Millard Bradford Bio
Millard Bradford is an American professional football safety who currently plays in the National Football League. Born on September 24, 1999, in Helotes, Texas, Bradford spent five seasons playing college football for the TCU Horned Frogs from 2019 to 2023. Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, he signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent and has continued his professional career with the Chicago Bears. At 5 feet 10 inches and 191 pounds, Bradford brings versatility and experience to the safety position.
Early Life and Background
Bradford was born on September 24, 1999, in Helotes, Texas. He attended Sandra Day O’Connor High School in his hometown, where he played defensive back and began developing the skills that would define his future football career. After completing high school, Bradford spent a postgraduate year at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia, using the experience to further refine his abilities as a defensive back while adjusting to a more competitive level of play.
His strong performance at Fork Union Military Academy attracted attention from major college programs. Bradford ultimately decided to continue his football journey at the collegiate level, choosing to play for Texas Christian University and joining the TCU Horned Frogs program. This commitment set the stage for his development into a professional prospect.
Path to Professional Football
Bradford arrived at TCU in 2019 and immediately contributed as a true freshman, appearing in all 12 games and recording 23 tackles during his debut season. He continued to develop throughout his sophomore year in 2020, appearing in 10 games and posting 44 tackles along with 6.5 tackles-for-loss, demonstrating his growing ability to make plays in the middle of the defense.
By his junior season in 2021, Bradford had earned a starting role, appearing in 11 games with eight starts. He finished fourth on the team with 52 tackles and 2.5 tackles-for-loss, establishing himself as a reliable contributor in the Horned Frogs secondary. His continued development set the stage for his most impactful season yet.
Millard Bradford Career
TCU Years (2019–2023)
Bradford’s 2022 season proved to be the highlight of his collegiate career. Starting all 12 games at safety, he placed fifth on the team with 58 tackles while recording eight pass breakups, showcasing his coverage abilities. Most significantly, he helped lead TCU to the College Football Playoff National Championship game that season, a remarkable achievement that elevated his profile among NFL scouts. His consistent performance earned him honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference recognition.
Bradford returned for a fifth season in 2023, appearing in 11 games and recording 54 tackles, six passes defended, and two interceptions. He earned another honorable mention All-Big 12 selection, becoming one of the most experienced defensive backs in the conference. Following the season, Bradford received an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he performed well in drills and interviews with NFL teams. Despite his strong collegiate career and combine performance, he went unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
New Orleans Saints (2024)
After going undrafted in April 2024, Bradford signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in May. He spent the early portion of his rookie season on the Saints practice squad, using the time to adapt to the professional game and learn the NFL playbook. The Saints signed him to their active roster in November 2024, providing him with his first regular-season NFL experience.
Bradford appeared in several games for the Saints during the 2024 season, contributing on special teams and providing depth in the secondary. His mid-season promotion reflected the team’s confidence in his abilities and his quick adjustment to the professional level. Following the season, he signed a reserve/future contract with New Orleans in January 2025, indicating the team’s interest in retaining him for the future.
Chicago Bears (2025)
In May 2025, the Saints waived Bradford, opening a new chapter in his professional career. He subsequently signed with the Chicago Bears in August 2025, joining a new defensive system and competing for a roster spot at safety. The Bears waived Bradford later that month as they finalized their roster decisions.
Bradford continues to pursue his professional football career, drawing on the experience he gained at TCU and during his time with the Saints. His journey reflects the challenging path many undrafted players face in the NFL, where consistency and opportunity determine long-term success.
Playing Style and Strengths
Bradford plays the safety position with good instincts and physicality despite his listed height of 5 feet 10 inches. His experience at TCU prepared him for the speed and complexity of NFL offenses, where his ability to read plays and contribute in run defense proved valuable. His coverage skills, evidenced by his pass breakups and interceptions in college, give him the versatility to align in multiple defensive roles. At 191 pounds, he brings adequate size for the position while maintaining the mobility needed to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game.
Notable Achievements and Career Milestones
Bradford’s most notable career achievement remains his role in leading TCU to the national championship game in the 2022 season. This experience exposed him to high-stakes competition and helped accelerate his development as a defensive player. His two honorable mention All-Big 12 selections and NFL Combine invitation validated his growth from a true freshman contributor to a team captain-level performer at the Power Five level. His transition to the NFL, while brief, demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level of professional football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presented challenges for Bradford as he navigated roster changes with two NFL teams. His time with the Chicago Bears provided an opportunity to compete in a new defensive scheme, though he was waived before the regular season began. These roster moves reflect the competitive nature of the NFL and the difficulty of securing a long-term position as an undrafted player.
Bradford’s early professional career has been defined by his ability to make the most of limited opportunities. His performance with the Saints in 2024, including his mid-season elevation from the practice squad, demonstrated that he can contribute at the NFL level when given the chance. The experience he gained in those games, combined with his strong collegiate background, provides a foundation for his continued pursuit of an NFL roster spot.
Looking ahead, Bradford remains determined to establish himself as a reliable NFL safety. His TCU career, which included a national championship appearance and consistent high-level play in the Big 12, gives him a solid foundation to build upon. As he continues his football journey, he draws on the lessons learned from his time with the Saints and Bears while working toward the next opportunity in professional football.