Brandon Walton

Brandon Walton, born on March 18, 1998, is an esteemed American professional football player who currently serves as an offensive tackle for the National Football League’s (NFL) Carolina Panthers. His journey to the NFL was marked with high school accolades, a prolific college football career, and the challenges of being an undrafted free agent.

Walton first experienced life in Clearwater, Florida, where he developed a passion for football. At an early age, his exceptional abilities were honed at Seminole High School. His talents didn’t go unnoticed; in 2014 and 2015, he received honors as PCAC Lineman of the Year. As an All-Tampa Bay selection and a highly-rated three-star recruit, Walton drew attention from over 20 universities. His decision to commit to Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in December 2015 marked the start of an impressive college football career.

At FAU, Walton debuted in college football in 2016, making appearances against Kansas State and Old Dominion. The following year, he was not just a player but a keystone of FAU’s offensive line-up, instrumental in the team’s undefeated Conference USA (C-USA) record. In recognition of his performance in spring 2018, Walton jointly received the team’s MVP award for the offensive line.

His performance continued to excel in 2018. Despite being a third-team preseason all-conference selection, Walton served as a starting lineman, a testament to his dedication and outstanding skills. His efforts earned him the Phil Steele third-team All-C-USA Honor by year-end.

As a senior, he received further acclaim as the team’s left tackle, garnering first-team All-C-USA honors. Walton also won the Spring Offensive Lineman “Top Guy” Award early in the season. Furthermore, he received second-team preseason all-conference selection by Athlon Sports and, remarkably, a first-team nomination by Phil Steele magazine. Walton’s contribution was crucial to FAU’s winning of the C-USA championship, starting in every game that season.

Despite an illustrious college football career, Walton did not receive selection from the 2020 NFL draft. Instead, the Buffalo Bills signed him as an undrafted free agent. However, his stay was short-lived, due to release in September of that year. Briefly, he signed up for the team’s practice squad before his subsequent release in the same month.

Walton’s career took a positive spin when he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad in September 2020. His potential earned him a futures contract in January 2021. However, the first cut of the team’s roster in August found him released.

In a quick turnaround, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers claimed Walton a day after his release from Pittsburgh. He took the yo-yo phase of his NFL career in stride, waving off another release in August of that year and rejoining as part of the practice squad later.

In February 2022, Walton signed a permanent deal with the Buccaneers, eventually debuting in the NFL’s regular-season first week with a victory over the Dallas Cowboys. He appeared in 11 games throughout the season, taking the starting position for two. Nevertheless, his stint with the Buccaneers ended in August 2024.

Walton then found a new home with the Carolina Panthers. Joining their practice squad in August 2024, he continues his pursuit of football excellence in the NFL, reflective of his resilience and dedication to the sport.