Charlie Brueckman, the former Washington Redskins and Los Angeles Chargers linebacker who starred at the University of Pittsburgh before playing professionally in both the NFL and the American Football League, has died. He was 90.
Brueckman died on July 20, 2026.
Born Charles William Brueckman on Nov. 23, 1935, in McKees Rocks, Pa., he attended Sto-Rox High School before continuing his football career at the University of Pittsburgh. A standout lineman and linebacker for the Panthers, Brueckman earned second-team All-American honors and was named first-team All-Eastern in 1957, capping an outstanding collegiate career.
His play at Pitt caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was selected in the ninth round of the 1957 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Although drafted by San Francisco, Brueckman instead began his professional career with the Washington Redskins after serving in the U.S. Army.
Brueckman appeared in nine games for Washington during the 1958 NFL season, making three starts at linebacker. After spending time with the New York Giants organization, he joined the Los Angeles Chargers for the franchise’s inaugural American Football League season in 1960. He appeared in all 14 games, starting eight contests at middle linebacker while helping establish one of the league’s original clubs during the AFL’s formative years. He finished his professional career having played 23 games across the NFL and AFL, recording one career sack.
Though his professional career was relatively brief, Brueckman remained part of football history through his connection to two pioneering franchises and his accomplishments at Pittsburgh, where he was recognized as one of the Panthers’ All-America performers of the 1950s. Pitt’s football records continue to list him among the program’s alumni who advanced to professional football.
Brueckman is remembered as a rugged, versatile player who excelled on both sides of the ball during an era when football demanded toughness and adaptability. From his days in western Pennsylvania to the NFL and the AFL, he left his mark on the game during one of its most transformative periods.