Bradley is from Athens, Tennessee. He attended McMinn County High School, where he was an All-American football player for the Cherokees.[1] In addition, he wrestled for the Cherokees. He was a two-time state champion for the Cherokees in the 275 Weight Class for the 1987 and 1988 seasons.[2] He held a school-record in the discus throw for 34 years, until it was broken in 2022.[3] He was named to the school's Hall of Fame in the Class of 2013.[4]
College football
Bradley attended and played college football at the University of Tennessee under head coach Johnny Majors from 1988 to 1991.[5][6] As a freshman, he earned All-SEC honors.[7][8] He was a starter for the team at middle linebacker. In the 1989 season, he ranked second on the team with 97 total hits.[9] That year, he recorded an interception against #4 Auburn that thwarted a late comeback attempt by the Tigers.[10][11] In the 1991 season, he recorded a receiving touchdown on a fake field goal from quarterback Andy Kelly in a 45–0 win over Vanderbilt.[12]
Following his college football career, Bradley went into professional boxing. He was active from 1993 to 1999.[15] He was a heavyweight. He recorded a 21–0 mark before suffering a detached retina and being forced into retirement.[16]
Personal life
Bradley has a criminology degree from the University of Tennessee. He has since worked in security.[16] He was a co-founder of East Tennessee Elite Football Incorporated, a non-profit organization, which helps youth in the Knoxville community and outlying areas.[17]