Faison Brandon, the youngest quarterback ever to start for the Tennessee Volunteers, carries a name that tells a story of a roadside sign and a family nickname.
The Origin of a Name
While traveling on Highway 29 in North Carolina, Lenard Brandon and his wife Rolanda noticed an old barbershop sign that read “Faizon’s Barber Shop.” The sign sparked the idea to blend the name with their son’s father’s nickname, “Fatz,” creating “Faizon.” Their curiosity didn’t stop there; a short distance later they spotted a functioning shop called “Faison’s Barbershop,” confirming the spelling that would become his official first name.
The couple told the origin story to their son when he was about four or five years old, emphasizing how the name fit him perfectly. They explained that they had considered “Zachary” but chose Faizon because it matched his personality and the legacy of the barbershop sign that first inspired them.
On the field, Brandon has already made history as the youngest quarterback to start for the Volunteers. He will now lead the team in their September 5, 2024 showdown against Furman at Neyland Stadium, a venue that has witnessed many milestones in Tennessee football history.