Hall of Fame
An NFL veteran who graciously helped EKU establish its state-of-the-art Student-Athlete Academic Success Center that bears his name, Chad Bratzke is one of the most decorated football players to play at Eastern.
Bratzke started his collegiate career as a walk-on for Roy Kidd and through his dedication evolved into a two-time All-American and 1994 NFL draft pick. A 1992 and 1993 I-AA All-American, Bratzke was also chosen as an All-Conference standout following those seasons. The defensive lineman earned OVC Defensive Player of the Year in 1993.
Following his collegiate career, Bratzke was selected by the New York Giants in the fifth round of the NFL draft. The first five years of his career were spent in the Big Apple before he moved on to the Indianapolis Colts where he spent his final five years.
Bratzke, who led the Colts in sacks for three consecutive years, including a then-franchise record 12 in 1999, played 129 games in the NFL. He recorded 413 tackles and 56.5 sacks in 10 seasons.
The Waukegan, Ill. native earned All-Madden Team honors in 1999.
