#11 Luther Bradley: Notre Dame Football’s Top 25 Players

Luther Bradley was recruited from Muncie to join the Irish in 1973. Muncie had not been known for football players; it was more famous for Ball Home Canning Jars (whence Ball State University) and the basketball prowess of the Muncie Central Bearcats who had won five Hoosier Hysteria state championships by the time Bradley graduated from Muncie Northside.

Luther Bradley is revered in South Bend as he earned his starting spot on the 1973 defense a few days before fellow frosh Ross Browner earned his starting spot. Luther arrived just as Notre Dame was completing its retooling from a 4-4-3 to a 4-3-4 and he helped complete the transition, as equally adept at safety as a cornerback.

Bradley was ready early. USC with Pat Haden and Lynn Swann were coming into town in mid-October. Notre Dame had not beaten McKay’s Trojans since 1966, seven very lean years. But on USC’s first play from scrimmage Haden threw a flare pass to Swann and then Mr. Bradley introduced himself to the national audience. He separated Lynn Swann from the football and then separated Swann from his helmet.  Surely, Eric Penick’s great 85 yard TD run is the play we all remember, but Bradley’s contretemps with Swann set the tone for the contest.

On that play, Bradley got no statistical credit, no tackle, no PBU. That is why when you measure Luther Bradley’s impact, mere statistics do not capture the measure of this great defensive back.

But he did rack up some numbers. Bradley remains the Notre Dame record holder with 17 career interceptions for 218 yards. He also collected 28 passes broken up, two blocked kicks, two recovered fumbles, and 153 career tackles. Luther could bring it.

Bradley’s 1974 Suspension

As a result of a “dormitory incident” Luther Bradley was suspended for the 1974 season along with Ross Browner, Willie Fry and Al Hunter.

When he returned Dan Devine was the coach, and the Irish began building toward the ’77 National Championship. Like Browner, Bradley earned two National Championship Rings.

Luther Bradley the Difference Maker

In the 1970’s Notre Dame played 10 games against USC.

In the 6 games in which Bradley (and Browner and Fry) did not participate, USC scored an average of 39 points per game. In the four games in which Bradley participated, USC scored 18.5 points per game.

That is what a difference maker does.

Bradley was the first modern defense only great defensive back at Notre Dame, paving the way for the Todd Lyghts, Jeff Burrises, Bobby Taylors and Harrison Smiths who followed later.

It is a shame that the College Football Hall of Fame has not admitted him, and the estimable Lou Somogyi has initiated a campaign to rectify this injustice and get Luther Bradley enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Notre Dame Football’s Top 25 Players of All-Time

RANK	PLAYER	POSITIONS	SEASONS
5	Angelo Bertelli	Quarterback	1940-1943
6	Ross Browner	Defensive End	1973, 1975-1977
7	John Lattner	Running Back/Defensive Back	1950-1953
8	Tim Brown	Wide Receiver	1984-1987
9	Paul Hornung	Quarterback	1953-1956
10	George Connor	Offensive Line/Defensive Line	1946-1947
11	Luther Bradly	CB	1973, 1975-1977
12	Jim Lynch	Linebacker	1964-66
13	Alan Page	Defensive End	1964-66
14	Frank Carideo	Quarterback	1928-30
15	Creighton Miller	Halfback	1941-43
16	Jaylon Smith	Linebacker	2013-15
17	Raghib “Rocket” Ismail	Wide Receiver/All-Purpose	1988-90
18	Tom Clements	Quarterback	1972-74
19	Chris Zorich	Nose Tackle	1988-90
20	Aaron Taylor	Guard/Tackle	1990-93
21	Nick Buoniconti	Linebacker/Guard	1958-61
22	Ken MacAfee	Tight End	1974-77
23	Bill “Moose” Fischer	Left Guard	1945-48
24	Todd Lyght	Cornerback	1987-90
25	Louis “Red” Salmon	Fullback	1900-03