Brandon Tate, a wide receiver and return specialist, began his professional football journey when he was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Before entering the NFL, Tate had an impressive college career at the University of North Carolina, where he set records for kick return yards and all-purpose yards. His ability to excel in special teams caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Patriots.
Tate's rookie season with New England was cut short due to a knee injury he sustained in college, which limited his participation. However, he returned in the 2010 season, showcasing his skills as a return specialist. During this season, he recorded two kickoff return touchdowns, demonstrating his speed and agility on the field. His performance in the return game provided a valuable asset to the Patriots' special teams unit.
In 2011, the Cincinnati Bengals claimed Tate off waivers, and he continued to make his presence felt as a return specialist. Over the next several seasons with the Bengals, Tate became a reliable figure in their special teams lineup. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in return yards, contributing to the Bengals' field position battles. While his role as a wide receiver was limited, his contributions on special teams were undeniable.
Tate's tenure with the Bengals lasted until 2015, after which he signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2016. In Buffalo, he continued to serve primarily as a return specialist, though he occasionally contributed as a receiver. His experience and veteran presence were valuable to the Bills' special teams unit, and he remained with the team for two seasons.
In 2018, Tate joined the New Orleans Saints, though his time with the team was brief. He was released before the start of the regular season, marking the end of his NFL career. Throughout his time in the league, Tate was known for his speed and ability to change the momentum of a game with a single return. His career statistics include over 7,000 return yards and multiple return touchdowns, underscoring his effectiveness in the return game.
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