Career Timeline of Brandon Marshall: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Brandon Marshall built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Brandon Marshall is a former NFL wide receiver who played for 13 seasons, most notably with the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Chicago Bears. Drafted in 2006, he retired after playing for multiple teams, including the New York Jets, New York Giants, and Seattle Seahawks. Following his NFL career, Marshall transitioned to television, becoming a co-host on FS1's "First Things First." He is currently a co-host on Showtime's "Inside the NFL," where he has been for seven seasons.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1947: Marshall is third highest in franchise history

In 2013, Marshall's 12 touchdown receptions became the third highest in franchise history, behind Ken Kavanaugh's 13 in 1947.

1960: First player since 1960 to record eight career games of at least 10 catches in his first four seasons

Brandon Marshall became the first player since 1960 to record eight career games of at least 10 catches in his first four seasons.

1970: Marshall is third highest in franchise history

In 2013, Marshall's 12 touchdown receptions became the third highest in franchise history, behind Dick Gordon's 13 in 1970.

1971: Named to 2013 Pro Bowl

On December 26, Brandon Marshall was named to the 2013 Pro Bowl, making him the second Bears receiver to be named to the game since Dick Gordon in 1971.

1995: Marshall is the most by Bears player since 1995

In 2013, Marshall's 12 touchdown receptions were the most by a Bears player since Curtis Conway's 12 in 1995.

1999: Breaks Single-Season Franchise Record

In 2012, during Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals, Brandon Marshall broke Marcus Robinson's single-season franchise record for receiving yards set in 1999.

2000: Terrell Owens' Record

In 2000, Terrell Owens caught 20 passes for the San Francisco 49ers, the number of receptions Brandon Marshall nearly tied in 2008.

2002: Marshall Surpasses 1,000 Receiving Yards

In 2012, during Week 12 against the Minnesota Vikings, Brandon Marshall passed the 1,000 yards receiving mark for the season, becoming the first Bears receiver to accomplish this since Marty Booker in 2002.

October 4, 2004: First Collegiate Start at Safety

On October 4, 2004, Brandon Marshall made his first collegiate start at safety for UCF against Buffalo. He recorded four tackles, including half a sack.

2005: Career Season at UCF

In 2005, as a senior, Brandon Marshall had a career-best season at UCF, with 74 receptions, 1,195 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. He was named MVP of the 2005 Hawaii Bowl.

December 3, 2006: 71-Yard Touchdown Against Seattle Seahawks

On December 3, 2006, during a game against the Seattle Seahawks, Brandon Marshall caught a 71-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jay Cutler. It was the second longest rookie-to-rookie pass play in Broncos history.

2006: Drafted into the NFL

In 2006, Brandon Marshall was drafted into the NFL by the Denver Broncos.

2006: Drafted by Denver Broncos

In 2006, Brandon Marshall was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

December 13, 2007: 11 Receptions Against Houston Texans

On December 13, 2007, Brandon Marshall caught 11 passes for 107 yards in a game against the Houston Texans, becoming the only wide receiver in Broncos history to have at least 10 receptions in two consecutive games.

December 30, 2007: 10 Receptions for 114 Yards and a Touchdown

On December 30, 2007, Brandon Marshall caught 10 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown in a game against the Minnesota Vikings. He achieved his first career 100-catch season.

2007: Led NFL Wide Receivers in Yards After First Contact

During the 2007 NFL season, Brandon Marshall led all NFL wide receivers in yards after first contact.

2007: Career-High Season

During the 2007 season, Brandon Marshall recorded career highs in receptions (102), receiving yards (1,325) and receiving touchdowns (7).

2007: Training in Atlanta

Following the 2007 season, Brandon Marshall trained in Atlanta, Georgia.

2007: Catching at Least 100 Passes in Three Consecutive Seasons

From 2007 to 2009, Brandon Marshall accomplished the rare feat of catching at least 100 passes in three consecutive seasons.

December 7, 2008: Marshall Eclipses 1,000 Receiving Yards for the Second Consecutive Season

On December 7, 2008, Brandon Marshall caught 11 passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Broncos secure a 24-17 home victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards for the second consecutive season.

2008: Training in Atlanta

Following the 2007 season, Brandon Marshall trained in Atlanta, Georgia for the 2008 season.

December 13, 2009: Set NFL Record for Receptions in a Game

On December 13, 2009, Brandon Marshall set an NFL record for receptions in a single game with 21 catches against the Indianapolis Colts.

December 27, 2009: Marshall Catches 100th Pass of the Season

On December 27, 2009, Brandon Marshall caught his 100th pass of the season in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He became only the fifth player in NFL history to achieve this in three consecutive seasons.

January 3, 2010: Marshall Benched for Final Game

On January 3, 2010, Brandon Marshall was benched for the team's final regular season game by head coach Josh McDaniels for failing to arrive at a physical therapy session on time, contributing to the Broncos missing the playoffs.

April 14, 2010: Marshall Traded to Miami Dolphins

On April 14, 2010, Brandon Marshall was traded from the Denver Broncos to the Miami Dolphins for draft picks and agreed to a four-year, $47.5 million extension the same day.

2011: Marshall's Season Performance

In 2011, Brandon Marshall finished the season with 86 receptions for 1,014 yards and three touchdowns, extending his streak of 1,000 receiving yards to four straight years and was ranked 61st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.

2011: Marshall Sets Pro Bowl Record and Wins MVP

In 2011, during the Pro Bowl, Brandon Marshall set a Pro Bowl record by catching six passes for 176 yards and four touchdowns, earning him the game's MVP award.

2011: Second Round Draft Pick Traded

In 2011, the Miami Dolphins traded a second round pick obtained from the Denver Broncos in exchange for Brandon Marshall.

March 13, 2012: Marshall Traded to Chicago Bears

On March 13, 2012, Brandon Marshall was traded to the Chicago Bears for draft picks, reuniting him with former teammate Jay Cutler.

October 10, 2013: Support for Mental Illness Awareness Week

On October 10, 2013, Brandon Marshall showed his support for Mental Illness Awareness Week by wearing bright green Nike cleats. He also pledged to donate the estimated $5,250 fine from the NFL to charity.

2013: Marshall's 2013 Season

In 2013, Brandon Marshall ended the season with 100 receptions for 1,295 yards and a career-high 12 touchdown receptions, tying for the most 100-reception seasons in league history.

May 19, 2014: Marshall Signs Four-Year Contract

On May 19, 2014, Brandon Marshall signed a four-year, $39.3 million contract with the Chicago Bears.

2014: Marshall co-hosts Inside the NFL

Brandon Marshall has been a co-host on Inside the NFL since 2014, while he was still an active player in the league.

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March 10, 2015: Marshall Traded to New York Jets

On March 10, 2015, Brandon Marshall was traded to the New York Jets in exchange for a fifth-round draft selection.

2015: $7.5 Million Payment in 2015

In 2014, it was stipulated that Marshall was to receive $7.5 million in 2015 as part of his contract with the Chicago Bears.

2015: Marshall Sets Records for Jets Franchise

In 2015, Brandon Marshall finished the season with 109 receptions for 1,502 yards and 14 touchdowns, setting new single-season records for receiving yards and receptions for the Jets franchise.

2015: Marshall's Performances in 2015

In 2015, Brandon Marshall gained over 100 yards in four straight games, surpassed the 10,000 receiving yards mark in his career, and recorded six consecutive games with a receiving touchdown. Marshall also became the first player in NFL history to have a 1,000-receiving yard season with four different teams.

2016: Marshall Expected to be Released by the Jets

After the 2016 season, it was reported that Brandon Marshall was expected to be released by the Jets as they transitioned into a rebuilding stage.

2016: Marshall Ranked 25th in NFL Top 100 Players of 2016

Brandon Marshall was named to his sixth Pro Bowl and was ranked 25th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.

2016: $7.9 Million Payment in 2016

In 2014, it was stipulated that Marshall was to receive $7.9 million in 2016 as part of his contract with the Chicago Bears.

2016: Marshall's Less Productive Season

In 2016, Brandon Marshall's season was less productive due to dropped balls, quarterback rotation, and locker room controversy, resulting in 788 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

September 10, 2017: Marshall's Giants Debut

On September 10, 2017, in his Giants' debut, Brandon Marshall had one reception for ten yards in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

October 8, 2017: Marshall Injured During Game

On October 8, 2017, Brandon Marshall was carted off the field after hurting his ankle in a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

October 10, 2017: Marshall Placed on Injured Reserve

On October 10, 2017, Brandon Marshall was placed on injured reserve, ending his season due to an ankle injury.

2017: Escalator Bonus Available in 2017

In 2014, Marshall's contract contained a $700,000 escalator bonus based on a Bears Super Bowl appearance in any of the first three seasons, with 2017 being the last of those seasons.

March 2018: Partnership for Mental Health Awareness Campaign

In March 2018, Brandon Marshall partnered with the University of Michigan, rapper Logic, Glenn Close, his wife Michi, and the Steven Schwartzberg Foundation to launch "Who Can Relate", a national mental health awareness campaign.

April 19, 2018: Marshall Released by the Giants

On April 19, 2018, Brandon Marshall was released by the Giants and was considered a bust by fans and the New York sports media.

May 29, 2018: Marshall Signs with Seattle Seahawks

On May 29, 2018, Brandon Marshall signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks worth up to $2 million with incentives.

November 12, 2018: Marshall Signed by New Orleans Saints

On November 12, 2018, Brandon Marshall was signed by the New Orleans Saints.

December 13, 2018: Marshall Released by Saints

On December 13, 2018, Brandon Marshall was released by the New Orleans Saints after not appearing in any games.

2018: Marshall to be a Free Agent in 2018

In 2014, it was stipulated that Marshall would be a free agent in 2018 as part of his contract with the Chicago Bears.

August 20, 2020: Marshall Joins First Things First

On August 20, 2020, Brandon Marshall joined the cast of the Fox Sports talk show, First Things First.

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August 2021: Marshall Leaves First Things First

In August 2021, Brandon Marshall chose not to renew his contract with Fox and left his position on First Things First to pursue other professional opportunities.

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