The NFL redemption story of Brandon Joiner

By Jason Marcum | Aug 28, 2013

Dec 3, 2011; Jonesboro, AR, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves defensive end Brandon Joiner (99) during the game against the Troy Trojans at ASU Stadium. Arkansas State defeated Troy 45-14. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

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Joiner was paroled this offseason, leaving him free to resume his football career. The Bengals retained his rights, and brought him to training camp in hopes he could compete for a post on either the 53-man roster, or develop on the practice squad.

He was actually having a promising camp, and it looked as though he might make onto the practice squad, but if not, had done enough to likely earn an invite someone’s camp next year.

So perhaps this move comes as a bit of a blessing in disguise. While he won’t get to play this year, he is allowed to be with the team, so he can still learn from the coaches and players on what it takes to be an NFL linebacker, and it might give him an edge in making the cut next year.

Joiner was the 2011 Sun Belt defensive player of the year at Arkansas State, where he went after leaving Texas A&M after his arrest. Joiner was also tied for fourth in the nation with 13 sacks.

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