History of Brandon Marshall in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 14, 2026

Brandon Marshall is a former professional American football wide receiver who enjoyed a prolific 13-season career in the NFL. Drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2006, he played for several teams, including the Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, New York Jets, New York Giants, and Seattle Seahawks. Marshall earned six Pro Bowl selections and was recognized as the 2012 Pro Bowl MVP. He is notably one of the few players in NFL history to record over 100 receptions in a single season for three different teams. Beyond his on-field success, Marshall is widely recognized for his advocacy regarding mental health awareness. After being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, he became a vocal champion for mental health education and destigmatization, founding the Project 375 organization to support those struggling with mental health issues. His legacy is defined by both his elite athleticism and his impactful humanitarian efforts off the field.

Sections (5)

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

1968: 1968 Mexico Olympics Protest

In 1968, during the Olympic Games in Mexico, athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised black-gloved fists as a silent gesture of protest, which served as the historical inspiration for Brandon Marshall's intended gesture in 2008.

March 23, 1984: Birth of Brandon Marshall

On March 23, 1984, Brandon Tyrone Marshall was born; he would go on to become a professional American football wide receiver.

Others born on this day/year

2000: Terrell Owens record-setting performance

During the 2000 NFL season, Terrell Owens of the San Francisco 49ers set a notable league record by catching 20 passes in a single game, a mark that remained the standard for most receptions in a game until Brandon Marshall's 18-reception performance in a later season.

2002: FHSAA 3A District 7 Meet High Jump Performance

In 2002, during the FHSAA 3A District 7 Meet, Brandon Marshall demonstrated his athletic versatility in track and field by clearing a height of 1.98 meters in the high jump, earning him a second-place finish.

October 4, 2004: First Collegiate Safety Start

On October 4, 2004, Brandon Marshall made his debut start as a safety for the University of Central Florida in a game against Buffalo. During this performance, he recorded four tackles and contributed half a sack to the defensive effort.

2005: Brandon Marshall's Breakout Senior Season and Hawaii Bowl Performance

During the 2005 season, Brandon Marshall achieved his best collegiate performance at the University of Central Florida, recording career highs with 74 receptions, 1,195 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. His standout performance occurred during the 2005 Hawaii Bowl, where he caught 11 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns, earning him the game's MVP honors and a selection to the All-C-USA second-team.

December 3, 2006: First Career-Long Touchdown Reception

On December 3, 2006, during an NBC Sunday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Brandon Marshall scored a career-long 71-yard touchdown after receiving a pass from quarterback Jay Cutler. This highlight play, occurring on December 3, 2006, marked the second-longest rookie-to-rookie touchdown pass in the history of the Denver Broncos.

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2006: NFL Draft Selection

In 2006, Brandon Marshall achieved a significant career milestone when he was selected by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

2006: Selection in the 2006 NFL Draft

In 2006, Brandon Marshall began his professional football career when he was chosen by the Denver Broncos as the 119th overall pick during the fourth round of the NFL draft.

July 10, 2007: Quadriceps Muscle Injury during Mini-Camp

On July 10, 2007, Brandon Marshall sustained a quadriceps femoris muscle injury while participating in the Denver Broncos mini-camp, an event that sidelined him for almost the entirety of the team's training camp.

December 13, 2007: Historic Reception Streak Against Houston Texans

On December 13, 2007, Brandon Marshall recorded 11 catches for 107 yards during a game against the Houston Texans, becoming the first wide receiver in Denver Broncos history to secure at least 10 receptions in two consecutive games.

December 30, 2007: First Career 100-Catch Season

On December 30, 2007, during a victory against the Minnesota Vikings, Brandon Marshall caught 10 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown, bringing his season total to 102 receptions. This milestone marked his first career 100-catch season, making him the third second-year player in NFL history to achieve this feat.

2007: Breakout 2007 NFL Season

During the 2007 NFL season, Brandon Marshall achieved significant career-highs, including 102 receptions, 1,325 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns. Throughout the year, he established himself as a top receiver, leading the league in yards after first contact and total targets, and hitting his 1,000-yard milestone during a 41-7 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.

2007: 2007 NFL Season Performance Leader

During the 2007 NFL season, Brandon Marshall distinguished himself by leading all wide receivers in the league in yards gained after first contact, demonstrating his exceptional ability to break and dodge tackles.

2007: Post-2007 Season Collaborative Training

Following the conclusion of the 2007 NFL season, Brandon Marshall, Jay Cutler, and Tony Scheffler traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, to engage in collaborative training to improve their on-field timing and chemistry for the upcoming year.

2007: Beginning of Triple 100-Reception Streak

Starting in 2007 and continuing through 2009, Brandon Marshall achieved a rare statistical milestone by securing at least 100 receptions in three consecutive NFL seasons.

March 22, 2008: Accidental Injury Incident

On March 22, 2008, Brandon Marshall suffered a serious injury to his right forearm after slipping on a McDonald's bag while wrestling and falling through a television set in his Orlando home, resulting in damage to his artery, vein, nerve, tendons, and muscles.

August 5, 2008: NFL Suspension Issued

On August 5, 2008, Brandon Marshall was handed a three-game suspension by the NFL following various legal issues, including an arrest for domestic violence and a charge for drunk driving. Marshall subsequently appealed the suspension, resulting in a reduction to a one-game ban and a financial penalty of $52,353.

November 6, 2008: Attempted Touchdown Celebration for Racial Unity

On November 6, 2008, during a game against the Cleveland Browns, Brandon Marshall attempted to use a black and white glove as a prop to celebrate a touchdown. He intended the gesture to symbolize racial unity following the election of Barack Obama, drawing inspiration from historical figures. His teammate stopped him to avoid an NFL penalty for using props.

December 7, 2008: Brandon Marshall achieves second consecutive 1,000-yard season

On December 7, 2008, during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Brandon Marshall recorded 11 catches for 91 yards and two touchdowns. This performance secured his second straight season with over 1,000 receiving yards and marked his second career multi-touchdown game.

December 16, 2008: Selection to First Pro Bowl

On December 16, 2008, Brandon Marshall was officially selected as a starter for the 2009 Pro Bowl, marking the first time in his professional career he earned this honor.

2008: Preparation for the 2008 Season

During the lead-up to the 2008 season, Brandon Marshall focused on refining his gameplay and offensive coordination with teammates following dedicated training sessions held in early 2008.

December 13, 2009: NFL Single-Game Reception Record

On December 13, 2009, Brandon Marshall set a new NFL record for the most receptions in a single game by recording 21 catches during a matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.