Brandon Codrington Bio
Brandon Codrington (born November 17, 2000) is an American professional football cornerback and return specialist who has played for three National Football League franchises since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2024. The Raleigh, North Carolina native played college football for the North Carolina Central Eagles from 2019 to 2023, where he developed into one of the most prolific return specialists in FCS history. Codrington was signed by the New York Jets after the 2024 NFL Draft and has since contributed as a dynamic special teams player known for his quickness, vision, and ability to create explosive plays in the return game.
Early Life and Background
Brandon Codrington was born on November 17, 2000, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He attended Broughton High School in Raleigh, where he first showcased his abilities as a return specialist on the football team. As a senior at Broughton, Codrington totaled 320 kickoff return yards, demonstrating the playmaking instincts that would define his collegiate and professional career. Despite his production, Codrington received limited scholarship offers from major programs, which ultimately led him to pursue an unconventional path to the NFL.
Path to American Football
After receiving limited recruiting attention from top-tier programs, Codrington made the decision to walk on at North Carolina Central University in 2019. The choice held personal significance, as several family members had previously attended the historically Black university. Codrington’s journey from walk-on to NFL player exemplifies his determination and work ethic. He immediately contributed as a return specialist during his true freshman season, averaging 18.8 yards per kickoff return and 7.8 yards per punt return while also seeing limited action as a defensive back with eight tackles on the season.
His most memorable moment of the 2019 season came when he returned a kickoff 75 yards for a game-winning touchdown against Delaware State, earning him Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Specialist of the Week honors. Codrington finished his freshman year ranked third in the conference in punt return average and earned third-team All-MEAC recognition. The 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Codrington used the unexpected break to prepare for what would become a breakout 2021 campaign.
Brandon Codrington Career
North Carolina Central Eagles (2019–2023)
After the canceled 2020 season, Codrington returned in 2021 with renewed focus and exploded onto the scene. In the season opener against Alcorn State, he delivered a game-sealing 77-yard punt return touchdown that announced his arrival as one of the premier return specialists in FCS football. His performance throughout the 2021 season placed him among the elite in the country, as he ranked third nationally in punt return average at 15.0 yards per attempt, also leading the MEAC in that category.
Codrington’s all-around contributions became evident as he posted impressive numbers across multiple phases. He averaged 22.5 yards per kickoff return, which ranked second in the conference, while also recording 43 tackles and four pass breakups on defense. His versatility earned him recognition on Phil Steele’s All-MEAC team at four different positions: first-team punt returner, third-team kick returner, third-team all-purpose player, and fourth-team defensive back. He also earned selection to the BOXTOROW HBCU All-America team as a punt returner.
Over his final two seasons, Codrington continued to be a reliable performer for the Eagles. In 2022, he earned third-team All-MEAC honors as a return specialist, averaging 19.3 yards per kick return and 6.8 yards per punt return. As a senior in 2023, he enjoyed his most prolific offensive season with two punt return touchdowns while averaging 19.6 yards per punt return and 17.9 yards per kick return. When his collegiate career concluded, Codrington had started 41 games, recorded 93 tackles and 10 pass breakups on defense, and accumulated 2,148 return yards with four return touchdowns on 130 total returns.
New York Jets (2024)
Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Codrington’s impressive college career and special teams prowess attracted attention from NFL teams. On May 6, 2024, he was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent. Codrington immediately turned heads during the preseason, showcasing the skills that made him a standout at NC Central. He recorded a 63-yard kickoff return and a 31-yard punt return during exhibition games, demonstrating his ability to translate his collegiate success to the professional level.
Buffalo Bills (2024–2025)
On August 27, 2024, just before the regular season began, Codrington was traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he would have the opportunity to contribute immediately on a team with playoff aspirations. His transition to Buffalo proved successful, as he logged 619 total return yards on 38 attempts during the 2024 season. His speed, vision, and ability to find creases in coverage made him a valuable weapon on special teams throughout his rookie campaign.
Codrington’s rookie season reached a significant milestone when he was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team, recognizing him as one of the top first-year players in the league regardless of position. This honor validated his journey from lightly recruited walk-on to NFL contributor. However, his second season with the Bills did not unfold as smoothly. On November 15, 2025, he was released by the Bills and subsequently re-signed to the practice squad three days later, reflecting the roster fluctuations that characterize life in the NFL for young players.
Driving Style and Strengths
Codrington’s value as a return specialist stems from his exceptional combination of speed, quickness, and spatial awareness. He possesses the burst to reach top speed quickly and the vision to identify running lanes before they develop. His experience as a defensive back also provides him with an understanding of coverage schemes and the ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. These traits allowed him to average over 16 yards per return throughout his early professional career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Codrington’s most significant career moments is his 2024 PFWA All-Rookie Team selection, which solidified his standing as an NFL-caliber player after bypassing the draft. His 77-yard punt return touchdown in his 2021 NC Central debut against Alcorn State launched his emergence as a nationally recognized return specialist, while his 75-yard game-winning kickoff return as a freshman established his big-play potential early in his collegiate career.
Brandon Codrington Career Statistics
Throughout his rookie season with Buffalo, Codrington established himself as a productive returner at the NFL level, contributing 619 return yards on 38 attempts while also making plays on defense and in coverage situations.
2024 NFL Season Highlights
In his rookie NFL campaign, Codrington appeared in games with Buffalo and made an immediate impact as a return specialist. He accumulated 619 total return yards on 38 attempts while also contributing defensively with nine tackles, one pass deflection, and two fumble recoveries. His ability to contribute on multiple special teams units and in coverage earned him recognition on the All-Rookie Team, validating his trajectory as a professional player.
College Career Highlights
Codrington finished his five-year career at North Carolina Central having made 41 starts and recording 93 tackles with 10 pass breakups on defense. His most prolific work came as a return specialist, where he accumulated 2,148 return yards and four return touchdowns on 130 total returns. His single-season best came in 2021 when he ranked third nationally in punt return average at 15.0 yards per attempt while leading the MEAC in that category.
| Competition Level | Games | Return Yards | Return TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (2024) | Regular Season | 619 | 0 |
| NC Central (2019–2023) | 41 Starts | 2,148 | 4 |
Brandon Codrington Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
While specific details about Codrington’s parents are not publicly available, his decision to walk on at North Carolina Central was influenced by family connections to the university. Several of his family members had previously attended NC Central, making his collegiate choice a meaningful decision rooted in family tradition. This personal connection to the HBCU underscores the importance of legacy and community in his journey.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Codrington maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. He continues to build upon his athletic career following his rookie season, working to establish himself as a reliable NFL contributor. As a young professional athlete, he remains focused on developing his skills and earning expanded opportunities within the league.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a challenging chapter in Codrington’s young NFL career. After a promising rookie year that culminated in All-Rookie Team honors, he experienced the realities of professional football’s roster volatility. His release by the Buffalo Bills in mid-November and subsequent placement on the practice squad highlighted the competitive nature of maintaining a roster spot in the league.
Despite the roster fluctuations, Codrington’s contributions during the 2025 season included continued production as a return specialist while also demonstrating his willingness to contribute on special teams coverage units. His 619 return yards from his rookie season provided a foundation upon which to build, though the transition to consistent NFL playing time remains an ongoing process. The experience of navigating roster changes during his second season has provided valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability at the sport’s highest level.
Looking ahead, Codrington continues to work toward securing a more permanent role in the NFL. His journey from undrafted free agent to All-Rookie selection demonstrates his ability to compete at the professional level, and his track record as a return specialist gives him a viable path to continued opportunities. As he develops his craft and gains more experience, Codrington remains focused on leveraging his speed, vision, and versatility to carve out a lasting career in the league.