Indiana University Athletics
Indiana Football HOF Profiles - Brad Bomba Sr.
6/11/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
June 11, 2007
With the induction of six former Hoosiers into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame on June 23, IUHOOSIERS.com will profile the inductees over the next two weeks. The profile for Monday, June 11, is of All-American Brad Bomba Sr.
A three-year letterwinner, Brad Bomba Sr. was one of the first great ends in the history of Indiana football. Bomba holds a unique distinction as being the only player in IU history to garner both All-America and Academic All-America status in his career. Bomba earned both distinctions in his senior season after being named Academic All-Big Ten three times.
Widely regarded for combining vicious blocking, defensive ability and intense competitive spirit with his offensive talents, the 6-foot-3, 214-pound Bomba caught 31 passes for 407 yards and one touchdown as a senior. For his efforts, he was presented with the prestigious Balfour Award for bringing honor and distinction to IU in the sport of football.
As a sophomore, the Chicago native caught 11 passes for 221 yards. He followed up his first campaign by catching 13 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns as a junior. He led the team in receiving in each of those three seasons, totaling 799 yards and three receiving TDs in his career. He was an All-Big Ten selection in 1955 as a junior and won the prestigious Hoosier Award following his senior campaign. He also participated in the Senior Bowl, the East-West Shrine Game and the College All-Star Game after finishing his time as a Hoosier.
Bomba, Indiana's first Academic-All-America selection in football, chipped in to the program after his career was over, serving as the team's physician. Bomba currently resides in Bloomington.
