“From Gridiron Glory to Grim Confession: The Shocking Murder Admission of a Former College Football Star”

In a shocking turn of events, the sports world is rocked by the dark side of fame and friendship as former Duke wide receiver Brandon Braxton faces grave criminal charges—accused of murdering a high school friend. Remember that saying about how a star athlete’s journey often leads to glory? Apparently, not all paths are lined with success. This case takes a grotesque detour, as reports surface of Braxton’s chilling confession amidst the backdrop of a disturbing crime scene involving Whitney Hurd, a real estate agent who was found dead in her Charlotte townhome last July. As the details unfurl—filled with twists that could rival any nail-biting thriller—we’re left wondering: how do some athletes end up trading their jerseys for prison stripes? To get the complete story and understand the implications behind this tragic narrative, click here to LEARN MORE.

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A former college football star is now facing serious criminal charges after reportedly admitting to a murder.

According to TMZ, former Duke wide receiver Brandon Braxton has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Charlotte-based real estate agent Whitney Hurd. In July 2024, Hurd was found dead in her townhome.

Per the report, Hurd was being held at the Mecklenburg Sheriff’s Office on an allegation of trespassing when he allegedly admitted to the crime.

“I killed Whitney Hurd,” he reportedly said, per the arrest affidavit.

Braxton had been a “person of interest” following Hurd’s death back in July. His fingerprints were reportedly found around her home and car.

He has also been charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon. Officials alleged that Braxton stole Hurd’s car – a BMW X3 – and her phone.

Former Duke football player Brandon Braxton confesses to murdering high school friend in upscale North Carolina townhome https://t.co/EYAXkzQSzN pic.twitter.com/JTRmENNGBn

— New York Post (@nypost) March 26, 2025

Braxton and Hurd were high school friends growing up in Charlotte. The two had lost touch for several years.

Hurd was reported missing by her family on July 11. Several days later, she was found dead of multiple stab wounds and her body was found wrapped in bedding.

Braxton has been arrested numerous times recently. The most recent arrest was his seventh since the murder alone.

Braxton is due back in court on April 9.

Brandon Braxton (5) of Duke goes for a gain against Jabari Price (4) on Saturday, November 26, 2011, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Chuck Liddy/Raleigh News & Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Raleigh News & Observer/Getty Images

As a wide receiver at Duke he played relatively well. Over 42 games between 2010 and 2013, Braxton had 93 receptions for 893 yards and three touchdowns.

He contributed on defense as well, logging 32 tackles, two tackles for loss and one pass defended during his time there.