Lynn Bradford facts for kids
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| Position: | Fullback / Linebacker | ||||||||||
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| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||
| Weight: | 235 lb (107 kg) | ||||||||||
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| College: | Prairie View A&M | ||||||||||
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| Player stats at ArenaFan.com | |||||||||||
Lynn Bradford is a former American football player. He played for four seasons in the Arena Football League (AFL). He was part of the Detroit Drive and Tampa Bay Storm teams. Before turning professional, he played college football at Prairie View A&M University.
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Lynn Bradford's Early Life
Lynn Bradford played college football for the Prairie View A&M Panthers. He was a talented runner during his college career. He gained almost 2,000 rushing yards for his team.
Professional Football Career
Lynn Bradford started his professional career in 1989. He joined the Detroit Drive in the Arena Football League (AFL). In the AFL, players often played both offense and defense. This was known as "ironman rules." Bradford played as a fullback on offense and a linebacker on defense.
Playing for the Detroit Drive
In his first year, Bradford played in all four games for the Detroit Drive. He ran for 96 yards and scored two touchdowns. He also made 12 solo tackles on defense. The Drive had a great season, finishing with a 3–1 record. They went on to win ArenaBowl III, beating the Pittsburgh Gladiators 39–26. Bradford's strong performance earned him a spot on the first-team All-Arena list for 1989.
In 1990, Bradford played in six games. He rushed for 145 yards and scored four touchdowns. He also helped on defense with tackles and a forced fumble. The Detroit Drive continued their success. They reached the ArenaBowl again, winning ArenaBowl IV against the Dallas Texans 51–27.
Time with the New York/New Jersey Knights
In February 1991, Bradford was chosen by the New York/New Jersey Knights. This team was part of the World League of American Football (WLAF). He was drafted as a running back. However, he was waived from the team in March 1991. This meant he did not play for them.
Success with the Tampa Bay Storm
Bradford then joined the Tampa Bay Storm in the AFL for the 1991 season. He played in eight games. He rushed for 261 yards and scored seven touchdowns. On defense, he made 32 solo tackles and had two sacks. The Tampa Bay Storm had an excellent year, finishing 8–2. They advanced to ArenaBowl V.
In ArenaBowl V, the Storm faced Bradford's old team, the Detroit Drive. Tampa Bay won the championship game 48–42. This was Bradford's third straight ArenaBowl victory. He was again recognized for his skills, earning first-team All-Arena honors for the 1991 season.
Career-Ending Injury
On June 6, 1992, Lynn Bradford suffered a serious neck injury. This happened during the second game of the season. He collided with a New Orleans Night receiver. The injury caused damage to discs in his neck. He finished the game, but could not move his neck afterward. This injury unfortunately ended his playing career.
Life After Football
After his football career, Lynn Bradford continued to be involved in sports and health. He lived in Houston during the football offseasons. He studied at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He earned a degree in physical therapy. He then worked as a licensed physical therapist.
Bradford also returned to the Tampa Bay Storm as a coach. He was the fullbacks/linebackers coach from 1993 to 1994. In 1993, he won his fourth ArenaBowl championship as a coach. Later, he became an assistant football coach at several high schools in Florida.
