Julian Stanford's journey in professional football began when he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. Born on September 2, 1990, in Bloomfield, Connecticut, Stanford attended Wagner College, where he played college football and honed his skills as a linebacker. Despite not being selected in the 2012 NFL Draft, his determination and talent earned him a spot with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who signed him shortly after the draft.
Stanford's rookie season with the Jaguars saw him participating in a number of games, where he contributed primarily on special teams and as a backup linebacker. His time with Jacksonville was a learning experience, allowing him to adapt to the speed and complexity of the professional game. However, his stint with the Jaguars was relatively short-lived, as he was waived by the team in 2013.
Following his release from Jacksonville, Stanford was picked up by the Detroit Lions. During his tenure with the Lions, he continued to play a role on special teams and provided depth to the linebacker corps. His ability to perform consistently in these roles kept him in the league, even as he moved between teams.
In 2015, Stanford found a new opportunity with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although his time with the Buccaneers was brief, it was another chapter in his career that demonstrated his perseverance in the face of the challenges that come with being an undrafted player in the NFL. His journey took another turn when he joined the New York Jets later that year.
With the Jets, Stanford saw more playing time and began to establish himself as a reliable special teams player and a capable linebacker when called upon. His tenure with the Jets lasted until 2017, during which he appeared in numerous games and contributed to the team's defensive efforts.
Stanford's career continued as he signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2018. His role with the Bills was similar to his previous positions, focusing on special teams and providing depth at linebacker. His time in Buffalo was marked by consistent performances that underscored his ability to adapt and contribute to the team in various capacities.
In 2020, Stanford joined the Carolina Panthers, where he continued to play primarily on special teams. His experience and work ethic made him a valuable asset to the Panthers' roster, and he remained with the team through the 2021 season.
Throughout his career, Julian Stanford demonstrated the perseverance and adaptability required to sustain a career in the NFL as an undrafted player.
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