
Michael Bandy Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
After going unselected in the 2020 NFL Draft, Michael Bandy initially signed with the TSL Conquerors of The Spring League, where he played during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The Spring League provided him with a platform to showcase his skills in front of NFL scouts and earn an opportunity at the next level.
His performances with the Conquerors eventually led to an NFL opportunity. On June 18, 2021, Bandy signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, beginning his journey through one of the most competitive rosters in the league. Although he was waived, re-signed, and shuffled between the active roster and practice squad during his time with the Chargers, he continued to refine his game and stay ready for his moment.
Los Angeles Chargers Era (2021–2022)
Bandy made his NFL debut with the Los Angeles Chargers on December 26, 2021, appearing in the team’s Week 16 game against the Houston Texans after being elevated from the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Chargers on January 11, 2022, securing his place with the organization heading into the next season.
In 2022, Bandy continued to move between the practice squad and active roster. He was waived on August 30, signed to the practice squad the next day, and later promoted to the active roster on October 22. His time with the Chargers gave him valuable experience within an NFL system and helped him adjust to the speed and complexity of professional football.
Houston Roughnecks Era (2023)
After becoming a free agent on March 15, 2023, Bandy signed with the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL on March 29, 2023. He played in two games for the Roughnecks, catching five passes for 35 yards during his brief tenure with the team. Bandy was released from his contract on July 29, 2023, ending his time in the spring football league.
Denver Broncos Era (2023–Present)
On July 28, 2023, Bandy signed with the Denver Broncos, beginning the current chapter of his professional career. He was waived by Denver on August 29 and re-signed to the practice squad, before being promoted to the active roster on December 30. The following year, on August 27, 2024, he was waived again and returned to the practice squad the next day.
On January 15, 2025, Bandy signed a futures contract with the Broncos, and after a series of practice squad movements during the 2025 season, he was active for the Broncos’ game against the Houston Texans on November 2. In that game, he recorded one reception for 16 yards, his first NFL reception since 2022, and also served as the punt returner. Later that season, after being elevated from the practice squad for Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers, Bandy scored his first career NFL touchdown on a pass from quarterback Bo Nix, helping fuel Denver to a 34–26 victory. After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Bandy’s practice squad contract expired and he became a free agent. On February 18, 2026, he was re-signed by the Broncos, adding him to their offseason roster.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Bandy’s career came during the 2025 NFL season when he scored his first career touchdown against the Green Bay Packers. The score, a pass from Bo Nix, contributed to a 34–26 Denver victory and marked a significant milestone for a player who had spent years working his way up from undrafted free agent to active roster contributor. His college record for yards per reception at the FCS level also stands as one of his most remarkable achievements.
Michael Bandy Career Wins
While Michael Bandy’s professional career has not been defined by championship victories, his journey includes several notable wins and achievements across multiple leagues. His two First-team FCS All-American honors and two First-team All-PFL selections stand as the most decorated accomplishments of his career to date. His first NFL touchdown in 2025 also represents a personal milestone win that capped years of perseverance.
College and Professional Highlights
At the University of San Diego, Bandy was a two-time First-team FCS All-American and two-time First-team All-PFL selection in 2018 and 2019. He finished his college career with 192 receptions for 3,294 receiving yards and 28 receiving touchdowns, along with an NCAA FCS record for yards per reception at 32.4. In the NFL, his first career touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in 2025 remains his most memorable professional moment.
Michael Bandy Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Michael Bandy was born and raised in La Mirada, California, where he grew up before attending Servite High School in nearby Anaheim. Specific details about his parents and family members are not widely documented in public sources. His path through high school and college football reflects a strong support system that helped him pursue his athletic dreams.
Bandy maintains an active presence on social media, where fans can follow his professional football career. As of the latest available information, he continues to focus on his role with the Denver Broncos and his development as a wide receiver and punt returner.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marked a turning point for Michael Bandy with the Denver Broncos. After spending much of the year moving between the practice squad and active roster, he was active for the Broncos’ game against the Houston Texans on November 2, recording his first NFL reception since 2022. The performance signaled his return to regular game action after multiple seasons of roster movement.
Bandy’s most memorable moment of the 2025 season came in Week 15 against the Green Bay Packers, when he caught his first career NFL touchdown pass from Bo Nix. The score helped fuel Denver to a 34–26 victory and cemented his value as a depth receiver capable of producing in key situations. His role as a punt returner also added another dimension to his contribution to the team.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, Bandy became a free agent before being re-signed by the Broncos on February 18, 2026. His continued presence on the Denver roster suggests the organization values his versatility and special teams ability heading into the next phase of his career.