Cameron Dantzler Explained

Cameron Dantzler
Current Team:San Antonio Brahmas
Number:6
Position:Cornerback
Birth Date:3 September 1998
Birth Place:Hammond, Louisiana, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:2
Weight Lb:190
High School:Saint Thomas Aquinas (Hammond, Louisiana)
College:Mississippi State (2017–2019)
Draftyear:2020
Draftround:3
Draftpick:89
Pastteams:
Status:Suspended
Highlights:
Statseason:2023
Statlabel1:Total tackles
Statvalue1:149
Statlabel2:Forced fumbles
Statvalue2:3
Statlabel3:Fumble recoveries
Statvalue3:2
Statlabel4:Pass deflections
Statvalue4:17
Statlabel5:Interceptions
Statvalue5:3
Pfr:DantCa00

Cameron Dantzler Sr. (born September 3, 1998) is an American football cornerback for the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Mississippi State and was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings.

Early years

Dantzler attended Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Hammond, Louisiana. He played cornerback and quarterback in high school. As a senior, he passed for 1,381 yards and 11 touchdowns and rushed for 1,901 yards and 26 touchdowns. He committed to Mississippi State University to play college football.[1] [2]

College career

Dantzler redshirted his true freshman season at Mississippi State. He played in all 13 of the Bulldogs' games as a redshirt freshman, finishing the season with 25 tackles (two for loss) with four passes defended and an interception.[3] [4] Dantzler entered his redshirt sophomore season as a starter, finishing the season with 43 tackles (two for loss), a sack, two interceptions and a team-leading 11 passes defended and was named second-team All-Southeastern Conference by the Associated Press.[5] [6] Additionally, Dantzler was one of only four cornerbacks in the conference not to surrender a touchdown pass and had a 41.1 passer rating allowed according to Pro Football Focus.[7]

Dantzler entered his redshirt junior season on the watchlists for the Bednarik, Nagurski and Jim Thorpe Awards and was named a preseason All-American by Phil Steele.[8] [9] After a 2019 season where he had 2 interceptions and 10 passes defend, Dantzler decided to forgo his last year of eligibility and declared for the 2020 NFL draft.[10]

Professional career

Minnesota Vikings

2020 season

Dantzler was drafted in the third round (89th overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft.[11] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on October 28, 2020,[12] and activated three days later.[13] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[14]

Heading into his first training camp, Dantzler was listed as a starting cornerback opposite Mike Hughes. He faced competition from fellow rookie Jeff Gladney for his starting job. At the end of training camp, head coach Mike Zimmer named Dantzler the starting left cornerback opposite Hughes.

Dantzler made his first career start and NFL debut in the Vikings' season-opening loss to the Green Bay Packers. He recorded four tackles in the 43–34 loss. Dantzler missed Weeks 2 and 3 with a rib injury before returning as a starter in Week 4 against the Houston Texans, recording four tackles in the 31–23 win. Dantzler started in the Vikings' Week 5 and Week 6 games against the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons, but was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list after coming into close contact with a teammate who tested positive for the virus. He missed Week 7 before returning in the Vikings' Week 8 win against the Packers. Dantzler started the game and recorded 2 solo tackles before being carted off the field and taken to the hospital due to a serious neck injury.[15] However, he was able to return in time for the Vikings' Week 11 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. In the Vikings' Week 13 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dantzler recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Mike Glennon and forced a fumble on Chris Conley which he also recovered during the 27–24 overtime win. Dantzler finished his rookie season appearing in 11 games (10 starts) and recording 2 interceptions, 46 combined tackles, four passes defended, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.[16]

2021 season

In a surprise move, the Vikings chose to make Dantzler a healthy inactive in the 2021 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.[17] Following Week 3, head coach Mike Zimmer stated he would be speaking with Dantzler over the latter venting his frustration over his lack of playing time on his Twitter account.[18]

2022 season

On November 12, 2022, Dantzler was placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury and was later reactivated on December 10.[19] [20] He was released by the Vikings on March 10, 2023.[21]

Washington Commanders

On March 13, 2023, Dantzler was claimed off waivers by the Washington Commanders.[22] He was released on May 30, 2023.[23]

Buffalo Bills

On June 7, 2023, Dantzler was signed by the Buffalo Bills to a one-year contract.[24] On July 27, 2023, Dantzler was released with an injury designation.[25]

Houston Texans

On August 22, 2023, Dantzler signed with the Houston Texans.[26] He was waived on August 29, 2023.[27]

New Orleans Saints

On September 20, 2023, Dantzler signed with the practice squad of the New Orleans Saints.[28] He was signed to the active roster on November 21.[29] Dantzler was waived on January 1, 2024.[30]

San Antonio Brahmas

On April 10, 2024, Dantzler signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL).[31] He was placed on the suspended list on April 16, 2024.[32]

Personal life

Dantzler has two children with Cierra Shinault, a son, Cameron Jr., and a daughter, Carmyn.[33] [34]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cronin . Courtney . June 13, 2015 . 3-star Louisiana athlete commits to Mississippi State . September 22, 2023 . The Clarion-Ledger . en-US . November 10, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231110213947/https://www.clarionledger.com/story/recruitingreport/2015/06/13/cameron-dantzler-mississippi-state/71176984/ . live .
  2. Web site: Lopez . Andrew . June 16, 2015 . Mississippi State felt like 'home' for St. Thomas Aquinas ATH Cameron Dantzler . September 22, 2023 . NOLA.com . en . April 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230407170442/https://www.nola.com/sports/high_schools/mississippi-state-felt-like-home-for-st-thomas-aquinas-ath-cameron-dantzler/article_b4c1dce7-4f1e-5ff5-bb50-0542d036c2c7.html . live .
  3. Web site: Faulk . Robbie . August 19, 2018 . "Bigger, Stronger, Faster" Dantzler Set for Sophomore Season . November 9, 2019 . 247Sports.com . November 10, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231110213834/https://247sports.com/college/mississippi-state/Article/Bigger-Stronger-Faster-Mississippi-State-Cornerback-Cameron-Dantzler-Set-for-Sophomore-Season--120745779/ . live .
  4. Web site: December 30, 2017 . No. 23 Mississippi State beats Louisville in TaxSlayer Bowl . November 9, 2019 . . November 10, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231110213935/https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/mississippi-state/2017/12/30/live-updates-no-23-mississippi-state-vs-louisville-taxslayer-bowl/992153001/ . live .
  5. Web site: September 5, 2019 . Development key in Dantzler's success . November 9, 2019 . . November 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191109211408/https://www.djournal.com/sports/development-key-in-dantzler-s-success/article_bd23b341-1bcb-52eb-94de-01c6320c5ba8.html . live .
  6. Web site: December 3, 2018 . No. 1 Alabama has 5 players first-team AP All-SEC selections . November 9, 2019 . APNews.com . December 12, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181212042712/https://apnews.com/d897c6b0811f4038b3a49ec30e4895c9 . live .
  7. Web site: Holder . Jim . July 15, 2019 . Dantzler, Thompson picked for Defensive Player of the Year list . November 9, 2019 . WTVA.com . November 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191109212408/https://www.wtva.com/content/sports/Dantzler-Thompson-picked-for-Defensive-Player-of-the-Year-list-512763461.html . dead .
  8. Web site: Murray . David . August 7, 2019 . Dantzler Dialing-In for an Award-Winning Season . November 9, 2019 . 247Sports.com . November 10, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231110213834/https://247sports.com/college/mississippi-state/Article/Mississippi-State-cornerback-Cam-Dantzler-goes-into-his-second-starting-season-as-an-All-SEC-candidate-134247642/ . live .
  9. Web site: Horka, Tyler . July 2, 2019 . This Mississippi State football player could be an All-American . November 9, 2019 . The Clarion-Ledger . November 10, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231110213857/https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/mississippi-state/2019/07/02/mississippi-state-football-2019-erroll-thompson-linebacker-sec-football-all-american-sec-projections/1582703001/ . live .
  10. Web site: Horka, Tyler . December 6, 2019 . Mississippi State cornerback Cameron Dantzler to declare for NFL Draft, skip bowl game . December 17, 2019 . clarionledger.com . November 10, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231110213835/https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/mississippi-state/2019/12/06/mississippi-state-cornerback-cameron-dantzler-declare-nfl-draft-college-football-draft-prospects/4356075002/ . live .
  11. Web site: 2020 NFL Draft Listing . May 18, 2023 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en . May 19, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200519110924/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2020/draft.htm . live .
  12. News: Goessling, Ben . October 28, 2020 . Vikings place Cameron Dantzler on COVID-19 reserve list . StarTribune.com . November 11, 2020 . November 12, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201112184936/https://www.startribune.com/vikings-place-cameron-dantzler-on-covid-19-reserve-list/572902071/ . live .
  13. News: October 31, 2020 . Vikings' Cameron Dantzler: Back from COVID-19 list . CBSSports.com . November 11, 2020 . November 12, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201112195835/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/vikings-cameron-dantzler-back-from-covid-19-list/ . live .
  14. Web site: 2020 NFL All-Rookie Team . 2024-07-27 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en.
  15. Web site: Cronin . Courtney . November 1, 2020 . Minnesota Vikings CB Cameron Dantzler taken to hospital, has full movement of body . March 13, 2023 . ESPN.com . March 14, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230314002930/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30237897/minnesota-vikings-cb-cameron-dantzler-being-evaluated-concussion . live .
  16. Web site: Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings - December 6th, 2020 . December 8, 2020 . Pro-Football-Reference.com . en . December 10, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201210113537/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012060min.htm . live .
  17. Web site: Ragatz . Will . September 15, 2021 . The Surprising Fall of Cameron Dantzler, Whose Future With the Vikings is Suddenly Unknown . March 13, 2023 . SI.com . March 14, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230314004407/https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/surprising-fall-cameron-dantzler-cornerback-future-vikings-49ers-scratch . live .
  18. Web site: Schad . Chris . September 27, 2021 . Cameron Dantzler tweets out frustration over playing time . March 13, 2023 . SI.com . March 14, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230314004742/https://www.si.com/fannation/bringmethesports/vikings/cameron-dantzler-tweets-out-frustration-over-playing-time . live .
  19. Web site: Peters . Craig . November 12, 2022 . Vikings Place Cameron Dantzler, Sr., on Injured Reserve & Sign Duke Shelley to 53 . March 13, 2023 . Vikings.com . March 14, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230314002017/https://www.vikings.com/news/cameron-dantzler-ir-injury-reserve-cornerback . live .
  20. Web site: December 10, 2022 . Vikings Activate Cameron Dantzler, Sr., & Place Jonathan Bullard on Injured Reserve . Vikings.com . December 11, 2022 . December 11, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221211175131/https://www.vikings.com/news/cameron-dantzler-ir-injured-activated-roster-moves . live .
  21. Web site: Nelson . Joe . Vikings release cornerback Cam Dantzler . March 10, 2023 . SI.com . March 11, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230311002819/https://www.si.com/fannation/bringmethesports/vikings/vikings-release-cornerback-cam-dantzler . live .
  22. Web site: Commanders claim CB Cam Dantzler Sr. off waivers . March 15, 2023 . www.commanders.com . en-US . March 14, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230314215938/https://www.commanders.com/news/commanders-claim-cb-cam-dantzler-sr-off-waivers . live .
  23. Web site: Alper . Josh . Commanders cut Cameron Dantzler, put Andrew Norwell on PUP list . May 30, 2023 . Pro Football Talk . May 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230530184741/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/05/30/commanders-cut-cameron-dantzler-put-andrew-norwell-on-pup-list/ . live .
  24. Web site: Glab, Maddy . June 7, 2023 . Bills sign CB Cameron Dantzler . BuffaloBills.com . June 7, 2023 . June 7, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230607135353/https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-signs-cb-cameron-dantzler . live .
  25. News: Bills Sign CB, Cut Another . en . Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills News, Analysis and More . July 28, 2023 . July 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230728171158/https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/buffalo-bills-sign-kyron-brown-cut-cameron-dantzler-roster-moves-training-camp . live .
  26. Web site: August 22, 2023 . Houston Texans Transactions (8-22-2023) . HoustonTexans.com . August 23, 2023 . August 22, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230822214508/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-transactions-8-22-2023 . live .
  27. Web site: August 29, 2023 . Texans announce initial 53-man roster . HoustonTexans.com . September 4, 2023 . August 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230830121400/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-announce-initial-53-man-roster . live .
  28. Web site: New Orleans Saints announce roster moves . September 21, 2023 . NewOrleansSaints.com . en-US . September 27, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230927230035/https://www.neworleanssaints.com/news/new-orleans-saints-roster-moves-announced-092023 . live .
  29. Web site: Sigler . John . Saints promote CB Cameron Dantzler, officially re-sign WR Marquez Callaway . Saints Wire . November 22, 2023.
  30. Web site: Grindley . Wyatt . Saints Waiving CB Cameron Dantzler . NFL Trade Rumors . January 1, 2024.
  31. 1778265524473925675 . UFL_PR . The United Football League has announced the following transactions: . April 10, 2024 . April 11, 2024.
  32. Web site: UFL Transactions . 2024-04-17 . UFLBoard.com . en-US.
  33. Web site: Cameron Dantzler (CB): Bio, News, Stats & more . December 27, 2023 . www.vikings.com . en-US.
  34. Web site: Horka . Tyler . 'An awesome dad': How 2 Mississippi State Bulldogs balance fatherhood and college football . December 27, 2023 . The Clarion-Ledger . en-US.