He played college football at California Polytechnic State University and is a member of their athletic hall of fame (inducted 1988).[3] For Cal Poly, Bravo collected all-conference honors in 1951, 1952 and 1953, along the way earning the nickname "Boom Boom" for his explosive running style.[4]
Collegiate Statistics (Varsity)
Season
School
Rush. Att.
Rush. Yds.
Avg.
LG
Overall Pts.
1951 (So.)
CP
131
850
6.5
77
48
1952 (Jr.)
CP
132
702
5.3
85
42
1953 (Sr.)
CP
111
686
6.2
n/a
61
Totals
374
2,238
6.0
85
151
Professional career
After being selected 106th overall by the L.A. Rams in the 1954 NFL draft, Bravo would later go on to sign with the then-AFL's Oakland Raiders.[5] Bravo was converted primarily to defensive back at the pro level.