Express sign 2x National Player of the Year Brandon Hanna for 2024

The Erie Express are pleased to announce the return of All-Pro QB-Brandon Hanna (Hiram College) for the 2024 season. Brandon begins his seventh season with the Express. 

Hanna last played for us in the 2023 USA Bowl National Championship Bowl Game in Daytona Beach, FL. We came up just short falling to the defending National Champion Minneapolis Warriors 17-20. Hanna agreed to play on short notice after the loss of our brother Kameron Rubin and did an amazing job throwing 3 TD's.

Brandon's last full season with us was a memorable one for sure. For the season, Brandon accounted for 1840 yards of total offense in 9 games. Hanna was 122 of 219 for 1725 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 2pt conversions. Brandon added another 115 yards on 40 carries with 4 TD's and 5 2pt conversions. For his efforts in the GDFL National Championship Game, Brandon was named the games MVP. Brandon earned GDFL All-Pro status and was named the GDFL Player of the Year for the second time in his career. The Express were named the 2021 GDFL National Champions then in January of 2022 we were named USA Bowl National Champions as well, both National Titles Brandon was under center leading us to victory. 

Hanna finished the 2019 season 137 of 259 for 2,249 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns, 18 (2pt) conversion passes, rushed for 448 yards with 25 touchdowns for a season total of 2,697 yards of total offense and 57 touchdowns. In 7 games Brandon finished the GDFL regular season ranked second in passing yards per game with 187.6, Passing Yards with 1313 yards and passing touchdowns 22. Brandon led the GDFL regular season in rushing touchdowns with 10 and finished third in the league in rushing with 309 yards. In our two playoff games Brandon led the GDFL in passing yards (452) passing yards per game (226) passing TDs (7), 5th in rushing yards (75), 5th in rushing yards per game (37.5), and was second in rushing touchdowns with (2). For his efforts Hanna was not only named GDFL All-Pro for the 2019 season he also earned the Player of the Year honor as well.

Hanna surpassed Chance Anzivine as the Express All Time Passing Leader. Brandon holds Express records for career passing yards (6,355), passing touchdowns (87), Passing TD's in a game (9), Passing yards in a game (368) rushing touchdowns (32), pass attempts (784), pass completions (412) and total offense (6,979).

Brandon has played six full seasons with the Express and has been named All-Pro in each of them. All told Brandon has 4 championships, 3 national titles, twice been named National Player of the Year and has been named All-Pro 10 times.

Brandon was voted as a team captain by his coaches and teammates and he led by example all season. His efforts as a player and leader played a major role in our perfect season and national championship victory.

Prior to joining the Express Hanna has been the starting QB for the Columbus Fire, Ohio Golden Knights and the Ohio Raiders. In 2015 Brandon led the Columbus fire to the PAFL Stripes Division Championship Game and a national championship bowl game victory in Florida (2016). In the National Championship game Brandon was named the games MVP.

Brandon dedicates his free time to mentoring youth in his community and is an active member of his church. A true leader on and off the field. Head football, girls basketball and tennis coach at Jefferson, HS (Ohio)

"Brandon is one of the premier players in the nation at the quarterback position. He has proven himself on the national stage for years. Our accomplishments and brand recognition are directly tied to his efforts on and off the field. He has brought so much to this team as a player and the past few seasons, including this one, as a coach behind the scenes. Words cannot describe. We are blessed to have him back to help us and our young players reach their full potential."-Director of Operations Paul Pennington.

Welcome back on board the PAINTRAIN Brandon! GO EXPRESS!