By Darin 
Did you know that one of the greatest linebackers in college football history chose to forgo a lucrative minor league baseball contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates just to play football? That unwavering commitment to the gridiron belonged to Ricky Hunley.
November 11, 1961 – Petersburg, Virginia – Marked the day of birth for Ricky Hunley, the linebacker from the University of Arizona.
Hunley was a four-year letter winner at Arizona. According to the NFF, he turned down a lucrative minor league baseball contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates to attend school and play football. Ricky Hunley made a wise choice as he became a consensus All-American linebacker in 1982 and a unanimous All-American in 1983.
The College Football Hall of Fame inducted Ricky Hunley in 1997. After school, Hunley played in the NFL for 7 seasons with the Denver Broncos, Phoenix Cardinals, and the Los Angeles Raiders. He also served as the NFL Players Association’s executive vice president and as a college coach.
Ricky Hunley was a force of nature for the University of Arizona Wildcats, demonstrating an exceptional blend of speed, intelligence, and ferocity over his four years as a letter winner. His early choice to pursue football over professional baseball proved instrumental in shaping his legacy. From 1980 to 1983, Hunley dominated the middle of the field, setting numerous defensive records that still stand today. He became the first player in Wildcats history to amass over 500 career tackles, finishing with an incredible 566 stops—a testament to his consistency and relentless motor.
Hunley went on to play for seven seasons in the NFL, showcasing his talent with the Denver Broncos, Phoenix Cardinals, and the Los Angeles Raiders. Beyond his playing days, he remained deeply involved in the sport, serving as the NFL Players Association’s executive vice president and dedicating years to coaching at the collegiate level, proving his commitment to the game extended well past his playing prime. His enduring impact on college football was officially recognized in 1997 with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Football Accolades and Accomplishments:
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1997).
- Unanimous First-Team All-American (1983).
- Consensus First-Team All-American (1982).
- First player in University of Arizona history with over 500 career tackles (566 total).
- Four-year letter winner at the University of Arizona.
- First-round pick in the 1984 NFL Draft.
- NFL Players Association Executive Vice President.