“He’s getting closer and closer to reaching the dream he’s always had for himself, and that’s what makes him such an inspiration to me.” These words came from a sister reflecting on her younger brother, who, back in the summer of 2022, had just moved into his new home a dorm at Notre Dame. Like her, he came in with a strong background; she had joined the Michigan Wolverines in 2021 boasting a decorated career a four-time Junior Olympics qualifier, six-time regional champion, and six-time state champion. But the Morrison family’s journey began long before, back in Northern Virginia.
Darryl Morrison, who played safety for the Washington Redskins in the 1990s, would drive his daughter Naomi to the gym 45 minutes each day after school. Always along for the ride was her constant companion her younger brother, Benjamin. Growing up watching his older siblings succeed in sports, Benjamin found himself wanting to follow the same path. Observing Naomi’s dedication spending more than six hours daily practicing after school taught him early on, “If you want something in life, you have to work for it.” Three years after learning that lesson, Benjamin fulfilled the dream Naomi had envisioned for him when he first stepped onto Notre Dame’s campus.
On April 25, Forbes Sports reporter Caroline Price broke the news on X: “Naomi Morrison’s (@UMichWGym alum) brother just got drafted to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers! Such a talented family.” Indeed, Benjamin Morrison, a cornerback, is officially NFL-bound, selected in the second round as the 53rd overall pick by the Buccaneers. He’ll now join a franchise once led to Super Bowl glory by Tom Brady, and a team that’s built a formidable presence in the NFC South.
Naomi Morrison’s (@UMichWGym alum) brother just was drafted to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers! Talented family
— Caroline Price (@carolineoprice) April 26, 2025
The news brought back memories for Naomi, who first realized during Benjamin’s Notre Dame games that her once laid-back little brother had developed real grit. “I was surprised he became a fighter,” she said, laughing, remembering how Benjamin had always been easygoing growing up. “He never really had that chip on his shoulder, but he’s always been someone with big dreams.” Now, he’ll continue fighting this time for success in Florida, just as he did at Notre Dame.
Across three seasons with the Fighting Irish, Benjamin carved out a name as one of the premier cornerbacks in college football. His numbers tell the story:
78 tackles
12 interceptions
23 pass breakups
A mere 45% completion rate allowed
44.1 passer rating when targeted
He first captured national attention during his freshman year in 2022, grabbing six interceptions, including a standout pick-six against Clemson. Even after battling a hip injury in 2024, Benjamin stayed on track and is now headed to Tampa Bay for a fresh start. With elite instincts, sharp ball skills, and a blend of athleticism and discipline, he can thrive in both man and zone schemes.
Joining a Buccaneers’ secondary that already features talents like Zyon McCollum and Tykee Smith, Benjamin will bring depth, competition, and major potential. He’s projected as a strong CB2 with the upside to develop into a CB1 a huge asset for head coach Todd Bowles, who, interestingly enough, was once a teammate of Benjamin’s father.
That connection goes back to 1993 when Bowles, now the Buccaneers’ head coach, was mentoring Darryl Morrison in Washington. Darryl, a sixth-round pick from Arizona, played four seasons with the team, known for his smarts and toughness traits clearly passed down to Benjamin. And the family’s athletic legacy doesn’t stop there: another Morrison sibling, Sammy, also played college football at Arizona.
From Naomi flipping for gold on the balance beam to Benjamin shutting down elite receivers in the NFL and with a father-son connection linking back to the Buccaneers the Morrisons are more than just talented. They’re building a true dynasty.
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