Sports Cipher

by:James A. Warren Jr
Aug 1st 2011

Interview with Branden Bufford

Sports Cipher was lucky enough to interview Branden Bufford, former Howard Bison-Cornerback. After receiving his bachelors degree this past spring, Branden Bufford went back home to Detroit to continue training during the NFL’s lockout delays. Now the lockout has ended and Bufford’s hometown team, the Detroit Loins was the first to scoop him up.

James Warren: First, What Up Doe?! What was your first reaction when you received your phone call from the Lions?
Branden Bufford: What Up Doe?! Lol! It was like WOW! It was just that simple reaction. Lol!
JW: What type of emotions were you going through during the lockout?
BB: Aw man they were all over. There wasn’t doubt in myself but doubt in the opportunity I would have. It was a faithful journey, it was a lot of times I could have given up, but this is my dream you know.

 JW: You talked about faith, who or what is your inspiration?

BB: My inspiration are the people that came before me like, Antoine Bethea, Ron
Bartell…oh yea and my little brother Blake.

JW: What kept you motivated to work toward your dreams, since you were a walk on at Howard and to make it as far as you have?

BB: Honestly, myself, I knew I could do it and I had to push myself. I came to Howard for an education, graduated and worked hard to be good at football, now I’m going to work harder to be starter, pro bowler…I want to do it all!

JW: Do you feel as if you were at a disadvantage going to a HBCU compared to other players who went to other Division I schools?

BB: Definitely not. There’s guys here from different HBCUs and big name schools like Oregon. If anything I feel like there was an advantage because Howard is known for having good DBs (defensive backs) so they looked at me a little more lol.

JW: Being from Detroit, how do you feel about playing for the Detroit Lions?

BB: Man, it’s a dream come true. I grew up watch Barry Sanders play in the Silverdome and going to the games during Thanksgiving, and now I have the chance to live out my dream. I’m doing a food job of not getting star struck lol, and not letting the moment overwhelm me.

JW: How do you feel about the direct the franchise is going?

BB: There are great leaders in the locker room, a positive attitude, great energy, coach Schwartz (Jim Schwartz) is a wonderful leader and very passionate about the game and his players.

JW: What is some advice do you have for kids and teenagers from Detroit that are going through these economic hard times, and believe that some of their dreams are unattainable? Even though you are living proof.

BB: All I can say is the only person holding you back is yourself. Yeah coming from Detroit was hard, but if you work hard, show dedication and continue that it will be worth it all in the end.

JW: So since Sports Cipher is a website for the younger generation that brings together hip hop and sports, what’s some music that motivates you daily in the locker room?

BB: Man I have to say Big Sean! His music is motivating and his story telling hits close to home, and of course I’ll put on some Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka, and Young Jeezy to keep me amped.

JW: Is there anything you would change about young journey?

BB: In hindsight, no there is nothing I would change its all worth the struggle I promise.

JW: Thanks a lot for the interview and the Sports Cipher team and myself would like to thank you for your time, and wish you luck. Me personally I would say your motivation to me, Detroit, and Howard University as a whole.

BB: Thanks a lot I appreciate it, and me myself see friends doing well is also motivating.

JW: That’s real! Lol!