Brosky Al

Prepare to meet Al Brosky, the legendary defensive back whose uncanny ability to intercept passes set unbreakable records and cemented his place in college football lore. This series will delve into the remarkable career of a player whose instinctive ball-hawking prowess was truly ahead of his time, making him a terror for opposing offenses.

We'll explore Brosky's dominant collegiate years, where he established himself as an interception machine. Discover how his unparalleled defensive skills shaped games and earned him national recognition, ultimately leading to his deserved induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Get ready to learn about the "Interception King" and his enduring legacy in the annals of American football history.

June 9, 1928 - Cincinnati, Ohio - Al Brosky, an Illinois safety during the seasons of 1950 to 1952. The FootballFoundation.org informs us that Brosky became famous for pass interceptions during an era when rushing, passing, and catching were the only statistics that mattered to anyone. However, when he picked off 11 passes in 1950, 10 in 1951, and 8 in 1952, that defensive takeaway became much more relevant to the media.

Al Brosky, a true defensive marvel, was a two-time All-Big Ten selection in both 1951 and 1952. Brosky still holds several impressive NCAA interception records, including an astonishing 29 career interceptions, an incredible streak of 15 consecutive games with an interception, and an unparalleled average of 1.07 interceptions per game. His remarkable interception streak spanned three seasons, and if you include the 1952 Rose Bowl, he recorded an astounding 30 career interceptions, further cementing his legendary status.

The total of 29 was an NCAA record that lasted 23 years, until it was surpassed in 1975.

Brosky played safety and was also recognized as a tough tackler. He was the Illinois captain and most valuable player in his senior year. Illinois had a 20-7-1 record in his time. The 1951 team went 9-0-1, won the Big 10, and beat Stanford 40-7 in the Rose Bowl.

In 1951, Brosky had a 61-yard run with an interception against Iowa. He had other runs -- 44 against Ohio State, 32 against Indiana, 20 against Wisconsin -- and was heralded for making tackles that prevented an opponent's touchdown or defending passes that shut off touchdowns.

The records and play of Al Brosky were inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998.