Bruton was a linebacker for the Bulldog football team from 1988-1990. He is widely considered to be one of the best to play the position at the college. A team captain and three-time all-KCAC selection, Bruton helped McPherson to back-to-back winning seasons in 1988 and 1989 under Dan Thiessen, matching the number of winning seasons the program had in the preceding 29 years. He was also an NAIA All-District 10 first team selection in 1990.

After ending his playing career, Bruton remained on campus as a football student assistant coach and residence director in Metzler Hall, while also competing in throwing events for the McPherson track and field team. 

He coached for five years at Burrton High School before stepping away from the prep ranks to serve as an offensive assistant with the McPherson football program from 2013-2014 - his third stint as an assistant with the Bulldogs. The father of former McPherson College football player Tyler Bruton, he resides in McPherson with his wife, Stacey, and currently serves as a high school industrial arts teacher, director of athletics, head track and field coach and assistant football coach at Burrton High School.