Cameron Dantzler
Current teamLouisville Kings
Number3
PositionCornerback
Birth dateSeptember 3, 1998 (age 27)
Birth placeHammond, Louisiana, U.S.
Height6 ft
Height in2
Weight lb192
High schoolSaint Thomas Aquinas (Hammond)
CollegeMississippi State (2017–2019)
Draftyear2020
Draftround3
Draftpick89
Pastteams
StatusActive
Highlights
Statlabel 1Total tackles
Statvalue 1149
Statlabel 2Forced fumbles
Statvalue 23
Statlabel 3Fumble recoveries
Statvalue 32
Statlabel 4Pass deflections
Statvalue 417
Statlabel 5Interceptions
Statvalue 53
PfrDantCa00

Cameron Dantzler Sr. (born September 3, 1998) is an American professional football cornerback for the Louisville Kings of the United Football League (UFL). 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

Minnesota Vikings

2020 season

Dantzler was selected in the third round (89th overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2020 NFL Draft.[11] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on October 28, 2020,[12] and activated three days later.[13] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[14]

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.[15] 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.[16]

2021 season

In a surprise move, the Vikings chose to make Dantzler a healthy inactive in the 2021 season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.[17] 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.[18]

2022 season

On November 12, 2022, Dantzler was placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury and was later reactivated on December 10.[19][20] He was released by the Vikings on March 10, 2023.[21]

Washington Commanders

On March 13, 2023, Dantzler was claimed off waivers by the Washington Commanders.[22] He was released on May 30.[23]

Buffalo Bills

On June 7, 2023, Dantzler was signed by the Buffalo Bills to a one-year contract.[24] On July 27, Dantzler was released with an injury designation.[25]

Houston Texans

On August 22, 2023, Dantzler signed with the Houston Texans.[26] He was waived on August 29.[27]

New Orleans Saints

On September 20, 2023, Dantzler signed with the practice squad of the New Orleans Saints.[28] He was signed to the active roster on November 21.[29] Dantzler was waived on January 1, 2024.[30]

San Antonio Brahmas

On April 10, 2024, Dantzler signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL).[31] He was placed on the suspended list on April 16.[32]

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

On September 23, 2024, Dantzler signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL).[33] He was released from the team's practice roster on October 26.[34]

Memphis Showboats

On February 3, 2025, Dantzler signed with the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League (UFL).[35]

Miami Dolphins

On August 19, 2025, Dantzler signed with the Miami Dolphins.[36] He was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts.[37]

Louisville Kings

On January 12, 2026, Dantzler was allocated to the Louisville Kings of the United Football League (UFL).[38]

Personal life

Dantzler is currently engaged and has three children with Vshati Oliver: two daughters, Carmyn and Venus, and a son on the way. Dantzler also has two sons and one daughter with Cierra Chantel Shinault: Cameron Jr., Cason, and Charm.[39][40]

References

  1. ^ Cronin, Courtney (June 13, 2015). "3-star Louisiana athlete commits to Mississippi State". The Clarion-Ledger. Archived November 10, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. 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 April 7, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  3. ^ Faulk, Robbie (August 19, 2018). ""Bigger, Stronger, Faster" Dantzler Set for Sophomore Season". 247Sports.com. Archived November 10, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  4. ^ "No. 23 Mississippi State beats Louisville in TaxSlayer Bowl". The Clarion-Ledger. December 30, 2017. Archived November 10, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  5. ^ "Development key in Dantzler's success". Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. September 5, 2019. Archived November 9, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  6. ^ "No. 1 Alabama has 5 players first-team AP All-SEC selections". APNews.com. December 3, 2018. Archived December 12, 2018 at the Wayback Machine. 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 November 10, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  9. ^ Horka, Tyler (July 2, 2019). "This Mississippi State football player could be an All-American". The Clarion-Ledger. Archived November 10, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. 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 November 10, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  11. ^ "2020 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived May 19, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
  12. ^ Goessling, Ben (October 28, 2020). "Vikings place Cameron Dantzler on COVID-19 reserve list". StarTribune.com. Archived November 12, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  13. ^ "Vikings' Cameron Dantzler: Back from COVID-19 list". CBSSports.com. October 31, 2020. Archived November 12, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  14. ^ "2020 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
  15. ^ Cronin, Courtney (November 1, 2020). "Minnesota Vikings CB Cameron Dantzler taken to hospital, has full movement of body". ESPN.com. Archived March 14, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  16. ^ "Jacksonville Jaguars at Minnesota Vikings - December 6th, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived December 10, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  17. ^ Ragatz, Will (September 15, 2021). "The Surprising Fall of Cameron Dantzler, Whose Future With the Vikings is Suddenly Unknown". SI.com. Archived March 14, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  18. ^ Schad, Chris (September 27, 2021). "Cameron Dantzler tweets out frustration over playing time". SI.com. Archived March 14, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  19. ^ Peters, Craig (November 12, 2022). "Vikings Place Cameron Dantzler, Sr., on Injured Reserve & Sign Duke Shelley to 53". Vikings.com. Archived March 14, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  20. ^ "Vikings Activate Cameron Dantzler, Sr., & Place Jonathan Bullard on Injured Reserve". Vikings.com. December 10, 2022. Archived December 11, 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  21. ^ Nelson, Joe. "Vikings release cornerback Cam Dantzler". SI.com. Archived March 11, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  22. ^ "Commanders claim CB Cam Dantzler Sr. off waivers". www.commanders.com. Archived March 14, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  23. ^ Alper, Josh. "Commanders cut Cameron Dantzler, put Andrew Norwell on PUP list". Pro Football Talk. Archived May 30, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  24. ^ Glab, Maddy (June 7, 2023). "Bills sign CB Cameron Dantzler". BuffaloBills.com. Archived June 7, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  25. ^ "Bills Sign CB, Cut Another". Sports Illustrated. Archived July 28, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  26. ^ "Houston Texans Transactions (8-22-2023)". HoustonTexans.com. August 22, 2023. Archived August 22, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
  27. ^ "Texans announce initial 53-man roster". HoustonTexans.com. August 29, 2023. Archived August 30, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  28. ^ "New Orleans Saints announce roster moves". NewOrleansSaints.com. Archived September 27, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  29. ^ Sigler, John. "Saints promote CB Cameron Dantzler, officially re-sign WR Marquez Callaway". Saints Wire. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  30. ^ Grindley, Wyatt. "Saints Waiving CB Cameron Dantzler". NFL Trade Rumors. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  31. ^ "The United Football League has announced the following transactions:". No. 1778265524473925675. April 10, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  32. ^ "UFL Transactions". UFLBoard.com. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  33. ^ "Tiger-cats Sign American Defensive Back Cameron Dantzler". ticats.ca. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  34. ^ "2024 CFL Transactions". CFL.ca. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
  35. ^ "The #UFL has announced the following transactions for Monday, February 3". No. 1886562366550122904. February 3, 2025. Retrieved February 3, 2025.
  36. ^ "Dolphins Make Roster Moves". miamidolphins.com. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  37. ^ "Dolphins Make Roster Moves". miamidolphins.com. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  38. ^ "UFL Announces Selections for 2026 QB Draft and Regional College Allocation". www.theufl.com. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  39. ^ "Cameron Dantzler (CB): Bio, News, Stats & more". www.vikings.com. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  40. ^ Horka, Tyler (October 18, 2019). "'An awesome dad': How 2 Mississippi State Bulldogs balance fatherhood and college football". The Clarion-Ledger. Retrieved December 27, 2023.