Cameron Dantzler

Cameron Dantzler
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Position:Cornerback
Personal information
Born: (1998-09-03) September 3, 1998 (age 26)
Hammond, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
High school:Saint Thomas Aquinas (Hammond, Louisiana)
College:Mississippi State (2017–2019)
NFL draft:2020 / round: 3 / pick: 89
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of 2023
Total tackles:149
Forced fumbles:3
Fumble recoveries:2
Pass deflections:17
Interceptions:3
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Cameron Dantzler Sr. (born September 3, 1998) is an American professional football cornerback for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs and was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings.

Early life

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

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split Vertical jump
6 ft 2+1⁄4 in
(1.89 m) 		188 lb
(85 kg) 		30+5⁄8 in
(0.78 m) 		9 in
(0.23 m)		 4.64 s 1.57 s 2.71 s 34.5 in
(0.88 m)
All values from NFL Combine[11][12]

Minnesota Vikings

2020 season

Dantzler was selected in the third round (89th overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft.[13] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on October 28, 2020,[14] and activated three days later.[15] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[16]

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.[17] 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.[18]

2021 season

In a surprise move, the Vikings chose to make Dantzler a healthy inactive in the 2021 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.[19] 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.[20]

2022 season

On November 12, 2022, Dantzler was placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury and was later reactivated on December 10.[21][22] He was released by the Vikings on March 10, 2023.[23]

Washington Commanders

On March 13, 2023, Dantzler was claimed off waivers by the Washington Commanders.[24] He was released on May 30, 2023.[25]

Buffalo Bills

On June 7, 2023, Dantzler was signed by the Buffalo Bills to a one-year contract.[26] On July 27, 2023, Dantzler was released with an injury designation.[27]

Houston Texans

On August 22, 2023, Dantzler signed with the Houston Texans.[28] He was waived on August 29, 2023.[29]

New Orleans Saints

On September 20, 2023, Dantzler signed with the practice squad of the New Orleans Saints.[30] He was signed to the active roster on November 21.[31] Dantzler was waived on January 1, 2024.[32]

San Antonio Brahmas

On April 10, 2024, Dantzler signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL).[33] He was placed on the suspended list on April 16, 2024.[34]

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

On September 23, 2024, Dantzler signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL).[35]

Personal life

Dantzler has three children with Cierra Shinault, two sons, Cameron Jr. and Cason, and a daughter, Charm. Dantzler also has two daughters with V’Shati Sariah, Carmyn and Venus.[36][37]

References

  1. ^ Cronin, Courtney (June 13, 2015). "3-star Louisiana athlete commits to Mississippi State". The Clarion-Ledger. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  2. ^ Lopez, Andrew (June 16, 2015). "Mississippi State felt like 'home' for St. Thomas Aquinas ATH Cameron Dantzler". NOLA.com. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  3. ^ Faulk, Robbie (August 19, 2018). ""Bigger, Stronger, Faster" Dantzler Set for Sophomore Season". 247Sports.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  4. ^ "No. 23 Mississippi State beats Louisville in TaxSlayer Bowl". The Clarion-Ledger. December 30, 2017. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  5. ^ "Development key in Dantzler's success". Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. September 5, 2019. Archived from the original on November 9, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  6. ^ "No. 1 Alabama has 5 players first-team AP All-SEC selections". APNews.com. December 3, 2018. Archived from the original on December 12, 2018. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  7. ^ Holder, Jim (July 15, 2019). "Dantzler, Thompson picked for Defensive Player of the Year list". WTVA.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  8. ^ Murray, David (August 7, 2019). "Dantzler Dialing-In for an Award-Winning Season". 247Sports.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  9. ^ Horka, Tyler (July 2, 2019). "This Mississippi State football player could be an All-American". The Clarion-Ledger. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  10. ^ Horka, Tyler (December 6, 2019). "Mississippi State cornerback Cameron Dantzler to declare for NFL Draft, skip bowl game". clarionledger.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  11. ^ "Cameron Dantzler Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  12. ^ "2020 NFL Draft Scout Cameron Dantzler College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  13. ^ "2020 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 19, 2020. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
  14. ^ Goessling, Ben (October 28, 2020). "Vikings place Cameron Dantzler on COVID-19 reserve list". StarTribune.com. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  15. ^ "Vikings' Cameron Dantzler: Back from COVID-19 list". CBSSports.com. October 31, 2020. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  16. ^ "2020 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  17. ^ Cronin, Courtney (November 1, 2020). "Minnesota Vikings CB Cameron Dantzler taken to hospital, has full movement of body". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  18. ^ "Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings - December 6th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 10, 2020. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  19. ^ Ragatz, Will (September 15, 2021). "The Surprising Fall of Cameron Dantzler, Whose Future With the Vikings is Suddenly Unknown". SI.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  20. ^ Schad, Chris (September 27, 2021). "Cameron Dantzler tweets out frustration over playing time". SI.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  21. ^ Peters, Craig (November 12, 2022). "Vikings Place Cameron Dantzler, Sr., on Injured Reserve & Sign Duke Shelley to 53". Vikings.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  22. ^ "Vikings Activate Cameron Dantzler, Sr., & Place Jonathan Bullard on Injured Reserve". Vikings.com. December 10, 2022. Archived from the original on December 11, 2022. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  23. ^ Nelson, Joe. "Vikings release cornerback Cam Dantzler". SI.com. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  24. ^ "Commanders claim CB Cam Dantzler Sr. off waivers". www.commanders.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  25. ^ Alper, Josh. "Commanders cut Cameron Dantzler, put Andrew Norwell on PUP list". Pro Football Talk. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  26. ^ Glab, Maddy (June 7, 2023). "Bills sign CB Cameron Dantzler". BuffaloBills.com. Archived from the original on June 7, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  27. ^ "Bills Sign CB, Cut Another". Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills News, Analysis and More. Archived from the original on July 28, 2023. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  28. ^ "Houston Texans Transactions (8-22-2023)". HoustonTexans.com. August 22, 2023. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  29. ^ "Texans announce initial 53-man roster". HoustonTexans.com. August 29, 2023. Archived from the original on August 30, 2023. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  30. ^ "New Orleans Saints announce roster moves". NewOrleansSaints.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  31. ^ Sigler, John. "Saints promote CB Cameron Dantzler, officially re-sign WR Marquez Callaway". Saints Wire. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  32. ^ Grindley, Wyatt. "Saints Waiving CB Cameron Dantzler". NFL Trade Rumors. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  33. ^ @UFL_PR (April 10, 2024). "The United Football League has announced the following transactions:" (Tweet). Retrieved April 11, 2024 – via Twitter.
  34. ^ "UFL Transactions". UFLBoard.com. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
  35. ^ "Tiger-cats Sign American Defensive Back Cameron Dantzler". ticats.ca. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
  36. ^ "Cameron Dantzler (CB): Bio, News, Stats & more". www.vikings.com. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  37. ^ Horka, Tyler. "'An awesome dad': How 2 Mississippi State Bulldogs balance fatherhood and college football". The Clarion-Ledger. Retrieved December 27, 2023.