Clint Bruce
Clint Bruce is an American former professional football player for the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL),[1][2] United States Navy SEAL,[3][1] entrepreneur, and public speaker.[2][4] He is the founder of the Trident Response Group[5] and co‑founder of Carry The Load foundation.[6]
Clint Bruce | |
|---|---|
| Born | Arkansas, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1997–2003 |
| Unit | SEAL Team Five |
| Children | 3 |
| Football career | |
| Profile | |
| Position | Linebacker |
| Born | Script error: No such module "person date". |
| Died | Script error: No such module "person date". |
| Career information | |
| College | United States Naval Academy |
| NFL draft | 1997: undrafted |
| Career history | |
| |
| Awards and highlights | |
| Coaching profile at Pro Football Reference | |
| _BLANK_ | |
| Stats at Pro Football Reference | |
Born in Arkansas, Bruce grew up in Texas, where he became a standout high‑school football player; earning attention from several Division I programs.[9] He accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, where he acted as a linebacker for the Navy Midshipmen and became one of the most decorated players in program history. Over four seasons, which he earned varsity letters each year, he served as team captain and was recognized as the team's Most Valuable Player. His performance on the field earned him multiple all‑star selections, and he capped his collegiate career by being named the Aloha Bowl MVP in 1996. Years later, in recognition of his impact on the program, he was inducted into the Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium Hall of Fame.[9]
After graduating from the Naval Academy, Bruce pursued a professional football career, as he balanced military commitments. Signing with the Baltimore Ravens, and later the New Orleans Saints, as a linebacker.[10] His time in the NFL primarily included training camps and preseason play typical for undrafted; competing for a place in the roster.[4] Despite opportunities to continue pursuing professional football, Bruce ultimately chose to leave the league in order to fulfill his desire to serve as a Navy SEAL.
Bruce entered Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and went on to serve as a Navy Special Warfare Officer. He deployed with SEAL Team Five, and served following the September 11 attacks.[11]
After completing 6 years in the military service, Bruce transitioned into the private sector and founded the Trident Response Group, a Dallas‑based intelligence and advisory firm.[12] In 2011, he co‑founded Carry The Load foundation, a nonprofit organization created to honor the sacrifices of military members, veterans, and first responders.[13][6] He also remains a prominent public speaker focusing on performance, resilience, and leadership principles.[5]
Early life and education
Clint Bruce was born in Arkansas and raised in Texas. During high school, he became a notable football player, earning attention from several Division I programs for his performance on the field, including the United States Naval Academy.[9]
Bruce enrolled at the Naval Academy in the mid‑1990s and joined the Navy Midshipmen football team. During his collegiate career, he became one of the program's most recognized players, earning four varsity letters and serving as team captain. He received multiple honors for his performance, including selections to all‑star teams. Bruce graduated from the Naval Academy in 1997[14] and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy.[15]
Professional football career
After completing his collegiate career at the United States Naval Academy, Bruce drew interest from the National Football League. He had opportunities with the Baltimore Ravens, joining the organization after graduation.[9] Bruce later spent time with the New Orleans Saints, becoming one of the relatively small number of service‑academy athletes to reach the NFL.[10] His time in professional football occurred before he chose to leave the sport in order to pursue military service. Bruce ultimately stepped away from the league to begin Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S) and commissioning as a Navy SEAL, a decision that marked a significant shift from athletics to military service.[9]
Military career
After leaving the NFL, Bruce entered the U.S. Navy's Special Warfare training pipeline, completing Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) as a member of Class 217.[1]
After finishing the Navy SEAL pipeline, Bruce was commissioned as a Special Warfare Officer, a Navy SEAL officer, for 6 years.[1][16]
Business and non-profit career
After completing his military service, Bruce founded the Trident Response Group, a private intelligence and risk‑management firm that provides advisory services. He later established the HoldFast Institute, a leadership and performance‑training organization. Bruce has also been associated with HighGround, a leadership‑focused initiative.[15]
Bruce is the co‑founder of Carry The Load, a nonprofit organization created in 2011 with fellow Navy SEAL Stephen Holley. Carry The Load began as an effort to highlight the significance of Memorial Day and has since expanded to honor military members, veterans, first responders, and their families through events and awareness campaigns.[6]
Personal life
He is married and has three daughters, and lives in the Texas area.[10]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Ryan Day: Ohio State coach asked ex-Navy SEAL to share leadership tips with team | Fox News". www.foxnews.com. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Fulton, Chris (2025-12-08). "Former Navy SEAL, NFL player tells Farm Bureau: 'It always comes down to work'". Mountain Home Observer. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ "Former Navy SEAL inspiring today's college football athletes | Fox News". www.foxnews.com. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Former Navy SEAL and NFL Linebacker Clint Bruce Inspires Leadership at Arkansas Farm Bureau Convention". www.arfb.com. 2025-12-04. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 EXECUTIVE SPEAKERS BUREAU. "Clint Bruce". www.executivespeakers.com. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "About Us - Founding Story of Carry The Load". Carry The Load. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Clint Bruce - Texas Speakers Bureau". Retrieved 2025-01-01.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Martin, Chantz (2025-04-04). "Former Navy SEAL Clint Bruce on relationship with Ohio State's Ryan Day". Fox News. Retrieved 2025-01-01.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 "Clint Bruce - Team Never Quit Speakers". 2019-05-13. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Sullivan, Paul (2024-02-19). "Clint Bruce". thecompanyofdads.com. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ "Clint Bruce".
- ↑ "Conversations with Innovators — Q&A with Clint Bruce of Trident Response Group". Klemchuk. 2016-09-01. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ "Carry The Load co-founder marvels in what his idea has become a decade later". wfaa.com. 2021-05-27. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ "VMH: Class of 1997". usnamemorialhall.org.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 "Cadre". HFST2020. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
- ↑ "Meet Clint Bruce - Former Navy Special Warfare Officer, NFL Player and Entrepreneur". Drives culture change in the automotive industry. Retrieved 2026-01-01.
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