After an impressive 10-season career in the NFL, veteran linebacker Brandon Copeland has decided to retire from professional football. Copeland, who notably played for the New England Patriots during the 2020 season, confirmed this decision on Monday, solidifying his earlier statements to ESPN.
Reflecting on his journey, Copeland expressed his gratitude for the incredible rollercoaster ride his career had been. In a statement, he said, “It’s been one amazing rollercoaster ride of a career! I think I can officially tell say, ‘Mama, I made it!’”
Copeland initially gained recognition as a standout player at Penn’s Ivy League institution. He embarked on his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, and his career spanned across six teams. His NFL journey began with the Ravens and came full circle as he concluded his career with them in 2022. In between, he also played for the Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions, New York Jets, and Atlanta Falcons.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Copeland also stood out for his academic pursuits. In 2013, he earned a degree in economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Following his football career, Copeland returned to his alma mater in 2019, this time as an educator. He co-taught a financial literacy course titled “URBS 140,” often referred to as “Life 101,” alongside professor Brian Peterson. He remained committed to this role and even resumed co-teaching the course in 2021.
Furthermore, Copeland’s influence extended beyond the classroom as he served as the keynote speaker for the 2023 Wharton undergraduate graduation ceremony. His career, both in football and academia, has left a lasting impact and serves as an inspiration to many.
During the 2020 NFL season, Copeland played for the New England Patriots, participating in six games and starting four of them. He made a significant contribution to the team, recording 12 tackles. However, his time with the Patriots was cut short due to a torn pectoral injury, which unfortunately ended his season prematurely.
While he was with the Patriots, Copeland had high praise for the organization and its strong reputation. He spoke about how the mere mention of playing for the Patriots carried a significant weight, emphasizing the prestige and caliber of the team.
He shared his perspective in 2020, saying, “There are certain things that you do in life where you say, where you have that tag line so to speak, and you don’t have to explain anything else after that. … Once I told a couple of my buddies or a random person, ‘I’m playing with the Patriots now.’ Period.”
He further explained that this statement conveyed a sense of legitimacy as a player, highlighting the high standards required to even be a part of the organization.
Unfortunately, Copeland’s career was marked by several major injuries, including the torn pectoral muscle he suffered during his time with the Patriots. Reflecting on his injury-riddled career, Copeland humorously referred to himself as the “Tin Man,” humorously alluding to the character from “The Wizard of Oz” who lacked a heart. He noted that he had been working hard to keep his body together throughout his career, but there comes a point when one needs to acknowledge the limitations and make a decision.
With this decision to retire, Copeland’s football journey comes to a close, but his impact both on and off the field, as well as his recognition of the Patriots’ legacy, remains an enduring part of his story.
