Fred Bruney

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Fred Bruney
Date of birth December 30, 1931
Place of birth Martins Ferry, Ohio
Position(s) Defensive Back
College Ohio State
NFL Draft 1953 / Round 3
Pro Bowls AFL All-Star 1961, 1962
Statistics
Team(s)
1953-1956
1956-1957
1958
1960-1962
NFL San Francisco 49ers
NFL Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL Los Angeles Rams
AFL Boston Patriots

Fred K. Bruney (born December 30, 1931 in Martins Ferry, Ohio) is a former college and professional American football defensive back.

Bruney played halfback on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball for the Ohio State University Buckeyes from 1950 to 1952. He scored six touchdowns for the Buckeyes in the 1952 season, but he was known primarily for his defensive play. He had 17 career interceptions, which remains second in the Ohio State record book. Bruney was selected first-team All-Big Ten in 1952.

Bruney was drafted in the third round of the 1953 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He ultimately played in the National Football League for the San Francisco 49ers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Los Angeles Rams. In 1960 he joined the Boston Patriots of the upstart American Football League. He played there for three seasons and was a two-time AFL All-Star selection.

Bruney was appointed the interim head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles for the last game of the 1985 NFL season after former coach Marion Campbell was let go with one game remaining in the season. That game was a 37-35 win over the Minnesota Vikings. The Eagles' 37 points was the most they had scored in a game in over 4 years. Bruney was replaced by Buddy Ryan for the 1986 season. Bruney served as an assistant coach throughout his long NFL career with the Eagles, Falcons, Bucaneers, Giants and Colts. He retired from the NFL after the 1997 season, at the time he was the longest legacy in the NFL.

[edit] See also

Other American Football League players


Preceded by:
Vic Janowicz
Ohio State Buckeyes
Football Season MVP

1952
Succeeded by:
George Jacoby
Preceded by:
Marion Campbell
Philadelphia Eagles Football Coaches
1985
Succeeded by:
Buddy Ryan