Ricky Cardell Hunley

A legendary figure in American football, renowned for his significant contributions both on and off the field.

Born in Petersburg, Virginia, Ricky Hunley was one of ten siblings raised by Scarlette Hunley. He attended Petersburg High School, where he excelled as an athlete in both football and baseball. His talent on the baseball field caught the attention of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who drafted him in 1980. However, Hunley chose to pursue football and enrolled at the University of Arizona.

At Arizona, he became the first Wildcat to earn consensus All-American honors twice, in 1982 and 1983. His exceptional performance led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

Hunley was selected seventh overall in the 1984 NFL Draft. He played for the Denver Broncos (1984 to 1987), competing in two Super Bowls during his time with the team. He also played for the Phoenix Cardinals (1988) and Los Angeles Raiders (1989 to 1990). During his career, Hunley served as Vice President and Executive Board Member for the NFL Players Association from 1988 to 1991.

Upon retiring as a player, Hunley moved into coaching. His coaching career includes stints at various colleges and NFL teams, including the University of Southern California, the University of Missouri, the University of Florida, and the Washington Redskins. He served on the board of the Black Coaches Association from 1998 to 2002.

Hunley returned to the University of Arizona in 2021 as the defensive line coach before taking on his current role as the Executive Director of Player Relations and External Development at his alma mater.

In addition to his coaching career, Hunley donates his time and resources to a wide range of philanthropic causes. He is a strong supporter of Easter Seals of Southern Arizona, which provides services to children and adults with disabilities, and the Boys and Girls Club of Tucson. His support of the American Heart Association earned him recognition as a 2025 Person of Impact, and his advocacy for the Arizona Diaper Bank danced his way to a victory in the 2024 Dancing with Our Stars competition.

Hunley's commitment to giving back extends beyond these organizations. He founded the Ricky Hunley Foundation, which supports foster care initiatives, and serves on the advisory board of the University of Arizona Steele Children's Research Center. He is also involved in the NAATE Campus Partnership, which focuses on advancing educational opportunities for underserved communities, and participated in the 2024 Tribal Leaders Summit in Arizona, a significant event dedicated to education, networking, and celebrating tribal health.

Hunley also serves on the board of the Arizona chapter of the College Football Foundation and is a member of the Rotary Club of Southern Arizona. Together, these commitments reflect his dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others.