Sam Bradford

After capturing the Heisman Trophy, Sammy Baugh Trophy, Chic Harley Award and the Davey O'Brien Award after the 2008 season, many expected Bradford to ply his wares in the National Football League in 2009. With an overflowing mantelpiece, the Sooners' quarterback opted to stay at OU hoping to bring home the school's eighth national championship, and first since the 2000 campaign. Even before the season began, All-American tight end Jermaine Gresham suffered a right knee injury that required surgery and missed the entire campaign. Preseason All-American Trent Williams shifted to left tackle from the right side, but the Sooners' offensive line struggled in the season opener vs. Brigham Young. With costly mistakes and penalties already creating concern, protecting Bradford from the Cougar's defensive onslaught was nearly impossible. "Twelve offensive penalties," OU head coach Bob Stoops lamented at his weekly media luncheon, including the flags that were declined by BYU. "It was a lack of execution, poise and discipline." That would be the least of Oklahoma's problems. Bradford suffered a right shoulder AC joint separation in that game, a 14-13 loss, when he took a direct hit from a blitzing linebacker. With their title hopes dashed, the quarterback would soon find himself on the shelf for the rest of the year, after trying to return to the field three weeks later. The original prognosis was a third-degree sprain that would take two-to-four weeks to heal. The quarterback sought out advice from several NFL quarterbacks who had suffered the same injury, and he decided to bypass surgery for a rehabilitation program. He returned to the gridiron vs. Baylor, throwing for 389 yards in a 33-7 victory. "Sam has had a great week of practice and was ready to play," Stoops said after meeting with Bradford prior to the Baylor clash. "We're obviously excited to have him back." The joy soon turned to despair after Bradford re-injured his shoulder the following week against Texas. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was jerked down by Longhorns cornerback Aaron Williams while running backward trying to get away from the defender on Oklahoma's second drive. Williams got Bradford by the waist, but the quarterback landed on his shoulder and began writhing in pain right away. "The MRI showed no different damage than what was already there," Stoops said. To better prepare to make a decision whether to have shoulder surgery, Bradford placed a call to another quarterback who has been there, done that. "We've been trading phone calls," Alex Smith of the San Francisco 49ers stated. "He called, twice. When you've torn ligaments in your shoulder, it takes time to heal. It's different than other positions. When you take hits like that, it impairs your ability to throw the ball." Smith knows all about that. He first injured his throwing shoulder in 2007 and was limited to seven games. He hurt the shoulder in training camp the next year and spent all of 2008 on injured reserve. For that reason and more, Bradford sought the right person for counsel. With his teammates standing behind him and the media before him, Bradford held a late October press conference and discussed his future and the disappointment of a junior season that ended virtually before it began. "To make this decision and realize I've probably played my last game" at OU, Bradford said before hesitating, "It's really tough." Bradford announced that he would have season-ending surgery on his injured right (throwing) shoulder. He discussed that decision with the media on campus. The quarterback said teammates have supported him while he's tried to return from an injury, and several -- including All-America tight end Jermaine Gresham -- stood behind him at the podium. Two days later, noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews performed surgery on Bradford's shoulder, ending his collegiate career. The junior also announced that he would not return to the team for the 2010 season and became the first underclassman to declare for the 2010 NFL Draft. In just two-plus seasons as the Sooners' starting quarterback, Bradford became the first player in school history to throw for over 8,000 yards. He finished as Oklahoma's all-time leader with 8,403 aerial yards and a 67.64 pass completion percentage. His 88 touchdown passes also established a team career-record, as he finished third with 604 completions on 893 pass attempts. Bradford's 36 touchdown passes in 2007 were the most by a freshman in the history of major college football. His 86 scoring strikes (50 in 2008) combined are the most by a quarterback during his first two seasons (freshman/sophomore). In 2008, Bradford threw for 4,720 yards, joining running backs Chris Brown (1,220 yards) and DeMarco Murray (1,002) in producing the first FBS team to feature a 4,000-yard passer and two 1,000-yard rushers in the same season. Only nine other teams have ever had a 4,000-yard passer and one 1,000-yard runner during the same campaign in NCAA annals. Bradford is an official citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and is also listed on the tribe's rolls. He is one-sixteenth Cherokee through his paternal great-great-grandmother, Susie Walkingstick, who was a full-blooded Cherokee. He is the first person of Cherokee descent to start at quarterback for a Division I university since Sonny Sixkiller, a full-blooded Cherokee, who played for the University of Washington during the 1970-72 seasons. Greg Maddox, a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, started for James Madison from 1996-98 and is the last Native American to hold the distinction before Bradford. The Sooner quarterback Bradford also holds the distinction of being the first Native American to win the Heisman Trophy. He was also an honor student in finance. At Putnam City North High School, Bradford was named to the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State team as a senior. He was also a second-team All-State pick by The Oklahoman after throwing for 2,422 yards and 19 touchdowns that year. He was rated the 17th-best prep quarterback in the nation by both College Football News and Scout.com and the 12th-best pro-style passer by Rivals.com. That recruiting service also rated him the sixth-best overall prospect in the state of Oklahoma. The Super Prep All-American choice added All-City gridiron honors as a junior. He starred in basketball and golf. As a senior, he averaged 10.5 rebounds and 18.4 points per game for the Panthers. While most major colleges were pursuing the quarterbacks rated ahead of Bradford, including the likes of Pat Devlin, Juice Williams, Josh Freeman, Mitch Mustain, Matthew Stafford and Tim Tebow, Bradford was perfectly content with "staying home" and accepting a scholarship offer from Oklahoma. After redshirting in 2006, he took the reins in 2007, earning Freshman All-American honors. He was selected the National Freshman of the Year by The Sporting News and was a finalist for the coveted Manning Award, given to the nation's top quarterback. In addition to setting the NCAA freshman record with 36 touchdown tosses, he led the nation with a 176.53 passing efficiency rating. He would go on to complete 237-of-341 attempts (school season-record 69.5 percent) for 3,121 yards and only eight interceptions. As a sophomore, Bradford's 67.91 pass completion percentage was good for second place on the school annual record list. He set the Sooner and Big Twelve Conference record with 50 touchdown strikes, as his 328 completions of 483 attempts both rank second on the Sooners' annual record chart. His 180.84 passing efficiency rating broke the team record that he set the previous season. He also rushed for five touchdowns, finishing with 4,767 yards in total offense, the fifth-best season total in OU annals. After such a stellar start to his career, many experts thought that Bradford would leave the Sooners for the National Football League after the 2008 season. But his desire to bring a national title to the program saw him return to the team in 2009. The shoulder injury would limit him to one full game and see action in parts of two others before surgery ended that campaign. He finished with 36-of-69 passes (56.17 percent) for 562 yards and two touchdowns.

arm strength

Tall, lanky player who doesn't own a cannon but has more than enough arm strength to be successful in the NFL. Able to fit the ball into tight quarters, especially in the middle of the field. Uses anticipation and accuracy to connect on deep outs; NFL corners may jump those throws. Will stretch the field vertically when needed.

texas...had another three touchdowns on 21-of-32 passes for 244 yards to lead the sooners to a 28-21 victory.

Texas A&M...Tied his own school game-record with five touchdown throws, as he picked up 284 yards while completing 21-of-30 tries.

cincinnati...bradford tied his school game-record with five touchdowns among his 29 completions, attempting 38 throws for 395 yards...he capped a 7-play, 88-yard drive with a 27-yard score to ryan broyles, followed by 10 and 22-yard touchdowns to jermaine gresham...he also connected with juaquin inglesias on a 16-yarder to end a third quarter 69-yard series...offensive impact-bradford generated 398 of the team's of the team's 592 yards in total offense, converting 6-of-13 third-down plays.

Washington...The Sooners scored on seven consecutive possession, as Bradford gained 304 yards with another five touchdowns on 18-of-21 attempts (85.7 percent)...Juaquin Inglesias pulled down a third-&-goal toss from Bradford for a 13-yard touchdown on the team's first possession...The receiver added a 21-yarder that was downed at the UW 4, where Brad-ford ran the ball in for a 1-yard score two plays later...That was followed by the QB's 77-yard touchdown bomb to Ryan Broyles and a 64-yard score to tight end Jermaine Gresham in the third quarter...Offensive Impact-Bradford generated 305 of the team's 591 yards in total offense, converting 7-of-10 third-down plays.

texas christian...the sooners' passer connected on 19-of-34 chances for 411 yards and

Four touchdowns...Bradford fired a 24-yard first quarter touchdown to flanker Juaquin Inglesias that capped a 6-play, 74-yard series...Manuel Johnson and Bradford would then match up on touchdown bombs for 76, 55 and 63-yard scores...Offensive Impact-Bradford generated 380 of the team's 436 yards in total offense, converting 6-of-16 third-down plays, as the QB was sacked three times for minus 31 yards.

baylor...followed by completing 80.0 percent of his attempts (20-of-25), good for 353 yards and three touchdowns.

Missouri (Big Twelve Conference Championship)...The Sooners beat the Tigers, 38-17, as their freshman quarterback generated 209 yards with a pair of touchdowns on 18-of-26 attempts.

oklahoma state...the sophomore all-american tallied 370 yards on 30-of-44 chances that also included four touchdowns, as he scored one more time on the ground...he found tight end jermaine gresham with 3 and 73-yard touchdowns and later ran for a 3-yard third quarter score...record watch-bradford set school season-records, as the game marked the eighth time in 2008 that he threw for at least four touchdowns and also was the tenth time during his campaign that he threw for at least 300 yards...offensive impact-bradford generated 386 of the team's 557 yards in total offense, converting 12-of-18 third-down plays, as he also ran for a 3-yard score.

Missouri (Big Twelve Championship)...The Tigers could not figure out how to stop Bradford, who threw for 384 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 34-of-49 attempts...Late in the first quarter, Juaquin Inglesias converted a Bradford third-&-6 pass into a 10-yard touchdown and in the second quarter, the receiver turned a third-&-goal toss into a 7-yard score...Offensive Impact-Bradford generated 391 of the team's 627 yards in total offense, converting 12-of-16 third-down plays.

offensive impact-bradford generated 343 of the team's 653 yards in total offense, converting 6-of-13 third-down plays, as he also ran for a 15-yard score, but was sacked once.

Texas Tech...In a match-up of college football's premier offenses, the Sooners pounded Tech for a 66-28 victory, as Bradford threw for 304 yards on 14-of-19 attempts (73.7 percent), adding 18 yards on five carries...He also had four touchdown tosses, including a 66-yarder to Manuel Johnson that capped a 90-yard third quarter possession...Record Watch-The game marked the tenth time in his career that Bradford threw for at least four touch-downs...Offensive Impact-Bradford generated 322 of the team's 625 yards in total offense, converting 7-of-12 third-down plays.

reading defenses

Able to go through progressions or looks off safety when in the pocket, but often hit the primary read or quick screen in Oklahoma's spread offense. Understands hot reads and where defense is vulnerable, but his lack of feel for backside pressure and missing late blitzers cost him dearly last season. Trusts his arm and receivers too much in tight spaces, and at times won't recognize dropping linebackers and late-moving safeties. Comfortable leading his team in tight situations and has adequate clock awareness, but should improve with more snaps. Coaches called plays for Bradford.

miami...bradford tied the school game-record held by jason white (vs. texas a&m in both 2003 and 2004; vs. iowa state in 2003) and josh heupel (vs. both louisville and indiana state in 1999) with five touchdown passes, finishing with 205 yards on 19-of-25 throws.

Utah State...Threw for three touchdowns, but also was picked off for the first time during his career, as he totaled 255 yards on 19-of-26 tosses.

accuracy

One of the more deadly accurate passers in recent memory whether throwing short, intermediate or deep. Places throws in tight spaces when facing zones or splitting two defenders down the seam. Puts the ball on his man's numbers so he can make a play after the catch, whether the receiver is standing still or on the move. Anticipates receivers' routes very well, and doesn't have to wait until they make their break or get open. Accurate on fades into the end zone or behind defenses, although a bit inconsistent in trajectory on those throws.

2008 game

Chattanooga...The sophomore quarterback completed 17-of-22 passes for 183 yards and a pair of touchdowns in just two quarters of action...His first touchdown for the season was a 3-yarder to Quentin Chaney late in the first quarter...He later found Manuel Johnson with a 7-yard bubble screen to end a 71-yard, 11-play second quarter series...Offensive Impact-Bradford generated 183 of the team's 487 yards in total offense, converting 6-of-13 third-down plays.

he hit on 3-of-5 throws during a 6-play, 52-yard series that ended with an ou 35-yard field goal, but was injured during that series and did not return to the game...record watch- bradford's first quarter scoring pass was his 87th touchdown throw as a sooner, setting a new ncaa record for most touchdown passes by a player by the conclusion of his junior year, topping the old mark of 86 by ty detmer of brigham young (13 in 1988, 32 in 1989, 41 in 1990)...offensive impact-bradford generated 96 of the team's 265 yards in total offense, converting 2-of-11 third-down plays, as five of his completions were for at least 10 yards.

Idaho State, Tulsa and Miami...Bradford sat out each of these games due to his right shoulder AC joint injury.

baylor...bradford produced 372 yards on 23-of-31 passes that included two touchdowns, but he was also picked off once...he hit manuel johnson with a 53-yard score in the first quarter before going to juaquin inglesias with a 42-yard touchdown in the second frame...

The quarterback also kept the ball for a 1-yard score ...Offensive Impact-Bradford generated 376 of the team's 594 yards in total offense, converting 8-of-15 third-down plays.

nebraska...bradford followed with 311 yards and five touchdowns on 19-of-27 passes (70.4 percent)...he fired a 48-yard score to fullback matt chaney in the first quarter, followed by 9 and 11-yard touchdown tosses to tight end jermaine gresham...he also eluded a fierce pass rush to flip a 25-yard touchdown to tailback demarco murray at the end of the third stanza...record watch-the game marked the sixth time in his career that bradford threw for five touchdowns, a school record...offensive impact-bradford generated 325 of the team's 508 yards in total offense, converting 7-of-13 third-down plays, but he was also intercepted once.

Texas A&M...Oklahoma rolled to a 66-28 win, Bradford delivered on 22-of-33 tries for 320 yards and four touchdowns...He also ran for a 15-yard score...His longest touchdown toss was good for 37 yards to Juaquin Inglesias in the third quarter...Record Watch-The game marked the ninth time in his career that Bradford threw for at least four touchdowns...

kansas...bradford totaled 468 yards on 36-of-53 passes that included three touchdowns in a 45-31 win...his 12-yard scoring strike to fullback matt clapp ended a 10-play, 84-yard possession...record watch-bradford's 53 pass attempts rank third on the school's game-record list and his 36 completions also rank third on that chart...his 468 yards passing topped the old ou game-record of 429 yards by josh heupel vs. louisville in 1999...it also marked the sixth-straight game that bradford threw for over 300 yards...offensive impact-bradford generated 482 of the team's 674 yards in total offense, converting 7-of-16 third-down plays.

Kansas State...The junior quarterback completed a season-low 40.6 percent of his passes (13-of-32) for 255 yards, but he threw for three touchdowns and also scored on a 1-yard run...His longest touchdown toss was a 29-yarder to Jermaine Gresham in the second quarter... Offensive Impact-Bradford generated 256 of the team's 528 yards in total offense, converting 4-of-14 third-down plays, as he also scored on a 1-yard run.

texas...the sooners suffered their only loss for 2008 (45-35), but bradford gained 387 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions on 28-of-39 tries...the qb threw a 14-yard touchdown toss to manuel johnson with 0

45 left on the clock, having hit the receiver with the same 14-yard scoring toss in the third frame...Offensive Impact-Bradford generated 382 of the team's 435 yards in total offense, converting 7-of-15 third-down plays, but he was sacked three times and intercepted twice.

2009 game

Brigham Young...Bradford's season would take a turn in the second quarter, as he injured his right shoulder after attempting a pass. He finished the day by completing 10-of-14 tosses for 96 yards and one touchdown...Midway through the first quarter, he found Ryan Broyles with a first-&-goal 8-yard scoring strike for the Sooners' first touchdown in 2009...

2007 game

North Texas...Bradford made his collegiate debut by connecting on 21-of-23 passes (91.3 percent) for 363 yards and three touchdowns...His pass completion percentage set a school game-record...His passing efficiency rating of 266.92 rank fourth on the school game-record chart.

baylor...bradford returned to action, completing 27-of-49 throws for 389 yards and a touchdown to lead the sooners to a 33-7 triumph...the junior set up a 1-yard scoring plunge by tailback chris brown to end a 12-play, 80-yard series, completing passes for 14, 20, 18 and 11 yards during that possession...he layed on the ground for a bit after getting sacked for a 10-yard loss, but bounced back to fire a 49-yarder to brandon caleb, followed buy a 16-yarder to the same target, setting up brown's 4-yard touchdown run with 3

48 left in the first half...His 10 and 37-yard throws to Dejuan Miller led to a Sooners 35-yard field goal in the third stanza...In the fourth quarter, he hit Adron Tennell with a 26-yard flag pass and then ended that 74-yard, 13-play drive with a 3-yard touchdown lob to Tennell for OU's final score for the day...Offensive Impact-Bradford generated 384 of the team's 586 yards in total offense, converting 7-of-17 third-down plays, as 19 of his completions were for at least 10 yards, including five for 20 yards or longer.

nfl comparison

Eli Manning, Giants

setup/release

Decisive and quick with his release. Tight spiral on most every throw. Generally quiet feet, patient and poised, but may have gotten more gun-shy with an inexperienced offensive line if not injured in 2009. Willing to stand in and deliver against pressure before the injury. Throws from three-quarter slot at times, which negates his height advantage. Works out of the shotgun often but is solid with his footwork and balanced in drops. Good ball fake when in play-action, causes peeking corners to bite using a strong pump fake.

intangibles

Intelligent, high-character, well-respected player on and off the field. Quiet leader by example who doesn't panic but needs to vocally hold teammates more accountable. Lack of bulk and durability are major questions after missing of last season with a shoulder injury.

on the move

Maintains square shoulders and places the ball on target whether throwing left or right. Keeps his wits about him (and eyes down the field) if pressure takes away his rollout, resets and delivers on time. Nimble feet in the pocket; able to create room for himself to deliver the ball. Drifts toward the line of scrimmage when rolling out to his left, allowing defenders to reach him more easily. Not a scrambler or very elusive as a runner in space, but is mobile enough to pick up first downs on rollouts if defense lays off.

2009: Bradford left the season opener vs. Brigham Young (Sept. 5) just before halftime with a right shoulder AC joint sprain that would sideline him for the next three contests (vs. Idaho State, Tulsa and Miami)...Returned to action vs. Baylor (10/10), but re-injured his shoulder on the second series of the Texas clash (10/17), undergoing surgery on Oct. 28 that forced him to miss the rest of the season.

Campus: 4.72 in the 40-yard dash

1.65 10-yard dash

2.72 20-yard dash

4.43 20-yard shuttle

7.14 three-cone drill

32-inch vertical jump

9'3" broad jump

32-inch arm length

9 3/8-inch hands.

Attended Putnam City (Okla.) North High School, playing football for head coach Bob Wilson

Named to the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State team as a senior

Also a second-team All-State pick by The Oklahoman after throwing for 2,422 yards and 19 touchdowns that year

Rated the 17th-best prep quarterback in the nation by both College Football News and Scout.com, and the 12th-best pro-style passer by Rivals.com

That recruiting service also rated him the sixth-best overall prospect in the state of Oklahoma

The Super Prep All-American choice added All-City gridiron honors as a junior

Also starred in basketball and golf

As a senior, he averaged 10.5 rebounds and 18.4 points per game on the hardwood court for the Panthers.

Finance major, earning Academic All-Big Twelve Conference and All-District honors

Rang the opening bell at the NY Stock Exchange three days after winning the Heisman (Dow rose 100 points that day)

Bradford is an official citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and is also listed on the tribe's rolls. He is one-sixteenth Cherokee through his paternal great-great-grandmother, Susie Walkingstick, who was a full-blooded Cherokee. He is the first person of Cherokee descent to start at quarterback for a Division I university since Sonny Sixkiller, a full-blooded Cherokee, who played for the University of Washington during the 1970-72 seasons. Greg Maddox, a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, started for James Madison from 1996-98 and is the last Native American to hold the distinction before Bradford. The Sooner quarterback Bradford also holds the distinction of being the first Native American to win the Heisman Trophy

Son of Martha and Kent Bradford

Father was an Oklahoma University offensive lineman (1977-78)

Member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at OU, as he has been since high school

Reads the story of David and Goliath before every game, and was featured on the cover of STV (a Christian athletic magazine)

In 2009, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett declared January 13th as "Sam Bradford Day" in Oklahoma City

Born 11/08/87

Resides in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.