Dodson grew up in Franklin, Tennessee, raised by his single mother Angela,[1] and was rated a 4-star prospect by 24/7 Sports and Rivals after garnering several awards as a high school senior at Centennial High School. He attended college at Texas A&M University, choosing to play for their college football team over other schools such as Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and others. As a freshman in 2016, Dodson recorded 27 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss, and recorded a fumble recovery as a reserve linebacker. He garnered a team-leading 105 tackles as a sophomore, with 11.0 for a loss and 5.5 quarterback sacks in addition to 3 interceptions and 6 pass breakups. After a strong junior year in which he finished third on the team with 61 tackles, Dodson announced that he would forgo his senior year and declare for the NFL draft.[2]
Dodson signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL draft. Following an incident in Arizona in which he was arrested and accused of domestic violence, Dodson received a six-game suspension after pleading guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges.[5] He was later waived and re-signed to the practice squad upon finishing his suspension.[6]
Dodson made his first regular season appearance on September 13, 2020, during a 27–17 win over the New York Jets. He entered in place of starting middle linebackerTremaine Edmunds, who suffered a shoulder injury, and was himself injured later in the game.[7] Dodson recorded his first career sack during the game, taking down Jets quarterback Sam Darnold.[8] With Edmunds out the following week against the Miami Dolphins, Dodson made his first career start.[9] He was placed on injured reserve on October 24, 2020.[10] He was activated on December 12, 2020.[11]
Dodson played in 16 games in the 2021 season and recorded 15 tackles.[12] On February 10, 2022, Dodson signed a one-year contract extension with the Bills.[13]
In the 2022 season, Dodson appeared in 16 games and started three. He finished with one sack, 32 total tackles (22 solo), and one fumble recovery.[14]
On March 14, 2023, Dodson signed another one-year contract extension.[15] He competed for the starting middle linebacker position in the wake of Edmunds' departure in free agency,[16] but lost out to Terrel Bernard, who had missed most of preseason.[17] Despite this, Dodson would be thrust into the starting lineup himself when All-Pro Matt Milano suffered a season-ending leg fracture. Dodson finished the season with 10 starts and a career-high in playing time, with most of his snaps being on run defense. He was also graded as the Bills' most-improved player that season by Pro Football Focus, improving his score to 89.5, the second highest among linebackers league-wide, from a 2022 score of 48.4.[18]
On July 18, 2024, Dodson was placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.[20] On July 23, he was activated from the PUP list after passing his physical.[21]
Dodson was waived by the Seahawks on November 11, 2024.[22]
Miami Dolphins
Dodson was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins on November 12, 2024.[23]
Personal life
Dodson was the first alumnus from Centennial High School to make it into the NFL. He hosted a football camp for the school in 2021.[1]
