Les Bruckner

Leslie Charles Bruckner (April 16, 1918 – September 21, 2014) was an American football player and coach. He played college football as a quarterback and tackle for the Michigan State Spartans from 1937 to 1939. He served in the Navy during World War II and played at the fullback position for the undefeated 1944 Fort Pierce Amphibs football team. After the war, he played for the Chicago Cardinals of the National Football League. He later coached football and basketball, including stints at Pasadena City College and Burbank High School.

Early life Bruckner grew up in Milan, Michigan. He was an all-state football player at Milan High School.

In the spring of 1941, Bruckner left Jackson, joined the Navy and was assigned as a physical instructor and football coach at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Chicago. He also played for the Great Lakes basketball team during the 1941-42 season. He also played at the fullback position for the Kenosha Cardinals professional football team during the fall of 1941.

With the United States entry into World War II, Bruckner was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. He played fullback for the 1944 Fort Pierce Amphibs football team that compiled a perfect 9–0 record and was ranked No. 18 in the final AP poll. Bruckner scored 58 points for the 1944 Amphibs. After the football season, he was transferred to Oceanside, California.

Bruckner was discharged from the Navy in September 1945, after 50 months of service. Shortly after his discharge from the Navy, Bruckner signed with the Chicago Cardinals of the National Football League. He appeared in two NFL games, recovered one fumble, and returned one kickoff for 13 yards.

Bruckner concluded his playing career in 1946 with the San Francisco Clippers. He had an interception that he returned for a touchdown against the Oakland Giants in November 1946.

Later years and family After his football career ended, Bruckner moved to southern California where he served as head basketball coach and assistant football coach at Pasadena City College from 1947 to 1949. In July 1949, he was hired as the head football and track coach at Burbank High School. He served as a history teacher and football coach at Burbank High. He later worked as a realtor and on weekends as an umpire for college and high school football games.

Bruckner was married to Joan Olds, and they had two sons, Doug and Scott. He died in 2014 in Pasadena, California.