Lander Barton (born December 30, 2003) is an American professional football linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Utah Utes and signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2026.
Early life Barton was born in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, later attending Brighton High School. He comes from a family of athletes; his father, Paul, played baseball and football for the Utah Utes; his mother, Mikki-Kane, was an honorable mention All-American basketball player for Utah as well as an athlete competing in volleyball; his sister, Dani Drews, was an All-American volleyball player for the Utes and is a professional volleyball player overseas, in the United States, and for the United States Women’s National Team; and both of his brothers, Cody and Jackson, each have played for Utah and in the National Football League (NFL).
Barton attended Brighton High School and played basketball and football: in football, he was twice first-team all-state, twice first-team all-region and was the 2020 Region 6 MVP; and in basketball he was a second-team all-state choice. He played linebacker and wide receiver in football, totaling 122 tackles in addition to two interceptions as a senior while also having a career total of 16 receiving touchdowns. Barton was highly recruited, being ranked a four-star prospect, the second-best player in the state and the 17th-best linebacker nationally. He committed to play college football for the Utah Utes, following in the steps of several of his family members.
College career As a true freshman at Utah in 2022, Barton appeared in 14 games, three as a starter, and posted 46 tackles, eight , 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. He was selected by College Football News as a second-team Freshman All-American and was named the Pac-12 Conference Freshman Defensive Player of the Year. He entered the 2023 season as a starter at linebacker.
Professional career
After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL draft, Barton signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent. He was waived on August 30, 2026, and re-signed to the practice squad.
Personal life Barton is the younger brother of NFL players Cody Barton and Jackson Barton and professional volleyball player Dani Drews.
References
External links Los Angeles Chargers bio Utah Utes bio