Former NFL football player John “Bull” Bramlett, 60, will speak tonight at 7 p.m. in the University Center Faulkner Lounge.
“I’ll talk about my life, and how even though I played a couple years of pro baseball and seven years of pro football, that’s not where I found happiness,” said Bramlett in an interview Monday.
Once known as “the meanest man in the NFL,” Bramlett has been a Christian for over 25 years. Since leaving the NFL, he has devoted his time to inspirational speaking in churches, high schools, universities and prisons.
“The day I met Jesus Christ changed my life, and I talk about it because it is the best thing that could happen to anyone’s life,” said Bramlett.
Bramlett graduated from The University of Memphis, then Memphis State University, in 1963.
While he was here, Bramlett lettered 4 years on the football team and the baseball team, and also served as captain of the baseball team.
He was Mr. Memphis State in 1963 and received All-American honorable mentions. He is in The University of Memphis Hall of Fame, along with the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
After college, Bramlett spent two years with the St. Louis Cardinals and seven years playing pro football. Bramlett spent two years with the Denver Broncos, two years with the Miami Dolphins, two years with the New England Patriots and one year with the Atlanta Falcons.
Bramlett was picked on the all-time Denver Bronco Team, and was runner up to Joe Namath for 1965’s Rookie of the Year award. Bramlett played in two pro bowls in 1966 and 1967 and was the New England Patriots’ Most Valuable Player in 1970.
In spite of his tremendous success in the athletic world, Bramlett still found himself unhappy.
“Happiness depends on happenstance,” said Bramlett. “But joy joy comes from Jesus, and with Jesus you can have joy in the midst of storms. Before, when I had a problem, I turned to whiskey or women. Now I turn it over to Jesus, because he lives inside of me.”
Since leaving the NFL and becoming a Christian, Bramlett has established John Bramlett Ministries and has put out an autobiography, “Taming the Bull.”
According to his personal profile, Bramlett is “blessed by God” to have a wonderful wife and two sons, both of whom played football. Bramlett’s son Andy played football for The University of Memphis, and his son Don played football at Carson-Newman College. Don went on to play for the Minnesota Vikings.
Bramlett also has two granddaughters, Rebecca “Puddin’” and Rachel “Punkin’” Bramlett.
Bramlett is on campus tonight as a part of the Baptist Student Union’s “The Rock.” The event is sponsored by Baptist Collegiate Ministries. There will be interactive games and door prizes, and the admission is free to everyone.
