Biography: Ricky Hunley
Current Role: Executive Director, Player Relations & External Development, Arizona Football
Ricky Hunley is a former first-round NFL Draft pick, longtime professional coach, and current Executive Director of Player Relations and External Development at the University of Arizona. A two-time Super Bowl participant with the Denver Broncos and veteran of 91 NFL games, Hunley’s football journey spans over four decades — as a player, coach, union leader, and mentor.
During his seven-year NFL career, Hunley was elected executive vice president of the NFL Players Association, serving from 1990 to 1992 — a role that deepened his lifelong commitment to supporting player development, leadership, and well-being.
After retiring from the league, Hunley transitioned into coaching, holding key roles with the Raiders, Bengals, and Redskins, and mentoring standout players like Rolando McClain, Brian Simmons, and Hall of Famer Bruce Smith. His college coaching stops at Missouri, Florida, Memphis, and Arizona showcased his passion for building young men — helping develop NFL talent and leading units ranked among the nation’s best.
Off the field, Hunley has championed youth mentorship and diversity in coaching through his leadership roles with the Black Coaches Association and AFCA, and by founding the Ricky Hunley Annual Instructional Football Camp for Kids in Tucson.
