Notre Dame Alum and Buccaneers Rookie Cornerback Benjamin Morrison Grateful to Be Healthy Again After Battling Through Injuries and Doubt

Benjamin Morrison never imagined his NFL journey would begin this way — watching from the sideline, rehabbing, and wondering if his body would betray him before his dreams even had a chance to bloom. But now, healthy and wearing the pewter and red of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the former Notre Dame star says he’s just grateful to be back — fully cleared, mentally locked in, and finally feeling like himself again.

“It’s been a long road,” Morrison told reporters following a training camp session in Tampa. “There were days where I questioned if I’d be ready in time, or if I’d feel like myself again. But I never stopped trusting the process. Being healthy again — that’s a blessing I won’t take for granted.”

The Bucs’ rookie cornerback, a standout at Notre Dame from 2022 to 2024, entered the NFL with high expectations. A lockdown specialist with elite ball skills and a reputation for stepping up in the biggest moments, Morrison was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by Tampa Bay. But a nagging hamstring injury — one that lingered during pre-draft workouts and OTAs — threatened to derail his momentum early.

Now, with training camp fully underway, Morrison is back on the field, making plays, competing for a spot in the defensive rotation, and turning heads with the same instincts and quick-twitch reactions that made him one of college football’s top corners.

Battling Back: The Injury That Silenced the Buzz

Coming out of Notre Dame, Morrison had serious buzz around him. As a sophomore, he led the Fighting Irish in interceptions and earned All-American recognition. His ability to mirror top receivers, anticipate throws, and deliver in crunch-time situations made him a projected top-50 pick heading into his final college season.

But a late-season injury in 2024 — combined with limited availability during Notre Dame’s spring workouts and the NFL Combine — caused his draft stock to dip. Teams were unsure if Morrison’s hamstring issues would linger into his rookie season. The Bucs took a calculated gamble, selecting him 107th overall, believing the long-term upside outweighed any short-term risk.

For Morrison, the draft-day slide was disappointing — but not defeating.

“It’s easy to let doubt creep in when your body isn’t responding the way you want it to,” he said. “But I kept leaning on my support system — my family, my teammates, and the medical staff that helped me get back. I knew I’d get there.”

Life After Notre Dame: Carrying the Irish Standard Into the NFL

Morrison’s pride in being a Notre Dame alumnus radiates in every answer he gives. He credits the program — especially head coach Marcus Freeman and secondary coach Mike Mickens — for molding him into a professional well before he heard his name called in the draft.

“Notre Dame prepares you in every way — mentally, physically, and spiritually,” Morrison said. “I faced great competition, played in big moments, and learned how to handle both success and adversity. All of that prepared me for what I’m facing now.”

Indeed, Morrison’s college resume reads like that of a veteran. Over three seasons, he totaled 10 interceptions, 27 pass breakups, and became known for his cerebral approach to the game. He was often tasked with shadowing the opponent’s top receiver — a challenge he embraced with quiet confidence.

One of his most iconic moments came against Clemson in 2022, when he picked off two passes and returned one for a touchdown, helping Notre Dame dominate in a prime-time win. That performance — along with his consistent growth — cemented him as one of the best defensive backs to come out of South Bend in recent memory.

Tampa Bay’s Belief in Morrison’s Upside

The Buccaneers knew they were getting a competitor when they drafted Morrison, even with some uncertainty about his initial availability. Defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers called Morrison “a technician” and praised his mental preparation, noting that “even while sidelined, he’s been like a sponge — in the film room, in meetings, asking the right questions.”

Now that he’s back on the field, Morrison’s athleticism is starting to flash again. In recent training camp practices, he’s been seen working with the second-team defense, rotating in with the starters, and showcasing the same fluid hips, quick transitions, and ball-tracking skills that made him so dangerous at Notre Dame.

“He’s sticky in coverage, he doesn’t panic when the ball’s in the air, and he plays with poise,” said Bucs defensive backs coach Kevin Ross. “We love what he brings to the table, and now that he’s fully healthy, he’s got a chance to push for real playing time.”

Tampa Bay’s secondary is deep but not without question marks. Veteran Carlton Davis III is a proven commodity, but injuries and inconsistency have plagued others in the room. Morrison offers youth, upside, and — perhaps most importantly — a fresh energy.

Gratitude, Focus, and Perspective

Throughout this process, Morrison has maintained a grateful and grounded perspective. He speaks often about faith, resilience, and gratitude — three themes that defined his time at Notre Dame and continue to shape his early NFL journey.

“Gratitude keeps me focused,” he said. “You don’t know how much you love this game until it’s taken from you. Now every rep, every meeting, every time I line up — I cherish it.”

Morrison also gives credit to his fellow rookies and veteran mentors in the Bucs’ locker room, including Antoine Winfield Jr., who has taken Morrison under his wing.

“Antoine’s been huge,” Morrison said. “He leads by example and he doesn’t take shortcuts. Watching how he works — how he studies and takes care of his body — that’s helped me take the next step.”

A Role Carved Through Competition

Tampa Bay’s defensive coaching staff has made it clear that roles will be earned, not given. For Morrison, that’s not discouraging — it’s motivating. He’s already seen time at outside corner and in nickel packages, where his quick feet and awareness make him an intriguing option.

“He’s not just out there to develop,” head coach Todd Bowles said. “He’s out there competing. If he earns his snaps, he’ll play.”

Morrison is embracing that mindset. Whether it’s on special teams, sub-packages, or starting reps, he’s committed to contributing however he can.

“You build trust with consistency,” he said. “That’s what I’m focused on right now — stacking good days, showing I belong, and being ready when my number is called.”

The Future: Poised for a Breakout?

If Morrison stays healthy and continues to ascend, it’s not hard to envision a breakout rookie season. He has the skillset to thrive in a man-heavy, aggressive scheme like Bowles’, and his instincts and football IQ have already earned praise from coaches and analysts alike.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah recently included Morrison on a list of “rookies to watch,” calling him “a steal for the Bucs with legitimate CB2 upside in year one.”

But Morrison isn’t interested in the hype. He’s focused on the moment — one rehab session, one rep, one snap at a time.

“I’ve been given another chance to do what I love,” he said. “I’m not going to waste it.”

Benjamin Morrison’s story is still being written, but the early chapters are filled with grit, humility, and an unwavering belief in something bigger than himself. From a standout cornerback at Notre Dame to an injury-tested NFL rookie now finding his rhythm, Morrison’s journey is one of perseverance and purpose.

He’s not just grateful to be back on the field. He’s grateful for every obstacle that reminded him of how much the game means — and how much more he still has to give.

If health and opportunity align, Benjamin Morrison may soon go from “rookie to watch” to cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ secondary. And for him, that journey began the moment he chose gratitude over fear and faith over frustration.