Brandon Deaderick

Brandon Augustus Deaderick (born August 19, 1987 in Elizabethtown, Kentucky) is an American football defensive end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama.

Early years
Deaderick attended Elizabethtown High School in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. As a junior, he had 95 tackles and 22 sacks, earning all-state honors. As a senior, he missed four games to injury but averaged ten tackles per game and recorded seven sacks on the season.

College career
Following high school, Deaderick attended the University of Alabama, where he redshirted in his first season in 2005. As a freshman in 2006, Deaderick played in seven games, finishing with two tackles. In 2007, Deaderick appeared in all 13 games and made seven starts, recording 22 tackles and two sacks. As a junior in 2008, he started 14 games at defensive end and finished the season with 36 tackles and four sacks.

In 2009 Deaderick was shot in the forearm during a robbery attempt the week before the 2009 Chick-fil-A College Kickoff. He wasn't seriously injured in the incident, he would be medically cleared to play later in the week and subsequently play in the 2009 opener. Alabama finished the 2009 season 14-0 beating Texas 37-21 in the 2010 BCS National Championship game. He finished his senior season with 23 tackles and one sack.

2010 season
Deaderick was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round (247th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract on July 9, 2010. As a rookie, Deaderick received his first career start in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens, recording his first career sack. He went on to start three of the next four games for the Patriots, but was a healthy inactive for the team's Thanksgiving game in Week 12 against the Detroit Lions. After playing in the next three games as a reserve, Deaderick missed the team's Week 16 game with an injury but was a healthy scratch for the regular season finale. He finished the regular season with 10 tackles and 2.0 sacks in 10 games played (four starts). On January 3, 2011, during the Patriots' playoffs bye week, Deaderick was suspended by the team. His suspension was lifted on January 7, 2011.

2011 season
Deaderick played 10 games in the regular season with 17 tackles and 2 sacks. He also played in Super Bowl XLVI eventually losing to the New York Giants 17-21.

2012 season
Deaderick played 14 games in the regular season with 18 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 forced fumbles.