Tennessee freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon shares origin of his unique name
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 9:09 AM
Last updated Sep 3, 2026

Tennessee freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon is set to debut as the youngest starting signal-caller in school history against Furman on September 5 at Neyland Stadium. As the 18-year-old prepares for the matchup, the origin story of his name has drawn attention. His parents, Lenard and Rolanda Brandon, discovered the name on a closed barbershop sign while driving on Highway 29 in North Carolina before his birth in 2008. His father further noted that the name served as a phonetic play on his own nickname, Fatz, which he described as sounding like Fatz's son. Despite potential confusion with similar businesses in North Carolina, the family has maintained that the signage served as their primary inspiration. Brandon enters the game looking to lead Tennessee against the 1-0 Furman squad.
- •Faizon Brandon starts at quarterback for Tennessee against Furman on September 5.
- •The name originated from a barbershop sign his parents saw on Highway 29 in North Carolina.
- •His father linked the name to his own nickname, Fatz, interpreting it as Fatz's son.
- •The game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at Neyland Stadium.
- 9:09 AMYahoo Sports — Where did Faizon Brandon get his name? Here's origin story of Tennessee QB
"Tennessee freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon has a unique name with an interesting origin story that his parents love to tell. Here it is.
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