Brandin Echols (born October 16, 1997) is an American professional football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Northwest Mississippi Community College and the University of Kentucky before being selected by the New York Jets in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 200th overall pick. Echols signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2025, joining the franchise on a two-year contract running through 2027. Throughout his NFL career, Echols has established himself as a versatile defensive back with proven ball skills, recording 170 career tackles, 22 pass deflections, 7 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns across four seasons.
Early Life and Background
Brandin Echols was born on October 16, 1997, in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in the Memphis area and attended Southaven High School in Southaven, Mississippi. During his high school years, Echols developed as a multi-position athlete, laying the foundation for his future career in defensive back play.
College Career
Echols began his college football journey at Northwest Mississippi Community College in 2017. Initially, he started his college career as a wide receiver before making a position switch to defensive back as a freshman. The position change proved pivotal for his development as a football player. In 2018, Echols delivered an impressive junior college season that earned him second-team NJCAA All-American honors, establishing himself as a defensive prospect with significant potential.
Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com coming out of junior college, Echols attracted attention from multiple programs. He committed to the University of Kentucky on September 23, 2018, choosing to continue his collegiate career in the Southeastern Conference. Echols played for Kentucky during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, refining his skills against high-level competition. During the 2021 Gator Bowl, he recorded his first interception as a Kentucky Wildcat, showcasing the ball-hawking ability that would translate to the professional level.
Professional Career
New York Jets (2021-2024)
Echols was drafted by the New York Jets with the 200th overall selection in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He officially signed his rookie contract with the Jets on May 7, 2021. From the outset, Echols demonstrated the coverage ability and physicality that earned him a spot on an NFL roster. He was named a starting cornerback to begin his rookie season in 2021, reflecting the Jets’ confidence in his abilities.
He started the first nine games of his rookie season before suffering a thigh injury in Week 10. Echols was placed on injured reserve on November 16, 2021, but was activated back to the roster on December 11, demonstrating his resilience in returning from injury. In 2022, he appeared in 13 games for the Jets, contributing to the defensive unit. His season ended when he was placed on injured reserve on January 7, 2023, after battling through injuries throughout the campaign.
On May 25, 2023, Echols was suspended one game by the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The suspension stemmed from a high-speed car crash Echols was involved in during April 2022 in Florham Park, New Jersey. In that incident, Echols was traveling 84 mph in a 50 mph zone before his vehicle made contact with another car, resulting in the partial paralyzation of the other driver. In January 2023, Echols was charged with fourth-degree assault by auto, along with citations for reckless driving, speeding, failure to wear a seat belt, unsafe lane change, and improper passing. On March 10, 2023, he was accepted into a diversionary program to resolve the legal matter.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2025-Present)
On March 13, 2025, Echols signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking a new chapter in his professional career. The move to Pittsburgh represented an opportunity for Echols to continue his NFL career with a storied franchise known for its defensive tradition. He joined the Steelers’ secondary as they sought to strengthen their defensive backfield for the 2025 season and beyond.
Playing Style and Strengths
Echols has developed a reputation as a physical cornerback with solid coverage instincts and the ability to make plays on the ball. His career statistics reflect his ball-hawking skills, with 7 career interceptions and 22 pass deflections demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing passing attacks. His experience as a starting cornerback in the NFL has provided him with valuable experience against top-tier competition, and his ability to play both outside and in the slot adds versatility to his game.
Career Statistics
Across four seasons in the NFL, Echols has accumulated impressive statistical totals that underscore his contributions as a defensive playmaker. His 7 career interceptions highlight his ability to read quarterbacks and create turnovers, while his 22 pass deflections demonstrate consistent coverage skills. He has also contributed with 1 career sack, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries, showing his versatility in making plays beyond just pass defense.
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 170 |
| Pass Deflections | 22 |
| Interceptions | 7 |
| Sacks | 1 |
| Forced Fumbles | 1 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 2 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 2 |
Personal Life
Echols’ personal life has included challenges alongside his football career. Beyond football, he maintains an active presence on social media under the handle matayo_echols on Instagram. His professional journey reflects both on-field accomplishments and off-field accountability as he continues his NFL career.
2025 Season Outlook
As Echols enters his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, he joins a defensive unit with a strong tradition of excellence in the secondary. His addition provides the Steelers with an experienced cornerback who has started games in the NFL and demonstrated playmaking ability. The two-year contract through 2027 indicates the Steelers’ belief in his potential contributions to their defensive scheme. Echols will look to establish himself within the Steelers’ defensive backfield and compete for significant playing time as the 2025 season progresses.