East Texas A&M University Athletics

Buckley was a two-year letterwinner for East Texas State at linebacker, earning first team All-Lone Star Conference honors in 1991 and 1992. He led the Lions in tackles both season, notching 111 as a junior and 133 as a senior with five sacks during his career. Buckley helped East Texas State to the nation’s second-ranked defense in 1992. Buckley was a five-time LSC Defensive Player of the Week and was recognized as a two-time Don Hansen's Football Gazette All-American.

Buckley went on to play seven years in the National Football League, suiting up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants and Washington Redskins, being named a four-time honorable mention All-Madden Team selection.