University of Toledo Athletics

Mark Brandon's University of Toledo football career was a true rag to riches story. Initially a walk-on, Brandon earned a spot on the special teams as a freshman and made his first tackle in the 1982 California Bowl. Brandon surprised everyone early in his UT career by earning a starting cornerback spot midway through his sophomore season and recording 12 solo tackles, nine assists and one interception. In UT's 24-19 win over MAC champion Bowling Green in 1982; he flew through the air to block a field goal attempt that was returned for a Rocket touchdown.

     As a junior in 1983, Brandon set the school record for most interceptions in a single season with nie, en route to earning All-MAC first-team honors. His interception total was also third-best in Mid-American Conference history and second in the nation that year, and prompt a feature story by Sports Illustrated.

     During his senior year in 1984, again led the MAC and ranked among the top 10 in the nation. He was a unanimous selection to the All-MAC first-team and was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year. That season the Rocket defense was rated the best in the MAC, holding opponents to a stingy 12.2 points per game. Toledo won the MAC championship and became the first conference school to make a second California Bowl appearance.

     The Rockets accumulated a 33-12-1 record and two MAC championships during Brandon's four years. In addition to his single-season interception record, he ranks among UT leaders in career pass interceptions and career pass interception yardage, with 16 and 178, respectively.

  After graduation he was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs and later played in the Canadian Football League with Hamilton Tiger-Cats.