Brandin Echols Bio
Brandin Echols 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. After spending his first four professional seasons with the Jets, Echols signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2025.
Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 181 pounds, Echols has built his reputation on the perimeter as a quick, instinctive defensive back. His journey from junior college recruit to NFL starter is marked by perseverance through positional changes, injuries, and off-field challenges.
Early Life and Background
Brandin Echols was born on October 16, 1997, in Memphis, Tennessee. Growing up in the Memphis area, he attended Southaven High School in nearby Southaven, Mississippi, where he developed as a multi-sport athlete and first gained attention for his speed and athleticism on the football field.
Coming out of high school, Echols was not heavily recruited by major college programs, which led him to take the junior college route. His physical tools and competitive drive during his prep years helped lay the foundation for his future move into defensive back play at the next level.
Path to American Football
After high school, Echols enrolled at Northwest Mississippi Community College, where he played college football in 2017 and 2018. He began his college career as a wide receiver before switching to defensive back as a freshman, a transition that ultimately defined his professional trajectory.
In 2018, Echols earned second-team NJCAA All-American honors, showcasing the coverage skills and ball production that would later attract FBS programs. Rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com coming out of junior college, he committed to the University of Kentucky on September 23, 2018.
At Kentucky, Echols played during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, continuing his development as a cornerback in the Southeastern Conference. In the 2021 Gator Bowl, he recorded his first interception for the Wildcats, providing a strong closing chapter to his college career before declaring for the NFL draft.
Brandin Echols Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Echols was drafted by the New York Jets with the 200th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft. On May 7, 2021, he officially signed with the Jets and quickly earned the trust of the coaching staff, being named a starting cornerback to begin his rookie season.
He started the first nine games of the 2021 season before a thigh injury in Week 10 ended his campaign. Echols was placed on injured reserve on November 16, 2021, and was activated on December 11 of that year. In 2022, he played in 13 games for the Jets, tallying 8 total tackles, before being placed on injured reserve again on January 7, 2023.
New York Jets Era (2021–2024)
Across four seasons with the Jets, Echols served in multiple roles, beginning as a full-time starter as a rookie and later contributing as a rotational defensive back and on special teams. His physical coverage ability and willingness to tackle in the run game became hallmarks of his play for the franchise.
Off the field, Echols faced a significant legal situation. On April 22, 2022, he was involved in a two-car crash in Florham Park, New Jersey, that resulted in the partial paralysis of the other driver. Echols had been traveling 84 mph in a 50 mph zone before making contact. In January 2023, he was charged with fourth-degree assault by auto and summoned for reckless driving, speeding, failure to wear a seat belt, an unsafe lane change, and improper passing. On May 25, 2023, Echols was suspended one game by the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy stemming from the incident. On March 10, 2023, he was accepted into a diversionary program to resolve the charges.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2025–Present)
On March 13, 2025, Echols signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking a fresh start in his career. The move gave him the opportunity to compete for a role in a new defensive scheme and to showcase his coverage skills on a contending roster.
Through his early Steelers tenure, Echols has continued to work as a cornerback while contributing on special teams, aiming to carve out a steady role within the Pittsburgh secondary.
Playing Style and Strengths
Echols is known for his quick-twitch athleticism, smooth hips in man coverage, and willingness to support the run. His background as a former wide receiver gives him an offensive mindset when reading routes, and he pairs that football intelligence with competitive toughness at the catch point.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key moments in Echols’ career include being named a Week 1 starter as a 2021 sixth-round pick, recording his first SEC interception in the 2021 Gator Bowl for Kentucky, and signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2025 as a free agent following his Jets tenure.
Brandin Echols Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Brandin Echols was raised in the Memphis, Tennessee, area and attended Southaven High School in neighboring Mississippi. Public information about his immediate family remains limited, and he tends to keep details about his parents and siblings private.
Beyond football, Echols has navigated the legal aftermath of the April 2022 car crash in New Jersey, entering a diversionary program in March 2023 to resolve related charges. He continues to focus on his professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a new chapter for Echols after joining the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year deal in March 2025. He entered training camp looking to earn a defined role in the secondary and contribute on special teams, areas where his Jets experience positioned him well.
Throughout the season, Echols has provided depth at cornerback while competing for additional reps within a crowded defensive backfield. His familiarity with multiple coverage schemes from his time in New York has allowed him to fit into Pittsburgh’s defensive plans.
Looking ahead, Echols’ contract runs through the 2027 offseason, giving him the opportunity to cement a longer-term role with the Steelers. His performance in 2025 will likely shape whether he expands into a starting role or remains a key rotational piece in the seasons ahead.