Bucky Curtis was a star receiver at Vanderbilt (1947-50). Curtis was then drafted in the second round of the NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns. Curtis made the Browns for the 1951 season, but was drafted for service in the Korean war before the season started. Curtis spent four years in the U.S. Navy, stationed in San Diego. Curtis played football while serving in the Navy and in 1955 was set to resume his professional career with the Browns. When Curtis and the Browns had trouble reaching a contract, he signed with the Toronto Argonauts. Curtis had t wo very good seasons as and offensive end and defensive back with the Argos, but ended his football career to go into business at the urgin of his father-in-law. In 2010, Bucky Curtis was elected to the Vanderbilt Athetic Hall of Fame.

Bucky Curtis was an All-American