Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks has already endured more than his fair share of adversity in his young football career. Once a rising star in college football, Brooks has faced back-to-back ACL tears before his NFL journey could even take off.
Still, through it all, he’s had one constant source of support: His girlfriend, Baylea Brandon. The two met in history class at the University of Texas, and her presence has been a steadying force as Brooks continues to push through the ups and downs of professional football.
Jonathon Brooks’ Girlfriend Sends Loving Message on Instagram
Brooks played college football at the University of Texas, having committed to the program as a four-star recruit out of Hallettsville, less than 100 miles away.
He backed up Bijan Robinson before taking over as the lead back in the 2023 season. That year, he had a major breakout campaign, taking 187 carries for 1,135 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Sadly, his sensational season was cut short when he tore his ACL late in the year against the TCU Horned Frogs.
Despite the injury, Carolina believed in the talent he’d shown and drafted him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Brandon shared a message on Instagram this week as she graduated. “Thank you @utaustintx for bringing me the best friends ever and for putting Jonathon Brooks and I in the same history class in 2022. 🥹🤍 I am so grateful and beyond excited to enter this new chapter of my life!!!!! #wag”
Undoubtedly, the Panthers’ running back has leaned on Brandon’s support in recent years, with injuries playing a dominant role in his career.
After recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in college, Brooks made his debut for the Panthers in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He took just two carries in that game, totaling seven yards.
Just two weeks later, he was hurt again against the Philadelphia Eagles. He went down in the Week 14 game, and it was confirmed that he’d once again torn his ACL.
The injury marked his second ACL tear in just under 13 months. So far, he’s managed only nine carries and 22 rushing yards in the NFL.
He is now fighting to get back on the field as he looks to prove himself to head coach Dave Canales, who helped pick Brooks as one of the first players he wanted to bring to Carolina.
Brooks Sidelined Again for Panthers in 2025
Brooks has been placed on the physically unable to perform list (or PUP), which will rule him out for the entirety of the 2025 NFL season.
Canales and the Panthers are hoping that by doing so, Brooks will have enough time to fully recover from multiple injuries before being ready to go full speed in 2026.
“It really just allows him to focus on what he’s working on, which is full health, strength, best shape of his life to give him the best chance for when he comes back to us,” Canales said at rookie minicamp.
Carolina will now play through the 2025 season without its young running back, who hopes to remind everyone why they drafted him once he returns healthy next year.