Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon is set to make history as the youngest starting quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers when they face Furman on September 5. This milestone marks a significant moment not only for Brandon but also for the 18th-ranked Vols, who are looking to build momentum early in the college football season.
As fans prepare to see Faizon Brandon take the field, many are curious about the story behind his unique name. According to his parents, Lenard and Rolanda Brandon, the choice of 'Faizon' has a charming origin tied to their experiences before his birth.
In 2008, while living in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Brandons were struggling to settle on a name for their soon-to-arrive son. Rolanda had her heart set on 'Zachary,' but Lenard was not entirely convinced. The couple, originally from Danville, Virginia, often traveled along Highway 29, a route that connected their hometown to Greensboro. It was during one of these drives that they spotted the sign for a barbershop that had recently closed, named 'Faizon's Barber Shop,' which was spelled with a 'Z.'
Rolanda recounted the moment, saying, "Once we decided on going with that name, we were going back and forth on using an S or a Z. I thought Z was more masculine." Interestingly, there is a barbershop named Faison’s Barbershop in Summit, North Carolina, but the Brandons' story suggests a different spelling that resonated with them.
Lenard Brandon, who is affectionately known as “Fatz” by friends and family, added another layer to the naming story. He found a creative connection between his nickname and his son's name. "When we passed that little building (of the barbershop), and it had the name Faizon on it, my wife liked it. Then I started saying it over and over — Fatz's son and Faiz-on. It sounded close. To me, Faizon sounded like Fatz's son. That's how we came up with the name," he explained.
Faizon Brandon learned about the origin of his name at a young age, around four or five years old, which coincided with the time he began playing tackle football. His mother recalled, "I told him that I wanted to name him something more prestigious like Zachary. He was like, 'Ugh, I’m glad you didn’t do that.'" Over time, both parents grew fond of the name Faizon, believing it suited their son perfectly.
As Faizon prepares to step into the spotlight as Tennessee's youngest starting quarterback, his unique name and the story behind it add an intriguing layer to his identity on and off the field. Fans and teammates alike will undoubtedly become familiar with the name Faizon Brandon as he embarks on his college football journey.
Leave a Comment