Growing up in Hawaii, his dream was to play football at Notre Dame like his dad. That dream was crushed when the Irish sent him a rejection letter. Brian Cabral then turned to a school where he would spend decades of his life.
He was a stellar linebacker and team captain for the University of Colorado. Nearly 50 years after he played, Brian’s name is still on the top 20 list of the Buffs all-time tacklers. A list that also includes 10 names he would eventually coach.
After graduating from CU, Brian was a 4th round draft pick. During his first few seasons, he dealt with injury, a trade and being cut. After he was released from the Packers, he thought he was done, but a higher power did not. On his drive to Boulder from Wisconsin, Brian prayed and left his future in God’s hands. When he pulled into his driveway, his wife Becky ran out to tell him the Bears had been calling. After six seasons in Chicago, and a Super Bowl championship, Brian retired and went into coaching.
Bill McCartney brought him to CU on as a Graduate Assistant and he quickly became a linebacker’s coach. Coach Cabral’s ability to connect with players was undeniable: he remained on the Buffs coaching staff through FIVE head coaches. He was also an interim head coach twice and felt he was ready to lead his alma mater. When that opportunity went elsewhere, Coach Cabral left Boulder for a few years. A few years after he returned, the CU Athletic Department reached out and created a position for him as a Character Coach. Today he works with all CU student athletes and loves being back with the Black and Gold.
Listen to Coach Cabral’s story and conversation with Susie Wargin on the Cut Traded Fired Retired Podcast.