Brandon Zylstra
{{Short description|American gridiron football player (born 1993)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name = Brandon Zylstra
| image =
| current_team =
| number =
| position = Wide receiver,
Return specialist
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|3|25}}
| birth_place = Spicer, Minnesota, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 2
| weight_lbs = 215
| high_school = New London-Spicer
(New London, Minnesota)
| college = Concordia–Moorhead
| undraftedyear = 2016
| pastteams =
- Edmonton Eskimos ({{CFL Year|2016|2017}})
- Minnesota Vikings ({{NFL Year|2018}})
- Carolina Panthers ({{NFL Year|2019}}–{{NFL Year|2021}})
- Detroit Lions ({{NFL Year|2022}})
| status =
| highlights =
- CFL All-Star ({{CFL Year|2017}})
- CFL West All-Star ({{CFL Year|2017}})
| statseason =
| statweek =
| statlabel1 = Receptions
| statvalue1 = 30
| statlabel2 = Receiving yards
| statvalue2 = 414
| statlabel3 = Receiving touchdowns
| statvalue3 = 1
| cflstatseason =
| cflstatlabel1 = Receptions
| cflstatvalue1 = 134
| cflstatlabel2 = Receiving yards
| cflstatvalue2 = 2,195
| cflstatlabel3 = Receiving touchdowns
| cflstatvalue3 = 8
| cfl = brandon-zylstra/162103/
| pfr = ZylsBr00
}}
Brandon Zylstra (born March 25, 1993) is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist. He played college football at Concordia–Moorhead. After going undrafted in 2016, Zylstra signed with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He has also played for the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, and Detroit Lions.
Early life
After playing football and basketball at New London-Spicer High School in New London, Minnesota, Zylstra did not receive any Division I scholarship offers.{{Cite web |last=Tomasson |first=Chris |date=April 7, 2018 |title=Zylstra is the mix for Vikings |url=https://bismarcktribune.com/sports/zylstra-is-the-mix-for-vikings/article_88c9602a-6831-5422-8ee1-513614d8cfb1.html |access-date=October 30, 2020 |website=Bismarck Tribune |language=en}}
College career
Zylstra played college football at Augustana University for a year and then Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.{{cite web | last=Tomasson | first=Chris | title=Could small-town receiver Brandon Zylstra be Vikings’ next Adam Thielen? | website=Twin Cities | date=2018-04-06 | url=https://www.twincities.com/2018/04/06/could-small-town-vikings-wr-brandon-zylstra-be-another-adam-thielen/ | access-date=2024-10-14}}{{cite web | last=Hartman | first=Sid | title=Brandon Zylstra trying to make his own path to NFL | website=Star Tribune | date=2018-08-10 | url=https://www.startribune.com/brandon-zylstra-trying-to-make-his-own-path-to-nfl/490509091 | access-date=2024-10-14}} In 2013, during his first year at Concordia, he caught 41 passes for 774 yards with seven touchdowns. In 2014, while working a summer job on the grounds crew at Moorhead Country Club, he suffered a foot injury which required surgery which caused him to miss 1 game. He finished his college career with 1,932 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns in 29 games with the Cobbers.
Zylstra was also an outstanding track and field athlete at Concordia. In 2015, Zylstra helped lead his team to a first-place finish at the Cobber Duals, clearing the bar at 6'8" (2.03m) to win the high jump, and traveling a distance of 21'6.75" (6.57m) to win the long jump.{{Cite web |date=February 4, 2015 |title=Brandon Zylstra, Concordia |url=https://www.miacathletics.com/sports/mtrack-ind/2014-15/aow/020415_zylstra_brandon}} He posted a personal-best leap of 22'5.75" (6.85m) in the long jump at the Thundering Herd Classic on February 7. Later in the season, Zylstra came away with the only event win for Concordia at the Cobber Twilight Meet. His 6'9" high jump tied the indoor school-record mark set by Joe Schmidgall back in 2000. He also won the long jump competition with a mark of 21'10" (6.65m).{{cite web | title=Welcome To The Outdoor Season Brandon Zylstra | website=Concordia (MN) | date=2015-04-28 | url=https://concordiamn.prestosports.com:443/sports/mtrack/2014-15/releases/20150429n9s2e9 | access-date=2024-10-14}} Zylstra ultimately broke the outdoor record at the MIAC meet, clearing 6'10.75" Zylstra went on to compete for the Division 3 track nationals where he came in with the third best height in 2015. (2.10m).{{cite web | last=Peterson | first=Eric | title=Zylstra stares down Concordia men's outdoor high jump record, heads to nationals | website=InForum | date=2015-05-20 | url=https://www.inforum.com/sports/zylstra-stares-down-concordia-mens-outdoor-high-jump-record-heads-to-nationals | access-date=2024-10-14}}
Professional career
Before the 2016 NFL draft, Zylstra participated in North Dakota State's pro day and at an NFL regional combine in Arizona, posting a 34-inch vertical jump, a 4.64-second 40-yard dash and 16 reps on the 225 lbs bench press. While he went undrafted, he impressed scouts with his athleticism and catching ability.
{{nfl predraft
| height ft = 6
| height in = 2 1/2
| weight = 219
| dash = 4.64
| ten split = 1.64
| twenty split = 2.75
| shuttle = 4.54
| cone drill = 7.19
| vertical = 34
| broad ft = 10
| broad in = 8
| bench = 16
| wonderlic =
| arm span = 32 1/4
| hand span = 9
| note = All values from North Dakota State Pro Day{{Cite web |title=Brandon Zylstra, Concordia-St. Paul, WR, 2016 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1016742&DraftYear=2016 |access-date=September 1, 2018 |website=www.draftscout.com |publisher=The Sports Xchange}}
}}
=Edmonton Eskimos=
Following college, Zylstra moved to Arizona to train with former teammate Griffin Neal. While in Arizona, he attracted the interest of CFL teams during tryouts and was signed by the Edmonton Eskimos to a two-year contract.{{Cite news |last=Reusse |first=Patrick |date=July 27, 2017 |title=A rising star in Canadian football, Minnesota receiver might not be done climbing ladder |work=Star Tribune |url=http://www.startribune.com/a-rising-star-in-canadian-football-minnesota-receiver-might-not-be-done-climbing-ladder/436859983/ |access-date=July 27, 2017}}{{Cite news |last=Marquette |first=Justin |date=April 14, 2016 |title=Zylstra offered CFL contract, still pursing [sic] NFL dreams |work=The Concordian |url=http://theconcordian.org/2016/04/14/zylstra-offered-cfl-contract-still-pursing-nfl-dreams |access-date=July 27, 2017 |archive-date=October 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002022759/http://theconcordian.org/2016/04/14/zylstra-offered-cfl-contract-still-pursing-nfl-dreams |url-status=dead }} In his first season in the league Zylstra made a quick impact, catching 34 passes for 508 yards with 3 touchdowns in only six regular season games. In two playoff games he caught six passes for 108 yards. He was named the Eskimos rookie of the year for the 2016 season.{{Cite news |last=Moddejonge |first=Gerry |date=November 3, 2016 |title=Receiver Brandon Zylstra follows two seasons of Eskimos rookies of the year |url=http://edmontonsun.com/2016/11/02/receiver-brandon-zylstra-follows-two-seasons-of-eskimos-rookies-of-the-year/wcm/f15c28dc-034d-4eb8-bd4a-2e645110764a |access-date=December 7, 2017 |work=Edmonton Sun}} Zylstra had an outstanding 2017 campaign, leading the CFL in receiving yards with 1,687 (225 ahead of second place S. J. Green). He played a big role in both of the Eskimos playoff games as well, catching 12 passes for 221 yards with one touchdown. He was named a CFL All-Star after the conclusion of the season.{{Cite news |last=Moddejonge |first=Gerry |date=December 6, 2017 |title=Five Edmonton Eskimos named CFL all-stars |url=http://edmontonsun.com/sports/football/cfl/edmonton-eskimos/five-edmonton-eskimos-named-cfl-all-stars |access-date=December 7, 2017 |work=Edmonton Sun}}
=Minnesota Vikings=
On January 3, 2018, Zylstra signed a standard rookie, non-guaranteed three-year deal starting at a $480,000 salary for 2018 with the Minnesota Vikings.{{Cite web |date=January 3, 2018 |title=Vikings Sign Minnesota Native Brandon Zylstra To Futures Contract |url=http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Vikings-Sign-Minnesota-Native-Brandon-Zylstra-To-Futures-Contract/da8e135f-c306-4bf4-87e7-b7bda7c2f422?sf178076025=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104132625/http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/Vikings-Sign-Minnesota-Native-Brandon-Zylstra-To-Futures-Contract/da8e135f-c306-4bf4-87e7-b7bda7c2f422?sf178076025=1 |archive-date=January 4, 2018 |access-date=January 4, 2018 |website=Vikings.com}} He made the Vikings roster, playing in all 16 games primarily on special teams, and had one catch for 23 yards against the New York Jets in Week 7.{{Cite web |title=Minnesota Vikings at New York Jets – October 21st, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201810210nyj.htm |access-date=October 30, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}
On August 31, 2019, Zylstra was waived by the Vikings.{{Cite web |date=August 31, 2019 |title=Vikings Announce Roster Moves, Set Initial 53-Man Roster |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/vikings-2019-roster-cuts-53-man-roster |website=Vikings.com}}
=Carolina Panthers=
On September 1, 2019, Zylstra was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers.{{cite web | title=Panthers' Brandon Zylstra: Claimed off waivers | website=CBSSports.com | date=2019-09-01 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/panthers-brandon-zylstra-claimed-off-waivers/ | access-date=2024-10-14}} Zylstra caught one of two targets for seven yards in a Week 14 40–20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.{{Cite web |title=Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons – December 8th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201912080atl.htm |access-date=October 30, 2020 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}} In Week 17, against the New Orleans Saints, Zylstra posted a career-high six catches on eight targets for 96 yards.{{Cite web |last=Henson |first=Max |date=September 1, 2019 |title=Panthers part with Torrey Smith, Elijah Holyfield, Kevon Seymour to make three waiver claims. c. |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-part-with-torrey-smith-elijah-holyfield-kevon-seymour-to-make-three-wai |access-date=October 30, 2020 |website=Panthers.com}} On December 27, 2020, Zylstra scored his first career NFL touchdown after recovering a muffed punt return in the endzone that was mishandled by Washington Football Team returner Steve Sims Jr. during the first quarter of a 20–13 victory for the Panthers. After the game, Zylstra was congratulated by Washington head coach Ron Rivera, who was his coach the previous season.{{cite web | last=Bernadeau | first=Patrick | title=Pro Football: A TD to remember for New London-Spicer grad | website=West Central Tribune | date=2020-12-29 | url=https://www.wctrib.com/sports/pro-football-a-td-to-remember-for-new-london-spicer-grad | access-date=2024-10-14}}{{cite web |title=Panthers vs. Washington: Game Summary |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401220273 |access-date=September 19, 2021 |website=ESPN |date=December 27, 2020}}
On February 22, 2021, Zylstra signed a one-year contract extension with the Panthers.{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=February 22, 2021 |title=Panthers bring back two wide receivers |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/brandon-zylstra-keith-kirkwood-re-signed-carolina |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222215755/https://www.panthers.com/news/brandon-zylstra-keith-kirkwood-re-signed-carolina |archive-date=February 22, 2021 |access-date=February 23, 2021 |website=Panthers.com |language=en-US}} He was placed on injured reserve on October 19, 2021.{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=October 19, 2021 |title=Punter Ryan Winslow signed to active roster, Brandon Zylstra placed on injured reserve |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/punter-ryan-winslow-signed-to-active-roster-brandon-zylstra-placed-on-injured-re |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Panthers.com}} He was activated on November 13.{{Cite web |last=Bryan |first=Will |date=November 13, 2021 |title=Panthers activate Juston Burris, Brandon Zylstra |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-activate-juston-burris-brandon-zylstra |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Panthers.com}}
On December 18, 2021, Zylstra kicked off three times in place of Zane Gonzalez after he got injured in warmups against the Buffalo Bills, averaging 48.7 yards per kick.{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=December 19, 2021 |title=Notebook: Zane Gonzalez injury leaves Panthers scrambling |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/notebook-zane-gonzalez-injury-leaves-panthers-scrambling |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Panthers.com}}
On March 16, 2022, Zylstra re-signed with the Panthers.{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=March 16, 2022 |title=Panthers agree to terms with Brandon Zylstra |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-agree-to-terms-with-brandon-zylstra |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Panthers.com}} He was released on August 30, 2022.{{Cite web |date=August 30, 2022 |title=Panthers make transactions to get to initial 53-man roster |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/2022-roster-cuts-53-man-roster-panthers |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Panthers.com}}
=Detroit Lions=
On October 4, 2022, Zylstra signed with the Detroit Lions, joining his brother Shane on the practice squad.{{cite web | last=Risdon | first=Jeff | title=Lions add kicker Michael Badgley among practice squad signings | website=Lions Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2022-10-05 | url=https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/05/lions-practice-squad-michael-badgley-brandon-zylstra/ | access-date=2024-10-14}} Zylstra was activated along with Shane for Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers.{{Cite web|title=The Zylstra brothers will become the 6th set of brothers to both play in the same game for the @Lions, & they will be the 1st pair of siblings on the offensive side of the ball to do so. This will mark the first football game the brothers have ever played together. #OnePride |url=https://twitter.com/lionspr/status/1589294787865501697?s=46&t=1HEHpHg5Xx-vsgsdbJ2M_w|access-date=November 6, 2022 |website=Twitter | author=@LionsPR|language=en}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://concordiamn.prestosports.com/sports/fball/2013-14/bios/zylstra_brandon_d8be Concordia Cobbers bio]
{{CFL receiving yardage leaders}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zylstra, Brandon}}
Category:People from Kandiyohi County, Minnesota
Category:Players of American football from Minnesota
Category:American football wide receivers
Category:Players of Canadian football from Minnesota
Category:Canadian football wide receivers
Category:Augustana (South Dakota) Vikings football players
Category:Concordia Cobbers football players
Category:Edmonton Elks players
Category:Minnesota Vikings players