He led the nation in several receiving categories in 1950 including a 29.3 yard average per reception,[1] and was selected as an All-American.

[2] Curtis served his four years in the Navy, expecting to be signed by the Browns for the upcoming 1955 season.

When he and the Browns had trouble reaching a contract, he signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

[1] Curtis attended Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia from 1943 to 1947, where his father was a teacher.

[3] Bucky is a member of the school's sports Hall of Fame.