He was a teammate of Lee Corso, who would become a college head coach and sportcaster. He graduated in 1952 and received All-state honors.
College career
Brodsky accepted a football scholarship from the University of Florida, where he was a two-way player at fullback and linebacker. As a sophomore, he was the team's leading rusher with 82 carries for 378 yards (4.6-yard avg.). He also had 2 receptions for 11 yards, one touchdown and one kickoff return for 13 yards. He was a defensive line backup.
As a junior, he was limited with injuries and only played in 7 games, registering 24 carries for 92 yards (3.6-yard avg.).
As a senior, he didn't register any rushing stat, but he had 5 interceptions and set 3 individual school records for interceptions. In the season opener against Mississippi State University, he intercepted 3 passes and returned them for an NCAA record 162 yards. He set a school record with most yards returned from pass interceptions in a single-season (244 yards). He also practiced track and lettered four years in both sports.
In 2002, he was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame.[1]
Professional career
Brodsky was selected by the Washington Redskins in the 16th round (189th overall) of the 1957 NFL draft. He instead opted to sign a contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to play professional football in Canada.[2] He was waived before the start of the season.
Coaching career
In 1965, he began his coaching career in Miami Jackson High School, helping turn around the team's record. In 1971, he helped to launch the football program in Hialeah-Miami Lakes High School, where he coached his 2 sons, became one of the most successful South Florida head coaches and won a State Championship in 1975.[3] Future NFL assistant coaches Joe Avezzano and Jerry Sullivan were some of his players.[4]
In 1998, he was named the running backs coach for the Chicago Bears, reuniting with former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt.[5] In 1999, he wasn't retained after Dick Jauron replaced Wannstedt as the new Bears head coach.
