Michael and Larry Brunson, 1967 and 1968
Brothers Michael and Larry Brunson both began their football journeys at Mesa College (MC), where their athletic ability and leadership left a lasting mark on Maverick athletics.
Michael, the older of the two, played for MC in 1967 and 1968. Head Coach Jack Perrin remembered him as “quiet but physically, mentally and socially balanced — both on and off the field.” In addition to football, he excelled in track, and his smile and steady character were as notable as his athletic skills. After MC, Michael transferred to Arizona State University, earning a varsity letter as a wingback in 1969. He was drafted in the 11th round of the 1970 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, later playing for the Houston Oilers and St. Louis Cardinals.
Following his professional career, Michael dedicated 26 years to teaching math and coaching in the Balsz School District in Phoenix. Known as a mentor and community leader, he was honored with the naming of Brunson Field in 2002 and Brunson-Lee Elementary School in 2003. He and his wife, Essie, raised two sons before his death in 2002. Larry called his older brother his hero, saying, “He never thought of himself and he wanted to give everybody a chance.”
Larry followed Michael to Mesa in 1967. That year, the Mavericks ranked second nationally in junior college football. Perrin praised Larry for his speed, coordination and “great hands.” Larry credited Mesa’s coaching staff with preparing him both mentally and physically for the next level of competition, calling his years there “the best days” of his life.
After transferring to the University of Colorado Boulder, where he studied business, Larry was drafted in 1972 by the Denver Broncos. He was a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders before retiring from the NFL in 1980.
Now based in Denver, Larry built a successful real estate career and remains active in community service. He serves with the Bronco Alumni Association, STRIDE and Capitol Hill Community Services, working to break the cycle of poverty.
Together, Michael and Larry Brunson represent the Maverick spirit: excellence in athletics, dedication to education and a lifelong commitment to giving back.