Early years

Van Dyke grew up in Buckner, Missouri, and attended Fort Osage High School in Independence, Missouri. He played college football at the University of Missouri, where he was a two way starter, playing on both the offensive and defensive lines under head coach Dan Devine. As a first-team All-Big Eight Conference defensive tackle in 1965, Van Dyke played on Tiger teams that went a combined 21-8-2 from 1963 to 1965. The 1965 squad on which he served as a captain, finished the year ranked sixth nationally, and closed the season with a win over the University of Florida in the 1966 Sugar Bowl. Van Dyke was selected to play in the Hula Bowl in 1966, and was inducted into the University of Missouri's Intercollegiate Hall of Fame in 2001.

Professional career

Van Dyke was drafted in the 12th round of the 1966 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a key player for the Pittsburgh Steelers for seven years. In 1967, during his first year with the Steelers, the team won only one game. Seven years later, in 1973, Pittsburgh won their first AFC Divisional title. In 2008, Van Dyke was named to the Steelers Legends Team.

Philadelphia Eagles 1966 NFL draft selections Randy Beisler Gary Pettigrew Ben Hawkins Frank Emanuel Dan Berry Bob Sherlag Mel Tom Dave Lince John Mason Jim Todd John Osmond Welford Walton Bruce Van Dyke Jim Bohl Ron Medved Harry Day Arunas Vasys Ike Kelley Bill Moorer Taft Reed Bill Risio Gerald Circo

Pittsburgh Steelers Legends team Offense: Bobby Layne Dick Hoak John Henry Johnson Roy Jefferson Ray Mathews Elbie Nickel Chuck Cherundolo Mike Sandusky Bruce Van Dyke Charlie Bradshaw Frank Varrichione Defense: Eugene Lipscomb Ernie Stautner Ben McGee Bill McPeak Dale Dodrill Myron Pottios Jerry Shipkey Jack Butler Bill Dudley Howard Hartley Clendon Thomas Specialists: Armand Niccolai Pat Brady

[ Source: Wikipedia ]