Brandon Copeland, a free agent linebacker who played for six teams across 10 seasons in the NFL, has announced his retirement. The 32-year-old made the decision to retire after considering the advice of his grandfather, who played in the NFL as well. Copeland had a successful career, despite going undrafted out of Penn in 2013. He made the 53-man roster of the Detroit Lions in 2015 and played there until 2017. He then went on to play for the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, and his hometown team, the Baltimore Ravens.
Copeland’s decision to retire was influenced by a conversation he had with his grandfather before his rookie year in the NFL. His grandfather, Roy Hilton, who played for the Baltimore Colts, New York Giants, and Falcons from 1965 to ’75, advised him not to play for too long. Copeland took this advice to heart, especially as he dealt with multiple injuries throughout his career. He underwent three knee surgeries and tore both his pectoral muscles.
Reflecting on his career, Copeland joked that he felt like the Tin Man from “The Wizard of Oz,” trying to keep everything together. However, he realized that there comes a point when you have to listen to your body and make the right decision for your long-term health.
During his career, Copeland played in 85 games with 21 starts. He recorded 163 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and six passes defended. While Copeland declined to reveal his post-football plans, he has been involved in various off-field endeavors throughout his career. Since 2019, he has been teaching a course in financial literacy at Penn. He also worked as an analyst at an investment firm during one offseason and served as a contributing editor for Kiplinger’s for two years. Additionally, he appeared as a real estate investor on the Netflix show “Buy My House.”
Copeland’s retirement adds to the growing list of NFL players who have decided to step away from the game. Myles Jack, a linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, recently announced his retirement as well. These retirements highlight the physical toll that playing in the NFL can take on players and the importance of prioritizing long-term health.
As Copeland embarks on the next chapter of his life, he leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and dedication. Despite going undrafted, he carved out a successful career in the NFL and made an impact on and off the field. His commitment to financial literacy and his involvement in various ventures outside of football demonstrate his drive to make a difference beyond the game.
In conclusion, Brandon Copeland, a veteran linebacker in the NFL, has decided to retire after 10 seasons. Copeland’s decision was influenced by his grandfather’s advice and his own experiences with injuries. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions on the field and was actively involved in off-field endeavors. As he transitions into retirement, Copeland leaves behind a legacy of resilience and a commitment to making a positive impact beyond football.