James T. "Brad" Bradley, the legendary photographer who worked 75 Cotton Bowl Classics dating back to 1948, passed away on Friday, Oct. 13, at his Dallas home. He was 101.
 
"Working in college athletics is a blessing because you meet so many special people, and Brad Bradley who photographed the history of the Cotton Bowl... and much more... ranks among everyone's all-time favorites," said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. "We were deeply saddened to learn of his passing. It takes a unique set of skills to be a great photographer, and Brad had them all. He knew how to connect with his subjects and capture them at the right moment.... whenever and wherever the action might be taking place... during a game... at an awards ceremony... a publicity shoot... or simply during those mundane moments that turn into something more. He simply was a treasure, and he will be profoundly missed."

Returning home to North Texas after World War II, Bradley's career began in 1947 when his father-in-law, Jim Laughead, asked him if he wanted to help with the SMU yearbook. His career blossomed, and Bradley soon jumped on the Southwest Conference football beat. He covered his first Cotton Bowl game on New Year's Day, 1948, when College Football Hall of Famer Doak Walker was in his heyday. Bradley would remain a permanent fixture at the game and Cotton Bowl events throughout his entire life, including shooting the Cotton Bowl Classic Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony at AT&T Stadium this year on May 11, 2023. 
 
Through the years, Bradley became one of college football's favorite photographers, traveling southeast in an old station wagon with Laughead to take photos of every team in the Southeastern Conference. They are credited with creating "huck and buck" shots, which simulate players movements on the field without their helmets on. At one point in their almost-40-year run, the Laughead Photography duo was covering 44 colleges and various NFL teams.
 
The College Football Hall of Fame featured the Bradley-Laughead archives with a special exhibit in 2018.  Bradley was inducted into the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame in 2007. NFF Gridiron Club of Dallas Chapter presented him its Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Football Award in 2016, and he was inducted into the SMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.

Click here for a tribute from the Cotton Bowl.

Click here for an ESPN story on his passing.