Pat Brady (gridiron football)

Patrick Thomas Brady (September 7, 1926 – July 14, 2009) was an American professional football player who was a quarterback and punter for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack.

Early years
Brady attended the University of Nevada, Reno, from 1948 until 1951, first as a quarterback and then as a punter. On October 28, 1950, against Loyola Marymount, Brady had a punt of 99 yards, the longest possible under the rules, a record that cannot be broken and has never been tied. Brady completed his collegiate career at and graduated from Bradley University in 1951, after Nevada cancelled its 1951 season due to budget shortfalls.

Career
After spending the 1951 season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the eastern Canadian pro league, Brady played for the Steelers during the 1952, 1953, and 1954 seasons, leading the league in punting in 1953 and 1954 and averaging 44.5 yards for his three years. A torn Achilles tendon during the 1955 pre-season ended his career.

After football, Brady moved back to Reno and worked in the printing industry. In 1971, he was appointed the official State Printer by Governor Mike O'Callaghan. Brady was a part-owner of Reno's Bonanza Casino for many years, and was also on the Nevada Boxing Commission.

Recognition
Brady was inducted into the Bradley Hall of Fame on February 23, 1955, and later the Nevada Hall of Fame in 1979. He was also named to the Steelers 50th Anniversary team in 1982.

Death
Brady died on July 14, 2009, in Reno, Nevada, after a long battle with lymphoma.