16 Al Bruno

Al Bruno was born Albert Paul Bruno on March 28, 1927, in West Chester, Pennsylvania to Frank Bruno and Tomasine Porco Bruno, both of Italian descent.  He was a versatile athlete who excelled in both football, track, and basketball at the University of Kentucky from 1948 to 1951.

Bruno attended West Chester High School and The Perkiomen School, where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track. His athletic prowess earned him a place at the University of Kentucky, where he would go on to make significant contributions to both the football and basketball programs.

At UK, Bruno showcased his athletic versatility by participating in football, basketball, and track.

Playing as an end under the legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, Bruno was a key player for the Wildcats. He was part of the team that secured victories in the 1950 Orange Bowl and the 1951 Sugar Bowl. In his senior year, he recorded 38 receptions for 589 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning third-team All-America honors from both the Associated Press and United Press International. His single-season records for receiving yards and touchdown receptions stood for years, highlighting his impact on the field.

On the basketball court, Bruno played as a forward under coach Adolph Rupp for one season during his sophomore year. He was a member of the 1948–49 Wildcats team that clinched the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.  He played in nine games, contributing to the team’s success during that season.

After graduating, Bruno was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1951 NFL Draft. However, he chose to play in the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he had a distinguished career with teams such as the Toronto Argonauts, Ottawa Rough Riders, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. His playing career was highlighted by a Grey Cup championship with the Argonauts in 1952 and a selection as a CFL All-Star the same year.

Transitioning to coaching, Bruno began as a player-coach for the London Lords in 1958. He later served as an assistant coach for the Ottawa Rough Riders and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. In 1983, he became the head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, leading them to multiple Grey Cup appearances and securing a championship in 1986. His coaching excellence was recognized with the Annis Stukus Trophy as the CFL’s Coach of the Year in 1986.

Bruno’s contributions to sports were honored with inductions into the Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame and the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. His legacy endures as one of the few athletes to have played under both Bear Bryant and Adolph Rupp, two of the most storied coaches in collegiate sports history.

Al Bruno passed away on October 5, 2014, in Port Charlotte, Florida, leaving behind a rich legacy in both American and Canadian football, as well as collegiate basketball.