Branson Taylor Prepared for NFL Through Lifetime of Hardships

Nothing in life has come easy for Pitt offensive tackle Branson Taylor as he’s had to battle and work extra hard for everything that’s he’s achieved.

This weekend, the talented offensive tackle is hoping that all the hard work and dedication shown by him and his family will pay off with him hearing his name selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Prior to suffering a season-ending torn meniscus in his left knee during Week 6 this fall, Taylor appeared to be a lock to be selected somewhere in the draft. Because he was not able to participate in the various games for NFL prospects, that’s set Taylor back a bit. However, Taylor’s past film and pro-type size for an NFL offensive tackle (6’6″, 321-pound), still makes him a desirable target for NFL teams.

Various national mock drafts have Taylor being selected anywhere from the fifth to seventh rounds, so he’ll be waiting with friends and family at his brother’s house in Willoughby, Ohio on Saturday. Regardless of whether his name is called, Taylor will find himself in an NFL camp and this weekend is a special time for him and his mother, the person he’s closest to in this world.

“My mom is everything to me,” Taylor tells Pittsburgh Sports Now. “When I lost my father early on in my life, it was just me, my mom and my older brother. We weren’t blessed with a lot of money and because of this, things weren’t easy, but my mom found a way to always take care of us.”

Branson lost his father, Brian, to cancer when he was four years old. His father got diagnosed with lung, liver and rectal cancer in March 2006 and passed in June, the day before Father’s Day.

“In order to make things work and take care of us, my mom had to work a couple of jobs and always found a way. And despite her jobs, she always found a way to get to my football and AAU basketball games. I owe everything to her and this weekend will be a special time for both of us.”

Taylor’s mom, Heather, traveled from Ohio to watch every one of her son’s college games at Pitt, which included 21 career starts at both left and right tackle. Despite the knee injury that ended his final season, Taylor looks back at his time at Pitt as a blessing.

“I loved everything about Pitt,” said Taylor. “I had to work for my starting spot, which was good and didn’t think of leaving when things weren’t going my way. I enjoyed my time with Coach Narduzzi and my with offensive line coaches.

“It was great, I was named a captain, was a starter, won an ACC Championship, played in a New Year’s Six bowl game. I loved Pitt.”

Pitt football walks in the Panther Prowl. (Left to right) Brandon George, Gavin Bartholomew, head coach Pat Narduzzi, Branson Taylor and Konata Mumpfield. October 12, 2024 / David Hague. PSN.

Now it’s time for Taylor to move onto the next chapter of his life and that’s the NFL and he’s prepared to work for his spot like he did at Pitt.

Taylor has enjoyed the process leading up to the draft, in which he’s been able to speak in person and through Zoom calls with various NFL coaches. While he wouldn’t name any teams in particular, Taylor tells me that’s some teams seem to be showing more interest than others.

“I’m just going to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience with my family and just take everything in,” said Taylor. “I have no idea what my emotions are going to be (laughing). I’m sure I’ll be nervous and depending on what happens, it’s a safe bet to say that I’ll be crying because I’ll be achieving a life-long goal.”

And while he won’t be there with him physically, Branson’s father will be there in spirit with him in Ohio and for the rest of his life.

“I think about him every day and he’ll always be with me. My hope is to always make him proud.”

Branson has no doubt done that and will continue to do so as he moves on to the NFL.