Brandon Lloyd, who spent 2012 with the New England Patriots and played for six different teams during his 10 year NFL career, is planning to retire, according to CBS Sports’ Jason LaCanfora.
Lloyd leaves with 385 receptions and 35 touchdowns in his career. He was drafted by the 49ers in the fourth round (124th overall) in 2002 out of Illinois. From there he went to the Redskins, Chicago Bears, Broncos, Rams and finally the New England Patriots.
Brandon Lloyd leaves at the top of his game putting up 74 catches, 900 yards and four touchdowns last fall.
Lloyd was released by the Pats in March and remains without an NFL team as the season gets underway. The lack of interest this offseason left the 32-year-old receiver without much hope apparently and now Lloyd “doesn’t plan to play” this season.
I am sad to see him go as Brandon Lloyd was literally the first star athlete I ever interviewed for a story. At least he was the first future college football star and eventual NFL player I interviewed for a story.
I was a senior when Brandon Lloyd was a freshman at Illinois. He was a highly rated recruit of Ron Turner’s who picked the Illini over Nebraska, as well as a few other schools. I remember going to Illini practice in the cold during the end of the season, and while talking with Lloyd, Illinois WR Michael Dean (who was undistinguished in his first three years, but truly flourished his senior year) said “write it down, this is the future right here!” pointing at Lloyd.
My feature for the Daily Illini is one of the first major stories I ever write, so I saved it, and still have it today. When I penned a novel in 2004 I included a college football game in a chapter. The wideout in that chapter is in fact based on Brandon Lloyd.
Lloyd was a journeyman in his pro career because he had issues finding the right fit. His erratic behavior led to clashes with players or coaches on each team, and that very likely has something to do with why the Patriots let him go. Some teams questioned his attitude. With the Bears, they seemed to think he was too focused on his R&B recording career, and not zeroing in enough on football.
Lots of teams could use someone like Brandon Lloyd, especially to run deep sideline and fade routes. However, no one seems to be interested. Maybe that will change in midseason and the agent of Brandon Lloyd will get some phone calls.
It’s too bad a player with so much talent and ability just wasn’t able to coexist with teammates or coaches. But I guess Lloyd seems content right now to move on from football and into the next phase
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. An analyst for 95.7 The Fan, he also writes on Chicago sports media for Chicago Now. Follow him (@paulmbanks)