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Brandon Siler
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Brandon T. Siler (born December 5, 1985) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for six seasons. He played college football for the University of Florida, where he was a member of the Gators' 2006 national championship team. He was chosen by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL draft, and also played for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Siler was born Daytona Beach, Florida.[1] Growing up in the Pine Hills area of Orlando, He attended Evans High School, where he was a star high school football player for the Evans Trojans. His grandfather, Herb Siler, was a heavyweight boxer in the 1960s.
College career
[edit]Siler accepted a scholarship to attend his home-state University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he played for coach Ron Zook and coach Urban Meyer's Florida Gators football from 2004 to 2006.[2] His impact was felt early, as he started six games as a freshman, and he was recognized as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Year.[2] The Gators' new head coach Urban Meyer replaced Zook for Siler's sophomore season in 2005, and Siler amassed seven fumble recoveries.[2] His play during his junior season in 2006 helped the 13–1 Gators win the SEC Championship Game and the 2007 BCS National Championship Game, and he earned second-team All-SEC and third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press.[3] Siler was known for his work-ethic, energy and leadership on the field.
Professional career
[edit]| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 1+3⁄4 in (1.87 m) |
241 lb (109 kg) |
34+3⁄4 in (0.88 m) |
10+1⁄8 in (0.26 m) |
4.70 s | 1.62 s | 2.73 s | 4.39 s | 7.34 s | 30.5 in (0.77 m) |
9 ft 8 in (2.95 m) |
23 reps | |
| All values from NFL Combine/Florida Pro Day[4][5][6] | ||||||||||||
San Diego Chargers
[edit]Siler was projected as a second–to–third round selection in the 2007 NFL draft.[7] However, he was selected by the San Diego Chargers 240th overall in the seventh and final round of the 2007 NFL draft.[8][9]
Siler, who also served as the backup long snapper, earned a spot on the Chargers roster. In 2007, he contributed on special teams, gathering the second-highest number of special-teams tackles. In 2008, he continued excelling on special teams and received more time on defense. His playing time expanded with the four-game suspension of Stephen Cooper.[10]
Kansas City Chiefs
[edit]On July 31, 2011, Siler signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was placed on the injured reserve list due to an Achilles tendon rupture on August 25, and appeared in no games during the 2011 season. Siler played in 16 games in 2012, starting four. His contract expired after the 2012 NFL season, and he was not re-signed. In five NFL seasons, Siler played in 74 games, started 16 of them, and compiled 180 tackles, two interceptions, and three recovered fumbles.[1]
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Bold | Career high |
Regular season
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TFL | Int | Yds | TD | Lng | PD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | ||
| 2007 | SDG | 15 | 0 | 25 | 21 | 4 | 0.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 23 | 1 |
| 2008 | SDG | 15 | 0 | 25 | 16 | 9 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | SDG | 16 | 7 | 67 | 52 | 15 | 2.0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 | SDG | 12 | 5 | 44 | 34 | 10 | 1.0 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | KAN | 16 | 4 | 19 | 17 | 2 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 74 | 16 | 180 | 140 | 40 | 3.0 | 16 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 23 | 1 | |
Playoffs
[edit]| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | TFL | Int | Yds | TD | Lng | PD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | ||
| 2007 | SDG | 3 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 | SDG | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | SDG | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 5 | 1 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Pro-Football-Reference.com, Players, Brandon Siler. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
- ^ a b c 2011 Florida Gators Football Media Guide Archived April 2, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, University Athletic Association, Gainesville, Florida, pp. 80–81, 89, 97, 99, 102, 153–154, 185 (2011). Retrieved August 31, 2011.
- ^ "Four Gator Defenders Earn AP All-SEC Honors, Harvin Takes Freshman Of The Year Award", GatorZone.com, December 4, 2006, archived from the original on September 24, 2015, retrieved July 6, 2020
- ^ "Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
- ^ "Brandon Siler College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
- ^ *Brandon Siler, ILB, Florida - 2007 NFL Draft Scout Profile, Powered by The SportsXchange Archived March 15, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Brandon Siler Draft Profile", Sports Illustrated, April 2007, archived from the original on May 6, 2007
- ^ Sullivan, Mike (May 7, 2007), "Devastated by fall, Siler looks to rise", North County Times, archived from the original on April 16, 2010, retrieved January 11, 2010
- ^ "2007 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
- ^ Acee, Kevin (April 16, 2008), "Linebacker will sit out season's first four games", San Diego Union-Tribune
External links
[edit]- Brandon Siler – Florida Gators player profile
- Brandon Siler – San Diego Chargers player profile
Brandon Siler
View on GrokipediaEarly life and high school
Family background
Brandon Siler was born on December 5, 1985, in Daytona Beach, Florida, to parents Gerald and Annette Robinson. His family later relocated to the Pine Hills neighborhood in Orlando, where he spent much of his childhood in a modest, urban environment often referred to as the Pine Hills Projects.[9][1][11] Siler grew up in a sports-oriented household that emphasized athletic achievement and resilience. His grandfather, Herb Siler, was a prominent heavyweight boxer in the 1960s who notably fought Muhammad Ali early in the boxer's career, instilling in young Brandon a mindset of determination, toughness, and competitive drive that shaped his approach to sports. This family legacy of physical prowess and perseverance provided a foundational influence on Siler's early athletic development.[6][12] From a very young age, Siler was exposed to football and other sports through informal local play and family encouragement, often keeping a ball in hand and competing in neighborhood games like curb ball. This early immersion in athletics, supported by his family's value on physical activity and education, helped foster his passion for football before transitioning to organized high school programs.[12][2]Maynard Evans High School career
Brandon Siler attended Maynard Evans High School in Orlando, Florida, from 2001 to 2004, where he emerged as a standout two-way player on the football team as a tight end and defensive end.[9] As a senior in 2003, Siler recorded 103 tackles, five sacks, and four fumble recoveries on defense, while contributing offensively with 70 carries for 530 yards and 10 touchdowns.[9][13] His versatility and physicality drew attention from college scouts, earning him first-team All-Central Florida honors.[14] Siler's family boxing heritage, including his grandfather Herb Siler's professional career against notable fighters like Muhammad Ali, motivated his aggressive playing style and resilience on the field. During his senior year, he attracted recruitment interest from major college programs and committed to the University of Florida during the 2004 CaliFlorida Bowl all-star game.[15]College career
Early seasons at Florida (2004–2005)
Brandon Siler arrived at the University of Florida in 2003 as a highly touted recruit from Maynard Evans High School, where his MVP performance laid a foundation for college success. He redshirted that initial season to develop physically and learn the defensive schemes, preserving a year of eligibility. In 2004, Siler burst onto the scene as a true freshman under head coach Ron Zook, starting six games and leading the Gators' defense with 77 tackles—the second-highest total by a true freshman in school history, following only Scot Brantley's 1976 mark. His emergence proved crucial after All-SEC linebacker Channing Crowder suffered a season-ending injury early in the year, allowing Siler to rotate into key defensive roles and contribute to a unit that ranked among the SEC's top defenses in total yards allowed. A standout performance came against South Carolina, where he recorded a career-high 14 tackles, showcasing his speed and instincts against the run. For his efforts, Siler earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors from the league's coaches, along with first-team spots on the Scripps/FWAA Freshman All-America team and the Rivals.com All-Freshman Team. He also received academic recognition, landing on the 2004-05 SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll.[9][3][9] Siler's sophomore campaign in 2005 marked a period of adaptation and growth amid significant changes, as Urban Meyer took over as head coach and implemented a more aggressive, speed-oriented defensive scheme that emphasized discipline and resilience. Transitioning to the college level's increased tempo and complexity presented integration hurdles for many players, including Siler, who adjusted to the higher competition speed while balancing academics as a criminology major. His playing time expanded to all 12 games, where he ranked second on the team with 64 tackles (33 solo, 31 assisted), including 9 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 4 pass deflections. Leading the SEC with a remarkable 7 fumble recoveries, Siler emerged as a playmaker, particularly after defensive tackle Marcus Thomas's midseason dismissal disrupted the front seven. Notable contributions included a team-high seven tackles in the home opener against Wyoming, 5 tackles and his first career sack against rival Florida State, 6 tackles with 2 pass breakups against Tennessee, and another 6 tackles in the Outback Bowl victory over Iowa. These efforts highlighted his potential as a vocal leader, earning him a spot on Meyer's Leadership Council and fostering his development into a cornerstone of the Gators' defense.[16][10][9][3]2006 national championship season
In his junior season, Brandon Siler emerged as a cornerstone of the Florida Gators' defense, serving as team captain and recording 77 tackles, including 53 solo stops and 10 tackles for loss, while also contributing 3 sacks and 1 forced fumble across 13 games.[10][17] His leadership extended beyond statistics, as he mentored younger players like Tim Tebow and helped foster a resilient unit that propelled the Gators to an undefeated postseason. Building on his earlier recognition as SEC Freshman of the Year, Siler's vocal presence and on-field intensity solidified his role as a defensive anchor.[2] Siler's impact shone in pivotal playoff games, where the Gators' defense, led by his efforts, stifled high-powered offenses. In the SEC Championship Game against Arkansas on December 2, 2006, he tallied a season-high 12 tackles (9 solo) in a hard-fought 38-28 victory, helping Florida secure the conference title and a berth in the BCS National Championship.[9] The following month, on January 8, 2007, Siler registered 4 tackles as the Gators dominated Ohio State 41-14 in the BCS title game at University of Phoenix Stadium, limiting the Buckeyes to just 82 rushing yards and effectively neutralizing their offense in a statement defensive performance.[18] His standout campaign earned Siler second-team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and third-team All-American recognition, capping a transformative year that highlighted his growth into a complete middle linebacker.[9] Following the championship, Siler accepted an invitation to the 2007 Senior Bowl, where his athleticism and instincts generated positive scouting buzz as a versatile inside linebacker prospect projected for mid-round NFL selection.[19] Reflecting on the season, Siler described it as the pinnacle of his college career, stating, "I was the leader of the defense that won the national title. That's got to mean something," emphasizing the fulfillment of his collegiate goals alongside All-SEC and All-American accolades.[20]NFL career
San Diego Chargers tenure (2007–2010)
Brandon Siler was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round, 240th overall, of the 2007 NFL Draft, following a standout college career at the University of Florida that included contributions to the 2006 BCS National Championship team.[1] As a rookie, Siler primarily contributed on special teams, earning recognition as one of the team's top special teams tacklers and securing a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie Team for his efforts in that role.[21][22] He gradually integrated into defensive rotations, appearing in 15 games without a start during the 2007 season.[23] During his peak years from 2008 to 2010, Siler expanded his role on defense, accumulating 12 starts over 43 games played with the Chargers while continuing to provide depth at inside linebacker.[1] He filled in effectively during absences of starters, such as when he started on the strong side against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2010 following an injury to teammate Stephen Cooper.[24] Notable contributions included a sack against Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in the end zone for a safety during a 2010 matchup and recoveries in games against AFC West opponents like the [Kansas City Chiefs](/page/Kansas_City Chiefs).[25] In 2010, Siler's playing time was impacted by multiple injuries, including foot and ankle issues that caused him to miss practices and be listed as doubtful for several games, as well as a rib injury sustained against the Chiefs.[26][27][28] Despite these setbacks, he appeared in 12 games that season, starting several due to team needs. Following the 2010 campaign, Siler's four-year rookie contract expired, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2011.[29][30]Kansas City Chiefs stint (2012)
After rehabilitating for a year from an Achilles tendon rupture that sidelined him for the entire 2011 season—sustained shortly after signing as a free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs following injury-limited years with the San Diego Chargers—Siler returned to team drills in June 2012 under a one-year contract extension inked the prior December.[31][32][1] Siler assumed a backup role at inside linebacker for the 2012 season, appearing in all 16 games with 4 starts, the latter coming late in the year after the tragic murder-suicide involving teammate and fellow middle linebacker Jovan Belcher, for whom Siler had been competing during training camp.[1][33] He logged rotational defensive snaps in 10 games alongside significant special teams duties, totaling 174 defensive snaps (17% of team total) and 246 special teams snaps (54%).[1] In contributions amid the Chiefs' 2-14 campaign marked by defensive struggles against potent offenses, Siler notched 19 tackles—including 17 solo—with one forced fumble, often providing steady veteran leadership in losses; for instance, he recorded 4 tackles against the high-powered New Orleans Saints in a 27-24 defeat and 3 tackles in a low-scoring 9-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.[1] His efforts underscored resilience despite an ankle tweak during training camp that briefly hampered his preparation.[34] Siler's contract expired after the season, and at age 26, he chose retirement, citing the profound physical toll from accumulated injuries, lingering health issues, and a diminished passion for the game exacerbated by the Belcher incident and the need to pivot toward post-football pursuits.[1][2][35]Career statistics
Regular season performance
Brandon Siler's NFL regular season career spanned five seasons with the San Diego Chargers from 2007 to 2010 and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012, during which he transitioned from a special teams contributor to a rotational starter at linebacker.[1] Over 74 games played with 16 starts, Siler recorded 180 total tackles (140 solo), 3.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 defensive touchdown.[1] His production peaked during his time with the Chargers, where he achieved career highs in tackles, sacks, and interceptions from 2009 to 2010 after limited roles in 2007 and 2008 primarily on special teams.[1] In 2012 with the Chiefs, Siler contributed in a reserve capacity with 4 starts and his lone forced fumble.[1]| Year | Team | Games Played | Starts | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions | Forced Fumbles | Defensive TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | SDG | 15 | 0 | 25 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2008 | SDG | 15 | 0 | 25 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | SDG | 16 | 7 | 67 | 2.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 | SDG | 12 | 5 | 44 | 1.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | KAN | 16 | 4 | 19 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Career | - | 74 | 16 | 180 | 3.0 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Postseason appearances
Brandon Siler appeared in the postseason with the San Diego Chargers during four seasons from 2007 to 2010, participating in five playoff games across the 2007, 2008, and 2009 campaigns while being part of the active roster for the 2010 wild card matchup as well.[1] His involvement was limited to rotational duties at inside linebacker and special teams contributions, as he never started a playoff game and focused on depth support during the team's AFC playoff pushes.[36] Over these appearances, Siler totaled 14 combined tackles with no sacks or interceptions, underscoring his role in maintaining defensive depth amid injuries and rotations.[1] Notable contributions included tackles in key rounds, such as two combined stops in the 2007 wild card victory against the Tennessee Titans and two in the divisional round victory against the Indianapolis Colts.[36] In the 2007 season's run to the AFC Championship Game, Siler logged six tackles across three games, helping the Chargers advance past the wild card and divisional rounds before falling to the New England Patriots.[23] The following year, he added four tackles in the wild card defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers, while his 2009 performance featured all four tackles as solo stops against the Jets' rushing attack.[37] In 2010, Siler was available for the wild card game but did not record statistics in the narrow loss to the Jets.[1] Siler's postseason efforts exemplified his utility as a reliable reserve, aiding the Chargers' consistent contention in the AFC West and multiple deep runs without demanding primary snaps.[38]| Year | Round | Opponent | Result | Tackles (Solo-Ast) | Sacks | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Wild Card | vs. Tennessee Titans | W, 17–6 | 2 (2-0) | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | Divisional | @ Indianapolis Colts | W, 28–24 | 2 (1-1) | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | Conference Championship | @ [New England Patriots](/page/New England_Patriots) | L, 21–12 | 2 (1-1) | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 | Wild Card | @ Pittsburgh Steelers | L, 35–24 | 4 (2-2) | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | Divisional | vs. New York Jets | L, 17–14 | 4 (4-0) | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 | Wild Card | vs. New York Jets | L, 17–14 | 0 (0-0) | 0 | 0 |