“He’s closer and closer to achieving the dream that he has for himself, so he’s an inspiration to me.” These are the words of a sister for her younger brother, who back in the summer of 2022, had just moved to his new home– the Notre Dame dorm. Just like his sister, who landed with the Michigan Wolverines in 2021, coming with a filled resume– a four-time Junior Olympics qualifier, six-time regional champion, and six-time state champ. But for the two, the story began years ago in Northern Virginia.

Darryl Morrison, safety for the Washington Redskins back in the 90s, would drive his fourth-grader daughter, Naomi Morrison for 45 minutes every day to the gym after school. With her, was her constant “playmate” her younger brother, Benjamin. Experiencing his elder siblings achieve their dreams in sports, be it football or gymnastics, Benjamin too wanted to be like them. Looking at the grind his sister put in for over six hours every day after school, made him realize, “Anything in life that you want, you got to work for it.” Three years after that understanding, he has achieved what he always wanted and what Naomi had predicted for him on his very first day in Notre Dame.

On April 25, Forbes Sports journalist Caroline Price broke the news on X, “Naomi Morrison’s (@UMichWGym alum) brother just was drafted to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers! Talented family.” That’s right!

Benjamin Morrison, corner back, is officially headed NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, drafted as the second round, 53rd overall pick, He will be joining a franchise once led to the Super Bowl by the legendary Tom Brady — and one that’s since built a powerhouse culture in the NFC South. This brings back the memory when Naomi first saw Benjamin play for the Fighting Irish and realized that her younger brother has grown up from the one who would never be in a “flight or fight” situation before.

“I was surprised that he was a fighter,” she once said, laughing, noting that Benjamin was pretty laid back growing up. “He didn’t really have a chip (on his shoulder), but he’s always been someone that’s had big dreams and aspirations for himself.” And now, he gets to fight more for a successful career in Florida just like he has in the past.

Over three seasons at Notre Dame, Benjamin made his name as one of the most dangerous corners in college football. His stats say it all:

• 78 tackles
• 12 interceptions
• 23 pass breakups
• Just a 45% completion rate allowed
• 44.1 passer rating when targeted

Benjamin burst onto the national scene during his freshman year in 2022 with six interceptions, including a memorable pick-six against Clemson. Even a hip injury in 2024 couldn’t dim his shine and he is on his way to a proper recovery in Tampa Bay. He brings elite instincts, sharp ball skills, and that mix of athleticism and discipline that makes him versatile, equally effective in man or zone.

With talents like Zyon McCollum and Tykee Smith in the Bucs’ secondary, Morrison adds depth, competitiveness, and major upside. He’s pegged as a high-end CB2 with real CB1 potential that HC and Benjamin’s father’s former teammate Todd Bowles could very well use. 

However, now Naomi’s brother will have big responsibilities—playing for a team that is known for legendary quarterbacks. Will he be able to stand up in the clutch moments? The fans will look forward to it. However, Benjamin’s family has a history of proving things right not just in gymnastics. 

The mixture of gymnastics capability and the football legacy 

If you’ve been following NCAA gymnastics over the past few years, the name Naomi Morrison should already ring a bell — and for good reason. During her stellar four-year collegiate career at Michigan, she dominated. Naomi helped the Wolverines capture a National Championship in 2021, earned two Big Ten Championships (2022, 2023), added two Big Ten Regular Season titles, and walked away as a two-time WCGA All-American. But now, it’s her family name making even bigger waves — this time, on the football field. But here’s the twist — there’s another Morrison–Buccaneers connection that runs deeper than a draft card.

Back in 1993, the now-Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles was mentoring none other than Darryl Morrison as a fellow teammate. Darryl, a sixth-round pick out of Arizona, played four seasons (1993–96) in Washington, appearing in 48 games with 28 starts. He also notched an interception and was known for his intelligence and toughness in the secondary, qualities clearly passed on to his son. And yes, the family tree branches even further.

Sammy Morrison, another sibling, also played college football at Arizona, making this one of the most quietly athletic families in the country. So, from Naomi flipping for gold on the beam to Benjamin locking down top receivers in the NFL to a father-son coaching connection that comes full circle, the Morrison family isn’t just talented. They’re generational. They’re building a dynasty.