Brandon Markeith Marshall (born September 10, 1989) is a former American football linebacker. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round (142nd overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft, out of the University of Nevada, Reno.
High school career
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Marshall attended its Cimarron-Memorial High School, where he played football and was also a member of the track & field team. In football, he was named a first-team All-Sunset Conference as a linebacker and tight end. Marshall was named second-team all-state as a linebacker, and was also a two-time all-league on offensive and defense. For his career, on defense, he recorded 68 tackles, 13 sacks, 57 quarterback hurries, four fumble recoveries and one interception. On offense, Marshall recorded 10 touchdowns, while recording 691 yards as a running back and 95 receiving yards as a tight end.
In 2016, Cimarron-Memorial High School retired Marshall's high school jersey on May 13.
College career
Marshall attended the University of Nevada, where he majored in criminal justice. He redshirted as a freshman in 2007, and played in every game in 2008, starting six. For the season, he recorded 33 tackles, 8.5 tackles-for-loss, two sacks, one interception, and two pass break-ups. In 2009, he started every game at outside linebacker, ranked third on the team with 61 tackles and fourth with 9.5 tackles-for-loss. Marshall also recorded one sack one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and four pass break-ups. For the season he was named second-team All-WAC by Phil Steele and was named fourth team. In 2010, Marshall started all 13 games and the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl. For the season, he finished sixth on the team with 63 tackles. He also recorded eight tackles-for-loss, one sack and two interceptions.
Professional career
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Marshall in the fifth round (142nd overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. Marshall was the 19th linebacker drafted in 2012.
2012
On June 5, 2012, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Marshall to a four-year, $2.30 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $100,986.
Throughout training camp, Marshall competed to be a backup linebacker against Kyle Bosworth and Russell Allen. Head coach Mike Mularkey named Marshall the backup left outside linebacker, behind Daryl Smith, to begin the regular season.
He made his professional regular season debut in the Jacksonville Jaguars' season-opener at the Minnesota Vikings and made one solo tackle in their 26–23 loss. Marshall made his first career tackle on a 28-yard kick return by wide receiver Percy Harvin in the first quarter. On October 27, 2012, the Jacksonville Jaguars released Marshall, but re-signed him three days later. On November 1, 2012, Marshall was released by the Jaguars, but was re-signed to the team's practice squad on November 5, 2012. On December 18, 2012, Marshall was promoted to the active roster. He finished his rookie season in 2012 with two combined tackles (one solo) in five games and zero starts.
2013
On January 10, 2013, the Jacksonville Jaguars fired head coach Mike Mularkey after they finished with a 2–14 record in 2012. Throughout training camp, he competed to be a starting outside linebacker against Geno Hayes, J. T. Thomas, Kyle Knox, and LaRoy Reynolds. On August 30, 2013, the Jacksonville Jaguars released Marshall as part of their roster cuts.
Denver Broncos
On September 2, 2013, the Denver Broncos signed Marshall to their practice squad. On December 24, 2013, Marshall was promoted to the 53-man active roster after the Broncos placed Von Miller on injured reserve. Upon joining the active roster, head coach John Fox named Marshall the backup strongside linebacker behind Nate Irving. On December 29, 2013, Marshall made his Denver Broncos debut and made two solo tackles during a 34–14 victory at the Oakland Raiders in Week 17. He finished the regular season with two solo tackles in one game.
The Denver Broncos finished first in the AFC West with a 13–3 record, clinching a playoff berth and a first round bye. On January 12, 2014, Marshall appeared in his first career playoff game as the Broncos' defeated the San Diego Chargers 24–17 in the AFC Divisional Round. The Broncos reached the Super Bowl after defeating the New England Patriots 26–16 in the AFC Championship Game. On February 2, 2014, Marshall appeared in Super Bowl XLVIII and recorded one solo tackle as the Broncos lost 43–8 to the Seattle Seahawks.