Bob Brumley †
Inducted 2011
Hometown: Edinburg
High School: Edinburg High School
College: Rice University and The University of Oklahoma
Professional: Detroit Lions
Best Known for: Athlete – Football
(Sept. 24, 1919-March 31, 2009)
Brumley was one of the very few Valley natives to make it to the NFL, after an incredible college career in which he made All-Conference at two different universities.
Brumley grew up in Edinburg with three athletic brothers, but was by far the best, earning All-Valley twice in high school under legendary Coach Bobby Cannon and starring in basketball and baseball. A hard-running back with great speed and the ability to throw far downfield, Brumley was one of the bona fide superstars of the Early Era, an iron-built 190-pounder with excellent balance, vision, and kicking/punting skills.
He led the Bobcats to the district title in 1937, single-handedly beating San Benito with an 87-yard punt return and a TD pass, and decimating Harlingen with his triple-threat package. In baseball his hard-hitting exploits again spelled a league crown, and he was also the leading scorer in hoops. Brumley was invited to the state football All-Star Game as a senior.
At Rice, the versatile back won the Houston Post Southwest Conference MVP award in 1940 and enjoyed two great seasons for the Owls, earning a spot on the roster for the prestigious East-West Shrine Game. After a stint in the U.S Navy during World War II he became an All-Big 6 selection for the Oklahoma Sooners, placing third in the nation in scoring with 79 points in 1943.
Brumley appeared in one game for the Detroit Lions in 1945, amassing 45 total yards before retiring to go into business.