No small part

There’s a chance you’ve seen Braxton Hughes, ’22, in the Netflix show you’re currently bingeing. You just didn’t notice him.

That may be because Hughes is a background actor, a role he’s had success in of late. Hughes has recently made cameos in popular shows like Outer Banks and Cobra Kai.

Hughes’ role on set is similar to the one he held on the University of Richmond’s football team. During his five seasons with the Spiders, he wasn’t always on the field, but he made up for it where he could with the little things. Hughes would often hold kicks and don a headset on the sidelines to help with signaling.

“Even with a smaller role, I just tried to be a leader and help our team win in any way I could, and I really enjoyed it,” Hughes said. “I loved it so much, and I miss it a lot, too.”

After five years at Robins Stadium, Hughes received his master’s degree from Ferrum College, where he also had a chance to play a sixth season.

Now Hughes plays the sport internationally in a league in Brazil—a destination set in motion by a love of culture and language he discovered while studying Latin American, Latino, and Iberian studies and anthropology.

His pursuits in acting were sparked during his time as an undergraduate student as well. A seminal moment came when he took a class with professor Julie Fulcher of the theatre and dance department. There he rediscovered his love for performing, which has benefited him now as a thespian.

From the field to the screen and everywhere in between, Hughes’ life has been defined by a variety of activities, many of which have continued post-graduation thanks to his time at the university.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Richmond,” Hughes said.

Editor’s note: This story was contributed by current journalism student Jimmy James, ’25.