Cameron Batson

{{Short description|American football player (born 1995)}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}

{{Infobox NFL biography

| name = Cameron Batson

| image = Cameron Batson.jpg

| caption = Batson in 2021

| current_team =

| number =

| position = Wide receiver

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|12|20}}

| birth_place = Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.

| death_date =

| death_place =

| height_ft = 5

| height_in = 8

| weight_lbs = 175

| high_school = Millwood
(Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

| college = Texas Tech (2014–2017)

| undraftedyear = 2018

| pastteams =

| status =

| highlights =

| statweek =

| statseason =

| statlabel1 = Receptions

| statvalue1 = 22

| statlabel2 = Receiving yards

| statvalue2 = 197

| statlabel3 = Receiving touchdowns

| statvalue3 = 2

| statlabel4 = Rushing yards

| statvalue4 = 36

| statlabel5 = Return yards

| statvalue5 = 315

| pfr = B/BatsCa00

}}

Cameron Malik Batson{{Cite web |title=Cameron Batson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BatsCa00.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928162231/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BatsCa00.htm |archive-date=September 28, 2021 |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} (born December 20, 1995) is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist. He played college football at Texas Tech and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tennessee Titans in 2018.

Early life

Batson was born on December 20, 1995, to Willie Batson III and Erika Batson in Oklahoma City. He grew up there with his twin sisters, Caira and Carmen, and attended Millwood High School, where he played quarterback on the football team. As a senior, Batson threw for more than 2,000 yards and rushed for more than 1,000 yards and was named the Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year for football and was a first-team All-State selection.{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Scott |date=January 5, 2014 |title=Millwood's Cameron Batson made transition to quarterback look easy |url=https://newsok.com/article/3920833/millwoods-cameron-batson-made-transition-to-quarterback-look-easyl |access-date=October 16, 2018 |website=www.newsok.com}} Additionally, Batson was the valedictorian of his class at Millwood.{{Cite web |last=Densmore |first=Jack |date=September 19, 2016 |title=Batson prevails obstacles before football season |url=http://www.dailytoreador.com/sports/batson-prevails-obstacles-before-football-season/article_bec52876-7ee9-11e6-b5b2-13312366af9a.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004111534/http://www.dailytoreador.com/sports/batson-prevails-obstacles-before-football-season/article_bec52876-7ee9-11e6-b5b2-13312366af9a.html |archive-date=October 4, 2016 |access-date=October 16, 2018 |website=The Daily Toreador |publisher=Texas Tech Student Media}}

College career

Over the course of four seasons with the Red Raiders, Batson caught 157 passes for 1,499 yards and 14 touchdowns in 50 games played.{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2018 |title=Titans promote wide receiver Cameron Batson to active roster |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/10/10/titans-promote-wide-receiver-cameron-batson-to-active-roster/38118005/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017004730/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2018/10/10/titans-promote-wide-receiver-cameron-batson-to-active-roster/38118005/ |archive-date=October 17, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2018 |website=USAToday.com |publisher=Associated Press}} As a senior, Batson was named honorable mention All-Big 12 after catching 59 receptions passes for 487 yards and five touchdowns, along with 14 kicks returned 308 yards and 17 punts for 91 yards. He was a 3-time All-Big 12 Academic Team Selection and graduated with a degree in accounting.{{Cite web |date=April 11, 2018 |title=Cameron Batson: An instant home run threat for any NFL team that drafts him |url=https://www.vivathematadors.com/2018/4/11/17215356/breaking-down-cam-batsons-nfl-potential-draft-texas-tech |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016211604/https://www.vivathematadors.com/2018/4/11/17215356/breaking-down-cam-batsons-nfl-potential-draft-texas-tech |archive-date=October 16, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2018 |website=VivaTheMatadors.com |publisher=SB Nation}}

Professional career

=Tennessee Titans=

Batson signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 11, 2018.{{Cite web |last=Links |first=Zach |date=May 11, 2018 |title=Titans Sign 22 UDFAs |url=https://www.profootballrumors.com/2018/05/titans-sign-22-udfas |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017001717/https://www.profootballrumors.com/2018/05/titans-sign-22-udfas |archive-date=October 17, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2018 |website=Pro Football Rumors}} He initially made the 53-man roster out of training camp, but was waived by the team on September 17 after being inactive for the first two games of the season.{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=Jim |date=September 17, 2018 |title=Titans Add WR Nick Williams, Waive TE Anthony Firkser, WR Cameron Batson |url=https://www.titansonline.com/news/titans-add-wr-nick-williams-waive-te-anthony-firkser-wr-cameron-batson |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919111344/https://www.titansonline.com/news/titans-add-wr-nick-williams-waive-te-anthony-firkser-wr-cameron-batson |archive-date=September 19, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2018 |website=TitansOnline.com}} Batson was subsequently re-signed to the Titan's practice squad the next day.{{Cite web |last=Froyd |first=Crissy |date=September 18, 2018 |title=Titans make changes to active roster and practice squad |url=https://titanswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/18/titans-make-changes-to-active-roster-and-practice-squad/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017001712/https://titanswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/18/titans-make-changes-to-active-roster-and-practice-squad/ |archive-date=October 17, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2018 |website=Titans Wire |publisher=USA Today}} Batson was promoted from the practice squad to the Titan's active roster on October 10, 2018.{{Cite web |last=Herndon |first=Mike B. |date=October 10, 2018 |title=Titans add WR Cameron Batson to 53-man roster; sign 3 others to practice squad |url=https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2018/10/10/17960048/titans-add-wr-cameron-batson-to-53-man-roster-sign-three-others-to-practice-squad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017001729/https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2018/10/10/17960048/titans-add-wr-cameron-batson-to-53-man-roster-sign-three-others-to-practice-squad |archive-date=October 17, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2018 |website=MusicCityMiracles.com |publisher=SB Nation}} He made his NFL debut on October 14 in a 21–0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, returning one punt for no gain.{{Cite web |date=October 14, 2018 |title=Titans-Ravens Game Notes |url=https://www.titansonline.com/news/titans-ravens-game-notes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015085223/https://www.titansonline.com/news/titans-ravens-game-notes |archive-date=October 15, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2018 |website=TitansOnline.com}} He recorded his first career reception, catching a pass from Marcus Mariota for no gain, against the Los Angeles Chargers in a Week 7 loss.{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Los Angeles Chargers – October 21st, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201810210sdg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215135255/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201810210sdg.htm |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |access-date=October 22, 2018 |publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.com}} On December 6, 2018, in a 30–9 Week 14 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Batson muffed a punt return and was tackled in the end zone for a safety.{{Cite web |last=Newby, John |date=December 6, 2018 |title=Cameron Batson fumbles punt, called for Titans safety |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/tennessee-titans/article/cameron-batson-mistake-leads-to-safety-126005030/amp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110184959/https://247sports.com/nfl/tennessee-titans/Article/cameron-batson-mistake-leads-to-safety-126005030/Amp/ |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |access-date=December 8, 2018 |website=247Sports.com}} In his rookie season, Batson appeared in 11 games (two starts) and caught eight passes for 82 yards, with one rushing attempt for one yard and three punts returned for four yards.{{Cite web |title=Cameron Batson 2018 Game Logs |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BatsCa00/gamelog/2018/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528141820/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BatsCa00/gamelog/2018/ |archive-date=May 28, 2019 |access-date=May 28, 2018 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}

File:Cameron Batson 2018 08-09.jpg

On July 31, 2019, Batson was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, prematurely ending his season.{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=Jim |date=July 31, 2019 |title=Titans Add Two Receivers, Place Cameron Batson on Injured Reserve |url=https://www.titansonline.com/news/titans-add-two-receivers-place-cameron-batson-on-injured-reserve |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102135724/https://www.titansonline.com/news/titans-add-two-receivers-place-cameron-batson-on-injured-reserve |archive-date=November 2, 2019 |access-date=November 13, 2020 |website=TitansOnline.com}}

On February 19, 2020, Batson signed a one-year contract extension with the Titans.{{Cite magazine |last=Boclair |first=David |date=February 19, 2020 |title=Receiver/Return Man Agrees to One-Year Deal |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/titans/gm-report/tennessee-titans-cameron-batson-contract |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219214411/https://www.si.com/nfl/titans/gm-report/tennessee-titans-cameron-batson-contract |archive-date=February 19, 2020 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |magazine=SI.com}} Batson was waived by the Titans on September 7, 2020,{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=Jim |date=September 7, 2020 |title=Roster Move: Titans Waive WR Cameron Batson |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/roster-move-titans-waive-wr-cameron-batson |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907220649/https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/roster-move-titans-waive-wr-cameron-batson |archive-date=September 7, 2020 |access-date=September 7, 2020 |website=TennesseeTitans.com}} and re-signed to the practice squad two days later.{{Cite news |last=Wyatt |first=Jim |date=September 9, 2020 |title=Titans Add 16 Players to Practice Squad |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-add-13-players-to-practice-squad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928022453/https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-add-13-players-to-practice-squad |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |access-date=September 25, 2020 |work=TennesseeTitans.com}} He was elevated to the active roster on September 19 for the team's week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and reverted to the practice squad after the game.{{Cite news |last=Moraitis |first=Mike |date=September 20, 2020 |title=Titans elevate Jeremy McNichols, Cameron Batson from practice squad for Week 2 |url=https://titanswire.usatoday.com/2020/09/20/tennessee-titans-cameron-batson-jeremy-mcnichols-practice-squad/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002154747/https://titanswire.usatoday.com/2020/09/20/tennessee-titans-cameron-batson-jeremy-mcnichols-practice-squad/ |archive-date=October 2, 2020 |access-date=October 5, 2020 |work=USAToday.com}} He was elevated again on September 26 for the week 3 game against the Minnesota Vikings,{{Cite news |date=September 27, 2020 |title=Titans' Cameron Batson: Brought up to active roster |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/titans-cameron-batson-brought-up-to-active-roster/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205031047/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/titans-cameron-batson-brought-up-to-active-roster/ |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |access-date=October 8, 2020 |work=CBSSports.com}} and reverted to the practice squad again following the game.{{Cite news |date=September 28, 2020 |title=Cameron Batson: Sent back down to practice squad |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/cameron-batson-sent-back-down-to-practice-squad/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010021533/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/cameron-batson-sent-back-down-to-practice-squad/ |archive-date=October 10, 2020 |access-date=October 8, 2020 |work=CBSSports.com}} He was placed on the practice squad/COVID-19 list by the team on October 2, 2020,{{Cite news |last1=Benjamin |first1=Cody |last2=Sullivan |first2=Tyler |date=October 2, 2020 |title=Two more Titans, including Adam Humphries test positive for COVID-19, Week 5 reportedly also in jeopardy |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/two-more-titans-including-adam-humphries-test-positive-for-covid-19-week-5-reportedly-also-in-jeopardy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009013102/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/two-more-titans-including-adam-humphries-test-positive-for-covid-19-week-5-reportedly-also-in-jeopardy/ |archive-date=October 9, 2020 |access-date=October 9, 2020 |work=CBSSports.com}} and was activated back to the practice squad on October 14.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=October 14, 2020 |title=Titans activate Adam Humphries, Cameron Batson from COVID-19 list |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/10/14/titans-activate-adam-humphries-cameron-batson-from-covid-19-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029130635/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/10/14/titans-activate-adam-humphries-cameron-batson-from-covid-19-list/ |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |access-date=October 30, 2020 |website=NBCSports.com}} He was elevated to the active roster again for the week 6 game against the Houston Texans, and reverted to the practice squad after the game.{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=Jim |date=October 17, 2020 |title=Titans Make Roster Moves Leading Up to Sunday's Game vs. Texans |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-make-roster-moves-leading-up-to-sunday-s-game-vs-texans |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031015954/https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-make-roster-moves-leading-up-to-sunday-s-game-vs-texans |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |access-date=October 31, 2020 |website=TennesseeTitans.com}} He was signed to the active roster on November 7.{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=Jim |date=November 7, 2020 |title=Titans Make 12 Roster Moves Before Sunday's Game vs Bears |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-make-12-roster-moves-before-sunday-s-game-vs-bears |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114070101/https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-make-12-roster-moves-before-sunday-s-game-vs-bears |archive-date=January 14, 2022 |access-date=November 13, 2020 |website=TennesseeTitans.com}}

During Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns, Batson recorded three catches for 14 yards, including his first NFL touchdown, during the 41–35 loss.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans – December 6th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012060oti.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125160638/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012060oti.htm |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |access-date=December 8, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On October 19, 2021, Batson was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL in Week 6.{{Cite web |last=Wyatt, Jim |date=October 19, 2021 |title=Titans Place CB Caleb Farley, WR Cameron Batson on Injured Reserve |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-place-cb-caleb-farley-wr-cameron-batson-on-injured-reserve |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020233523/https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-place-cb-caleb-farley-wr-cameron-batson-on-injured-reserve |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |access-date=October 20, 2021 |website=TennesseeTitans.com}}

=Atlanta Falcons=

On June 2, 2022, the Atlanta Falcons signed Batson, reuniting him with head coach Arthur Smith.{{Cite news |last=McElhaney |first=Tori |date=June 2, 2022 |title=Falcons bring in receiver with Marcus Mariota, Arthur Smith ties |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-bring-in-receiver-with-marcus-mariota-arthur-smith-ties |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602164126/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-bring-in-receiver-with-marcus-mariota-arthur-smith-ties |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |access-date=June 4, 2022 |work=AtlantaFalcons.com}} He was released on August 30 and re-signed to the practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Bair, Scott |date=August 30, 2022 |title=Falcons announce initial 53-man roster heading into 2022 regular season |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-announce-initial-53-man-roster-heading-into-2022-regular-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831212725/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-announce-initial-53-man-roster-heading-into-2022-regular-season |archive-date=August 31, 2022 |access-date=August 31, 2022 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}}{{Cite web |last=McElhaney, Tori |date=August 31, 2022 |title=Falcons sign four to practice squad |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-sign-four-to-practice-squad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831213159/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/falcons-sign-four-to-practice-squad |archive-date=August 31, 2022 |access-date=August 31, 2022 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}} He was released from the practice squad on January 2, 2023, after facing five criminal charges.{{Cite web |last=Chiari, Mike |date=January 2, 2023 |title=Cameron Batson Released by Falcons After Arrest on 5 Charges, Including Assault |url=https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/10060405-cameron-batson-released-by-falcons-after-arrest-on-5-charges-including-assault.amp.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102184749/https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/10060405-cameron-batson-released-by-falcons-after-arrest-on-5-charges-including-assault.amp.html |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=BleacherReport.com}}

=Hamilton Tiger-Cats=

Batson signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL on January 18, 2024.{{Cite news |date=January 18, 2024 |title=TiCats add five American players |url=https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/18/ticats-add-five-american-players/ |access-date=January 19, 2024 |work=CFL.ca}} He was placed on the reserve/suspended list on May 12, 2024.{{cite web | url=https://www.footballdb.com/players/cameron-batson-batsoca01/transactions | title=Cameron Batson | publisher=Footballdb.com | accessdate=12 August 2024}}

NFL statistics

=Regular season=

class=wikitable style="text-align:center;"
rowspan="2"|Season

! rowspan="2"|Team

! colspan="2"|Games

! colspan="5"|Receiving

! colspan="5"|Rushing

! colspan="5"|Returning

! colspan="2"|Fumbles

GPGSRecYdsAvgLngTDAttYdsAvgLngTDRetYdsAvgLngTDFUMLost
2018TEN

| 11 || 2 || 8 || 82 || 10.3 || 26 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 1.0 || 1 || 0 || 3 || 4 || 1.3 || 5 || 0 || 1 || 0

2019TEN

| 0 || 0 || colspan="17" |Did not play due to injury

2020TEN

| 12 || 1 || 12 || 100 || 8.3 || 18 || 1 || 4 || 20 || 5.0 || 11 || 0 || 11 || 231 || 21.0 || 35 || 0 || 1 || 0

2021TEN

| 4 || 0 || 2 || 15 || 7.5 || 13 || 1 || 2 || 15 || 7.5 || 11 || 0 || 5 || 80 || 16.0 || 20 || 0 || 0 || 0

colspan="2" |[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BatsCa00.htm Career] || 27 || 3 || 22 || 197 || 9.0 || 26 || 2 || 7 || 36 || 5.1 || 11 || 0 || 19 || 315 || 19.4 || 35 || 0 || 2 || 0

=Postseason=

class=wikitable style="text-align:center;"
rowspan="2"|Season

! rowspan="2"|Team

! colspan="2"|Games

! colspan="5"|Receiving

! colspan="5"|Rushing

! colspan="5"|Returning

! colspan="2"|Fumbles

GPGSRecYdsAvgLngTDAttYdsAvgLngTDRetYdsAvgLngTDFUMLost
2020TEN

| 1 || 0 || 1 || 6 || 6.0 || 6 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0

colspan="2" |[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BatsCa00/gamelog/post/ Career] || 1 || 0 || 1 || 6 || 6.0 || 6 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0

Personal life

Batson's father, Willie Batson III, played college baseball at Alabama A&M University. His cousin, Tramain Swindall, also played wide receiver at Texas Tech and had 150 career receptions for the Red Raiders.

Legal troubles

On December 31, 2022, Batson was arrested following a chaotic series of events. During a routine traffic stop officers noticed Batson appeared intoxicated and attempted to apprehend him. Batson became aggressive with officers and an officer fired one shot while Batson fled in his truck which he eventually crashed. Officers canvased the area and were able to locate Batson. Batson was charged with battery, aggravated assault, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer when engaged on official duty, driving-fleeing to elude an officer, and removal or attempted removal of a weapon from a public official.{{Cite web |last=Cobbin |first=Joshua |date=December 31, 2022 |title=Falcons' Cameron Batson hit with 5 charges following incident with police |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/falcons-cameron-batson-hit-5-charges-incident-police.amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101182408/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/falcons-cameron-batson-hit-5-charges-incident-police.amp |archive-date=January 1, 2023 |access-date=December 31, 2022 |website=www.foxnews.com}}

References

{{Reflist|30em}}