Chris Braswell Bio
Chris Braswell (born October 25, 2001) is an American professional football linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he developed into a reliable pass rusher before declaring for the NFL Draft. Drafted in 2024, Braswell has continued his development at the professional level as part of the Buccaneers’ defensive rotation.
Early Life and Background
Chris Braswell was born on October 25, 2001, in Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up in the city and attended Saint Frances Academy, a well-known football program in Baltimore that has produced several college and professional players. His size and athleticism at the high school level helped him stand out among his peers and attract attention from major college football programs across the country.
After his senior season at Saint Frances Academy, Braswell played in the 2020 Under Armour All-America Game, a showcase that highlights the top high school football talent in the United States. He was rated as a five-star recruit, one of the highest honors a high school prospect can receive. Braswell eventually committed to play college football at the University of Alabama, choosing the Crimson Tide over offers from Georgia, LSU, Clemson, and Ohio State.
Path to American Football
Braswell joined the Alabama Crimson Tide as an early enrollee in January 2020, allowing him to participate in spring practices and begin adjusting to the college level ahead of his first season. He did not play in any games during his freshman year, using that period to learn the defensive schemes and build his physical foundation under the Alabama coaching staff.
As a sophomore in 2021, Braswell played on Alabama’s special teams unit and served as a rotational pass rusher. He finished the season with 11 tackles, one tackle for loss, and two quarterback hurries, gaining valuable experience against top competition. In 2022, as a junior, he became a more consistent part of the Crimson Tide’s pass rush rotation, including playing in the team’s “cheetah” package, a defensive alignment that includes three outside linebackers instead of two. He finished that season with 20 tackles, four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, six quarterback pressures, and one forced fumble.
After his junior season, Braswell considered entering the 2023 NFL Draft but opted to return to Alabama for his senior year to further refine his game. During the 2023 season, his performance earned him Second-team All-SEC honors, recognizing him as one of the top linebackers in the Southeastern Conference.
Chris Braswell Career
Alabama Crimson Tide (2020-2023)
Chris Braswell spent four seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide, gradually working his way from a developmental player into a key member of the defensive rotation. During his early years, he contributed on special teams and in limited pass-rushing situations, learning from a program that has consistently produced NFL-caliber defensive players. His work ethic and physical tools allowed him to earn more responsibility each season.
By his junior and senior seasons, Braswell had established himself as a reliable edge rusher, capable of disrupting opposing offenses with his quickness and length. His selection to the Second-team All-SEC in 2023 reflected his growth and his value to one of the most dominant programs in college football history. His experience in Alabama’s complex defensive system prepared him well for the transition to the professional level.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Era (2024-Present)
Braswell was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round (57th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career. Being chosen in the second round demonstrated the confidence the Buccaneers had in his pass-rushing ability and his potential to develop into a long-term contributor on defense.
Since joining Tampa Bay, Braswell has continued to develop as a professional linebacker, working within the Buccaneers’ defensive scheme. His height of 191 centimeters and playing weight of 116 kilograms give him the physical profile of a prototypical edge defender in the NFL. As he gains more experience at the professional level, he is expected to take on an expanded role within the team’s defensive rotation.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although the term “driving style” is more commonly associated with motorsports, in football terms Braswell’s strengths lie in his pass-rushing ability, his length off the edge, and his capacity to pressure opposing quarterbacks. His experience in Alabama’s “cheetah” package, which featured three outside linebackers, helped him develop the versatility to line up in multiple defensive positions. His combination of size, athleticism, and technique makes him well-suited for the demands of an NFL edge rusher.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most significant milestones in Braswell’s career came when he was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, fulfilling a long-held goal of playing professional football. His Second-team All-SEC selection in 2023 stands as a marker of his college success, and his participation in the 2020 Under Armour All-America Game highlighted his status as one of the top high school prospects in the nation.
Chris Braswell Personal Life
Family Background and Personal Life
Chris Braswell was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where he attended Saint Frances Academy and developed into one of the top high school football recruits in the country. Beyond football, Braswell converted to Islam at the age of 10 years old. During his time at Alabama, he was an active member at the Islamic Society of Tuscaloosa, and he has influenced several of his teammates to embrace the religion as well.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 NFL season, Chris Braswell is expected to continue his development as a key member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive rotation. Drafted in 2024, his second professional season represents an important opportunity to expand his role and contribute more consistently as a pass rusher. The Buccaneers’ investment in a second-round pick signals their belief in his long-term potential.
As he continues to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL game, Braswell’s performance during the 2025 season will be closely watched by the Buccaneers’ coaching staff and fans alike. His experience within Alabama’s defensive system and his physical tools provide a strong foundation for further growth. A productive 2025 campaign would solidify his place within the team’s defensive plans for years to come.