Bruce McCray facts for kids
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| Position: | Cornerback | ||||
| Personal information | |||||
| Born: | October 27, 1963 United States |
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| Height: | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | ||||
| Weight: | 181 lb (82 kg) | ||||
| Career information | |||||
| High school: | East (Wichita, Kansas) | ||||
| College: | Independence CC (1983–1984) Western Illinois (1985–1986) |
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| Undrafted: | 1987 | ||||
| Career history | |||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||
| Player stats at ArenaFan.com | |||||
Bruce Edward McCray was a professional American football player. He played as a cornerback, which is a defensive position in football. Bruce played for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL). He also played college football and later in the Arena Football League (AFL).
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Bruce McCray's Early Life and College Football
Bruce Edward McCray was born on October 27, 1963. He grew up in Wichita, Kansas, and went to Wichita East High School.
College Football Journey
After high school, Bruce played college football. He started at Independence Community College for the Independence Pirates from 1983 to 1984. Then, he moved to Western Illinois University. He played for the Western Illinois Leathernecks in 1985 and 1986. Playing college football helped him prepare for a professional career.
Bruce McCray's Professional Football Career
After college, Bruce McCray hoped to play in the NFL. He was not chosen in the 1987 NFL draft, which means he was an undrafted player. However, he still got a chance to play professionally.
Playing for the Dallas Cowboys
On April 30, 1987, Bruce signed with the Dallas Cowboys. This was his first professional team. However, he was released by the Cowboys on July 28, 1987.
Time with the Chicago Bears
Right after leaving the Cowboys, Bruce was picked up by the Chicago Bears on July 28, 1987. He was released again on September 1. But he got another chance with the Bears on September 23, 1987. This was during a time when NFL players were on strike.
Playing During the NFL Strike
During the 1987 NFL players strike, Bruce McCray started in all three games for the Bears. He played as a left cornerback. In one of these games, he made an exciting play. He caught an interception (when a defensive player catches a pass meant for an offensive player) and ran it 23 yards for a touchdown! After the strike ended, he was released by the Bears on October 22, 1987.
Playing in the Arena Football League
In 1988, Bruce McCray played one game for the Chicago Bruisers in the Arena Football League (AFL). In that game, he made two solo tackles and broke up one pass. The AFL had special "ironman rules" back then. This meant players often played both offense and defense. Bruce was listed as both a wide receiver (an offensive position) and a defensive back (a defensive position) during his time in the AFL.
