The local sports community is mourning the loss of a Bayou Region Athletic Hall of Famer.
Former NFL player Bob Brunet died peacefully on June 26, 2025. He was 78.
Brunet was a graduate of Larose-Cut Off High School in 1964 who was a dominant student-athlete. He earned a football scholarship to Louisiana Tech and was a force, earning All-Gulf States Conference and also was a member of the Bulldogs’ All-Century Team.
After his career with Louisiana Tech, Brunet was drafted by the Washington Redskins, enjoying a 10-year NFL career, including playing in Super Bowl VII. He was one of the best special teams players in the NFL during his career – a player known for his determination, speed and grit.
Brunet was named to the Louisiana Tech Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015 and the Bayou Region Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022.
Outside of football, Robert owned and operated a seafood delivery business, while also starting a popular seafood restaurant called The Galley. That business then expanded when Brunet partnered with his brother Billy to create Brunet’s Cajun Restaurant. He and his family relocated to the Baton Rouge area post-playing career.
Brunet is remembered by friends and family as a loving family man.
He was married 59 years to wife Lydia. The couple had 2 kids: Kristi and Nicole. He was a ‘Poppa’ to 3 grandchildren.
Outside of his family life and his love of sports, Brunet was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, but also to fish at his family’s camp in Fourchon.
He, of course, was extremely fit when he was a professional athlete, but he remained fit in retirement, spending a lot of time working out, riding his bike or golfing – never one to stay idle for long.
Brunet also had a strong faith in Christ and his family remembers him as a God-loving man who worked hard to instill Christian values into his family, while also treating others right.
Brunet’s funeral took place in Baton Rouge on July 11.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Caring to Love Ministries, a ministry close to his heart. https://secure.anedot.com/caring-to-love-ministries/brunet
See Brunet’s Hall of Fame induction video from the Bayou Region Athletic Hall of Fame below: