Faizon Brandon, the freshman quarterback for the University of Tennessee, is set to make history as the youngest starting quarterback in the program's history. As the 18th-ranked Volunteers prepare to face Furman on September 5 at Neyland Stadium, fans are not just curious about his on-field abilities but also about the story behind his unique name.
The name 'Faizon' has an interesting origin that his parents, Lenard and Rolanda Brandon, are eager to share. According to them, the inspiration came during a pivotal moment in their lives when they were expecting their first child in 2008. The couple, originally from Danville, Virginia, had recently relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina, in search of better job opportunities. As they contemplated potential names for their son, they found themselves at an impasse.
Rolanda had her heart set on the name Zachary, but Lenard was not entirely convinced. During their daily travels along Highway 29, which connects their hometown with Greensboro, they noticed a sign for a barbershop that had recently closed down. The sign read 'Faizon's Barber Shop,' and the name struck a chord with them. Rolanda recalled, "Once we decided on going with that name, we were going back and forth on using an S or a Z. I thought Z was more masculine." This decision ultimately led to the name Faizon, which they felt was distinctive and fitting.
Interestingly, there is a barbershop named Faison's Barbershop in Summit, North Carolina, which has a different spelling but highlights the popularity of the name among barbershop owners in the region. Regardless of the spelling, the Brandons' choice of name was solidified by their personal connection to the sign they encountered.
Lenard Brandon, who goes by the nickname 'Fatz,' added another layer to the story. He creatively linked his nickname to his son's name, stating, "When we passed that little building (of the barbershop), and it had the name Faizon on it, my wife liked it. Then I started saying it over and over — Fatz's son and Faiz-on. It sounded close. To me, Faizon sounded like Fatz's son. That’s how we came up with the name. And it grew on us as time went along." This connection between father and son adds a personal touch to the name's significance.
Faizon Brandon learned about the origin of his name when he was around four or five years old, coinciding with the time he began playing tackle football. Reflecting on the naming process, Rolanda expressed her initial reservations about the name, admitting, "I told him that I wanted to name him something more prestigious like Zachary. He was like, ‘Ugh, I’m glad you didn’t do that.’" Over time, however, she grew to appreciate the uniqueness of Faizon, feeling that it suited him far better than the name Zachary would have.
As Faizon Brandon prepares to take the field as Tennessee's youngest starting quarterback, his name stands as a testament to his family's story and the creativity behind it. Fans will not only be watching his performance on the field but also embracing the narrative that accompanies his distinctive name, which has roots in a simple barbershop sign.
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