Harold Bradley, Sr.

Harold "Hal" Willard Bradley Sr. (September 27, 1905 – November 30, 1973) was an American football player for the Chicago Cardinals in 1928. Bradley was one of only 13 black players to play in the National Football League prior to World War II and just the second black lineman in the history of the NFL, following Duke Slater. He played collegiately at the University of Iowa in 1926 and was the father of Harold Bradley Jr., who also played in the NFL.

Childhood Harold Willard Bradley, more commonly known as "Hal", was born in Coffeyville, Kansas, in 1905. He was the son of Arthur Bradley, a Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad barber, and his wife, Mamie. Hal Bradley moved with his family to Chicago when he was a boy, and he was raised in Chicago's West Woodlawn neighborhood on the city's south side. He attended Englewood High School and was named all-state as a member of the school's football team. Upon graduation, Bradley enrolled at the University of Iowa.

University of Iowa Bradley attended the University of Iowa in 1926 and joined the football team. Following in the footsteps of Iowa's Duke Slater, Bradley became one of the few blacks playing college football at the time. Although he never earned a varsity letter at Iowa, Bradley's athletic participation at the University of Iowa helped the school create a reputation as a "safe haven" for black athletes. Bradley left the University of Iowa before graduation after being offered a job as a postal carrier.

Chicago Cardinals

Duke Slater took notice of Bradley when Bradley was playing football for the University of Iowa. (p 115)

Bradley was one of only 13 blacks to compete in the NFL before World War II. Unfortunately, a childhood injury – which resulted in a steel plate being placed in his leg – contributed to the end of Bradley's NFL career. Bradley played only two games in the NFL, the shortest career of any black player prior to World War II.

Hal Bradley died in Chicago in 1973 following a heart attack and was interred in Burr Oak Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.