FALLS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Brandon Hughes has taken on a new role in public service, this time trading in his football cleats for a badge, Phillyburbs.com reported.
The 39-year-old was sworn in Aug. 5 as a Falls Township Police Department officer during a ceremony at the Bucks County Magisterial District Court.
Hughes, who played in 31 NFL games between 2010 and 2013, was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2009 after a standout college career at Oregon State, according to the report.
After his NFL career, Hughes settled in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, with his wife, who was working for the league office at the time. While raising a family, he launched a training facility called The Fuel House in nearby Levittown, which caters primarily to youth athletes.
He began working with the Falls Township Police Department as a volunteer physical trainer for its police academy, building relationships that ultimately led to his decision to join the force full-time.
“It was a great opportunity to chase another passion of mine,” Hughes told Phillyburbs.com. “I love giving back (and) I love helping people.”
Though his law enforcement career is just beginning, Hughes said he has long had an interest in criminal justice. While attending Oregon State, he initially wanted to pursue the field academically, though it wasn’t offered as a major at the time.
“When people think of policing they think of the bad,” Hughes said. “It’s being able to positively influence or make a positive impact on people.”
“All interactions with police don’t have to have a negative connotation,” he said. “How I handle that interaction or how I interact with someone could make all the difference and it’s important for our youth to see … more black officers.”
From patrolling the secondary on Sundays to patrolling the streets of Bucks County, Hughes says he’s ready for the next phase of service.
“It’s a heavy burden, but it’s a great opportunity,” Hughes said.
