Brandon Hughes (American football)

Brandon D. Hughes (born May 23, 1986) is a former American football cornerback. After playing college football for Oregon State, he was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He was also a member of the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns, before retiring in 2014.

Early life
Hughes attended Bloomington High School in Bloomington, Illinois, where he played wide receiver and cornerback on the football team.

College career
Hughes redshirted during his first year playing for Oregon State in 2004. He became a starting cornerback for the Beavers in his redshirt freshman season. Hughes and two other players were ejected from a November 10, 2007, game against Washington for a skirmish after a play. He recorded 57 tackles and 12 pass deflections in 2007. Hughes was named to the Jim Thorpe Award watchlist before his senior season in 2008. He was selected to the 2009 East–West Shrine Game following his college career in which he recorded 178 tackles and three interceptions.

San Diego Chargers
After running the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds at the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine, Hughes was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round (148th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract on June 20, 2009. After suffering a knee injury in a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, he was placed on injured reserve on September 1, 2009. He was released during final roster cuts in September 2010.

New York Giants
The New York Giants signed Hughes to their practice squad on September 10, 2010.

Philadelphia Eagles
Hughes was signed off the Giants' practice squad by the Philadelphia Eagles on November 23, 2010, to fill the slot vacated after cornerback Ellis Hobbs was placed on the injured reserve. He played in one game in 2010, the final game of the season as the Eagles rested their starters in preparation for the playoffs. In 2011, Hughes played in 13 games, started one, and recorded 16 tackles throughout those games. On September 23, 2012, the Eagles announced that they signed Hughes to a one-year extension. On September 7, 2013, Hughes was released by the Eagles. On September 10, 2013, Hughes was re-signed by the Eagles. On September 23, 2013, Hughes was released by the Eagles with an injury settlement.

Cleveland Browns
Hughes signed with the Cleveland Browns on January 2, 2014. Hughes was released from the Browns on May 12, 2014.