Bruce Huther

Bruce Albert Huther (born July 23, 1954) is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, the Cleveland Browns, and the Chicago Bears. He played college football at the University of New Hampshire.

Early years

Huther grew up in Haledon, New Jersey and played high school football at Manchester Regional High School. He moved on to the University of New Hampshire, where he was a three-year starter at linebacker and led the team in tackles in his last two seasons.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys (first stint)

Huther was not selected in the 1977 NFL Draft and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys. As rookie he played mainly on special teams and was a part of the Super Bowl XII winning team, recovering a fumble during the game.

In his second season he was named the special teams captain and solidified his status as one of the best players on the unit. On August 24, 1981, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns in exchange of a sixth round draft choice (#143-Ken Hammond).

Cleveland Browns

In 1981, he appeared in 16 games (2 starts), but after the team signed Tom Cousineau in the offseason, he demanded to be traded and was sent to the Chicago Bears in exchange of a seventh round draft choice (#176-Rocky Belk) on August 13, 1982.

Chicago Bears

During his time with the Chicago Bears he was a backup and was not re-signed after his contract expired.

Dallas Cowboys (second stint)

In 1983, Huther signed as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys to replace Scott McLean, who was out for the season. He started five games at middle linebacker in place of an injured Bob Breunig.

Pittsburgh Maulers (USFL)

Although his rights belonged to the Chicago Blitz of the United States Football League, the Pittsburgh Maulers traded for him and also convinced him not to re-sign with the Dallas Cowboys. After leading the team in tackles, he was benched the next year in favor of rookie Ernest Adams, which made Huther to eventually force his release.

Denver Gold (USFL)

On May 30, 1984, he signed as a free agent with the Denver Gold where he played until the league folded.

Personal life

Huther graduated from New Hampshire with a degree in zoology, and later earned a master's degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. In 1992, he founded Huther & Associates, an environmental consultancy, in Denton, Texas.