On his 18th birthday in September 2023, my nephew committed to playing football for the University of Texas Longhorns. He is widely considered one of the 50 best players in the 2024 recruiting class. He currently plays for the No. 1 high school football team in the nation, Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California.

His name is Brandon Baker, just like me.

I remember when he was born and my brother Gary told me that he named his son after me. I couldn’t believe it.

“Why would you name your child after a felon?”

“Because I’m my brother’s keeper,” Gary said. That gesture provided me with a sense of humanity at a time when I felt none.

Still today, at 42 years old, I can vividly recall my nephew’s childhood years — at least the version I experienced through pictures and phone calls. He and his little brother spent a lot of time at my mother’s house. Every time I called my mom from prison, she would joke about the boys always fighting each other and driving her crazy.

She would shout, “Brandon, come over here and talk to your uncle!” When I got him on the phone, all he talked about were video games, his brothers and football. He also made it his business to remind me that we had the same name, which he found very amusing.

Those are years I wish I could get back. It was pretty special seeing how much my mother loved her grandkids. 

Throughout his high school career, I kept up with Brandon’s accomplishments by watching highlights through a Yahoo sports app on my state-issued tablet. His high school has won four state titles, so it was easy to follow him on the local news too.

During his freshman and sophomore years, Brandon and I talked on the phone a few times a week. But because of his busy schedule, that contact eventually dropped off. His father still sends me cards and pictures. I know they want me back home.

All of this made his 18th birthday and his commitment to Texas bittersweet for me. Since then, my mother has passed away, so she won’t get to see Brandon thrive on and off the football field.

I wish my mom had still been alive to celebrate with him. She would have told me, “This boy reminds me of you.” We would have laughed about it. 

Lately I’ve found myself contemplating what that statement means. Besides the fact that we have the same name and we’re both Libras, my nephew and I are far apart in many ways. 

I played football in high school and was recruited by the University of Oregon, where my other nephew, Gary Baker, played. But instead of reaching the bright lights of a top-tier college football stadium like Brandon, I was sent to prison at 18. Our family gathering had been held at Pomona Superior Court, not at a birthday party. There were tears of anguish for me. There were tears of joy for him. The first Brandon Baker brought shame. The second Brandon Baker brought pride and celebration. 

Unbeknownst to me at the time of his birth, he was sent to be my redeemer. I wonder if my brother had that in mind when he named his son after me.

Today, I proudly identify as “Little Brandon,” even though I am older. That’s because my nephew is 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, while I’m only 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds. I also like to refer to myself as Little Brandon because my nephew inspires me to be the best man I can be. I’m thankful that when people Google the name Brandon Baker now, they see the good and not the bad.

I expect to be released from prison this year. I’ve thought about so many things, none more than visiting my mother’s burial site, which is in Texas. The thought brings me to tears. But now I also look forward to attending Texas Longhorn games to see my nephew play. That thought brings me happiness.