Bralen Trice Bio
Bralen Trice is an American professional football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washington Huskies from 2020 to 2023. The Falcons selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 74th overall pick. Trice established himself as one of the most consistent defensive players in the Pac-12 Conference during his college career, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors in back-to-back seasons. His journey from a Phoenix high school standout to an NFL draft pick showcases his dedication to the sport despite facing significant challenges early in his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Bralen Trice was born on February 26, 2001, in Phoenix, Arizona, where he grew up in the Arizona desert environment. He attended Sandra Day O’Connor High School in Phoenix and developed into a formidable pass rusher during his high school career. Trice recorded an impressive 16.5 sacks throughout his tenure at Sandra Day O’Connor, demonstrating the explosive athleticism and instincts that would define his playing style at the next level. His standout performances on the high school stage attracted attention from multiple college programs seeking defensive talent.
Trice ultimately chose to continue his football journey closer to home by committing to play college football at the University of Washington. This decision allowed him to remain in the western United States while joining a program with a strong tradition of developing NFL-caliber defensive players. The transition from high school to major college football presented new challenges, but Trice’s work ethic and natural abilities positioned him well for the step up in competition.
Path to the NFL
Trice redshirted his true freshman season at Washington in 2019, using that year to adjust to the speed and complexity of college football at the FBS level. The 2020 season presented unique circumstances as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted college sports nationwide, and Trice made the decision to opt out of that campaign to prioritize his health and development. This year away from competition allowed him to mentally and physically prepare for his return to the field with renewed focus and determination.
When Trice returned to play in 2021, he immediately made an impact despite being in a rotational role. He appeared in all 12 games and earned two starts, finishing the season with 14 tackles, two sacks, and one memorable touchdown via a fumble return. His ability to make game-changing plays even in limited opportunities caught the attention of coaches and scouts. The momentum from that season carried into 2022, when Trice truly emerged as a dominant force in the Pac-12 Conference.
Bralen Trice Career
College Career (2020–2023)
The 2022 season marked Trice’s breakthrough as a full-time starter and defensive difference-maker for the Washington Huskies. He delivered consistent performances week after week, using his combination of size, speed, and technique to disrupt opposing offenses. His standout play earned him first-team All-Pac-12 honors, validating his emergence as one of the conference’s top linebackers. Trice’s crowning achievement that season came when he was named the defensive MVP of the 2022 Alamo Bowl, where he delivered a pivotal performance on the national stage against a quality opponent.
Trice followed up his breakout 2022 campaign with another strong season in 2023, once again earning first-team All-Pac-12 recognition. His continued development as a complete linebacker showed in every facet of his game, from stopping the run to dropping into coverage to rushing the quarterback. By the conclusion of his college career, Trice had established himself as a durable, reliable defender who could impact games in multiple ways. His four seasons at Washington produced steady growth that translated directly to NFL draft consideration.
Atlanta Falcons (2024–Present)
The Atlanta Falcons selected Bralen Trice in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 74th overall pick, adding him to their linebacker corps. The selection represented the culmination of years of hard work and development from the Phoenix native. Trice arrived at Falcons training camp with high expectations from the organization and excitement about contributing to an NFL defense. However, his rookie season encountered an immediate obstacle that would alter his first-year trajectory significantly.
Trice suffered a torn ACL during the first preseason game of his professional career in August 2024. The injury occurred early in his debut, ending his rookie season before it could truly begin. The Falcons placed him on season-ending injured reserve on August 11, 2024, forcing him to begin his NFL journey from the sidelines. Rather than sulking about the setback, Trice dedicated himself to rehabilitation with the support of the Falcons medical staff and coaching personnel.
The 2025 season brought additional challenges as Trice began the year on injured reserve after aggravating the same knee injury sustained during the 2024 preseason. This frustrating development extended his recovery timeline and required additional patience as he worked toward full health. The Falcons remained committed to his long-term development despite the setbacks, recognizing the value he could provide once fully healthy. Trice continued his rehabilitation process with an eye toward eventually contributing on the field for the Falcons defense.
Driving Style and Strengths
Trice brings a physical, aggressive style of play to the linebacker position that coaches value in their defensive schemes. At 6 feet 4 inches and 274 pounds, he possesses the size to handle duties against the run while maintaining the athleticism to cover tight ends and running backs in passing situations. His background as a productive pass rusher gives him an extra dimension when the Falcons look to pressure opposing quarterbacks. His college production demonstrated an ability to diagnose plays quickly and close on ball carriers with urgency.
Notable Events and Milestones
Trice’s collegiate career included several memorable moments that highlighted his potential at the professional level. Being named the defensive MVP of the 2022 Alamo Bowl stood out as a significant achievement, recognizing his ability to elevate his play in crucial games. Earning unanimous first-team All-Pac-12 honors in both 2022 and 2023 validated his consistency as one of the conference’s top defenders throughout his final two college seasons. The 74th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft represented the official transition point from college star to professional athlete.
Bralen Trice Career Wins
Trice accumulated notable achievements during his four seasons at Washington that demonstrated his value as a defensive player. His college career provided the foundation for his professional aspirations, producing game-changing moments and consistent excellence that NFL scouts could not ignore.
College Football Highlights
During his collegiate career spanning 2020 through 2023, Trice appeared in 36 games across four seasons with the Washington Huskies. His most productive season came in 2021 when he recorded 14 tackles, two sacks, and one touchdown via fumble return while playing in all 12 games. The back-to-back first-team All-Pac-12 selections in 2022 and 2023 served as the clearest indicators of his standing among conference linebackers. His defensive MVP performance in the 2022 Alamo Bowl showcased his ability to perform under pressure against quality competition.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond his statistical achievements, Trice provided the Huskies with a reliable presence in the middle of their defense throughout his career. His 16.5 career sacks at the high school level foreshadowed his ability to get to the quarterback at the college ranks. The two sacks he recorded as a sophomore translated that potential into actual production against Pac-12 offenses. His durability and availability remained strengths as he avoided significant injuries throughout his college career before the NFL transition.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a challenging chapter in Trice’s young professional career as he continues working through injury rehabilitation. Beginning the season on injured reserve after aggravating the knee injury from 2024, Trice faces the difficult task of remaining patient during an extended recovery process. The Falcons medical and coaching staffs continue monitoring his progress as he works toward full clearance to participate in practice and games. This setback has tested his mental resilience and commitment to achieving his NFL goals.
Despite the challenges of beginning another season unable to play, Trice maintains connections with his teammates and coaches within the Falcons organization. His focus remains on strengthening the injured knee and preparing his body for the physical demands of professional football when he returns to action. The organization continues expressing confidence in his long-term potential as a defensive playmaker for the franchise. The experience of overcoming adversity early in his career could ultimately serve him well as he progresses through his NFL journey.
Looking ahead, Trice possesses the tools and temperament to become a meaningful contributor for the Atlanta Falcons defense once he achieves full health. His college production, character, and work ethic suggest he can overcome this early-career obstacle and establish himself as a reliable NFL linebacker. The 2025 season, while not featuring his on-field contributions, remains an important year of growth and preparation for what promises to be a significant role in the years to come.