RIP Don Bracken
Former Michigan (80-84) and NFL punter passed away last night. There are no articles regarding Don's passing as I have learned this news from a friend and former Wolverine on my Facebook page. Don visited my school in the early 80's and exemplified what a hero should be, I'll never forget the 10 good minutes you spent with me, Don. My condolences to his family, friends and teammates.
October 30th, 2014 at 10:16 AM ^
and probably the best former Michigan player to come from Wyoming (thermopolis, IIRC)
RIP, Mr. Bracken, condolences to his family and friends.
October 30th, 2014 at 10:29 AM ^
Just a great punter. And it sounds like an even better guy.
October 30th, 2014 at 11:43 AM ^
Michigan player in the last 35 years to hail from Wyoming actually. I can't think of any other. But, this is very sad news. He came into Michigan near the end of my undergraduate years, but quickly became a freshman starter at punter. RIP Don.
October 30th, 2014 at 1:11 PM ^
He was my age and was apparently one year behind me. I remember that the punting was awful my freshman year, 1979, so I am not surprised a good punter came in and started as a freshman in 1980. The name is familliar, but surprisingly only vaguely.
RIP Don.
October 30th, 2014 at 10:17 AM ^
October 30th, 2014 at 10:38 AM ^
he was a guy brought to the attention of the coaching staff by fans/alums who saw his high school games. They had a look and he jumped at the chance at the schollie. RIP Don.
October 30th, 2014 at 10:40 AM ^
was he ill? Thoughts to his family.
October 30th, 2014 at 10:46 AM ^
Far too young.
October 30th, 2014 at 11:07 AM ^
He was an incredible punter.
Condolences to his family.
October 30th, 2014 at 11:25 AM ^
Great punter!
RIP Mr. Bracken and condolences to your family.
GO BLUE!
October 30th, 2014 at 11:34 AM ^
Just yesterday there was something posted on LinkedIn about Don being in the fight of his life. Unfortunately, it was too late. RIP.
October 30th, 2014 at 11:47 AM ^
One of the best punters in Michigan history. Probably the 3rd best of my lifetime, behind Mesko and Monte Robbins. RIP
October 30th, 2014 at 11:50 AM ^
I think that the kicking game (both punting and field goal kicking) cost Michigan at least a couple of games in 1979. Bo never did like to give (he thought that it was a waste to do so) scholarships to kickers and punters, I think they were all non-scholarship players. This was back when there were a lot more than 85 scholarship players on the team.
After the kicking/punting disaster of 1979 (my freshman year), Bo starting giving scholarships to punters and kickers. I think Bracken was the first punter to get one. He was that good, and deserved one.
Sad news :(
October 30th, 2014 at 12:13 PM ^
condolences to his family. One of the great Punters in UM history.
October 30th, 2014 at 12:17 PM ^
The pretty girl I was dating in college dumped me for Don Bracken. I didn't care as long as his "legs didn't get weak" for the game!
RIP Don. Condolences to your family
October 30th, 2014 at 12:34 PM ^
he was the first punter Bo actively recruited. I will never forget his first punt for UM, which took off like a rocket and resulted in one of the biggest roars from the crowd I can ever remember from just a punt. Not to mention the record Rose Bowl punt. Over the years I have met a couple of people from his home town, and they were proud to hear he put Thermopolis on the map.
I am deeply saddened....RIP
October 30th, 2014 at 12:47 PM ^
October 30th, 2014 at 12:48 PM ^
The punt in the Rose Bowl was amazing, 73 yards! For years after that when I would be watching football with my buds, and if a punter boomed one and got a good bounce we would always call 'Bracken Bounce'. How many other punts can you remember 30 years later? I'm sure not many.
Thoughts and prayers to the Bracken family. Your Michigan family will miss you!
October 30th, 2014 at 4:00 PM ^
The crazy Monte Robbins punt in Hawaii. That's about it.
October 30th, 2014 at 3:02 PM ^
Don passed away of MRSA. Not sure how he got it. His family has a fund if anyone is interested in donating. http://www.gofundme.com/gc00qo
October 30th, 2014 at 3:25 PM ^
That is terrible. MRSA is serious stuff. I have a spot on my arm that Im getting checked out next week, its either MRSA or Basal Cell Carcinoma because Ive had it for months. Im less than a decade younger than Don and I remember him well as being an excellent punter when I was growing up watching Michigan football with my dad. RIP Don.