NFL teams made their final roster cuts earlier this week. As rosters were shaved down to 53 players, Anchorage (Alaska) native Brandon Pili made the cut. He is officially a member of the Miami Dolphins for the 2023 NFL season.
The 23-year-old defensive lineman went undrafted out of USC but proved himself throughout training camp and the preseason to Miami coaches. He has the opportunity to be a solid defensive lineman for a team with huge expectations.
The 6-foot-3, 325-pound defensive tackle had this to say about the Fins:
Christian Wilkins, Zach Sieler and Raekwon Davis have been “like the big brothers I never had,” Pili explained. “They stay on me, help me with technique. Coach Austin [Clark] is a great coach.”
Pili was productive in 14 games for USC with 25 total tackles (2.5 for loss), a sack and a pass defended.
Let’s wish Brandon the best and see what his future holds. He has a promising career ahead of him with Miami.
Brandon Pili (from Anchorage, Alaska) has become just the 13th Alaskan to EVER play in the NFL after making the Dolphins 53 man roster. The last time an Alaskan was in the NFL was 2014. Such a huge achievement, and it’s only up from here for Brandon Pili💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/oYEVlOSE8t
— King of Phinland🐬👑 (@KingOfPhinland) August 31, 2023
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