John “Bull” Bramlett was considered the meanest man in professional sports.
Featuring Joe Namath, Tony Dungy, Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Bowden, Larry Csonka, and others, Taming the Bull: The John Bramlett Story is a captivating film about a man who gained the world, and in the process risked losing his soul.
Taming the Bull: The John Bramlett Story is an unforgettable message of hope for every marriage that seems beyond repair, every parent ready to give up, every addict struggling to break free, every person who is searching for significance.
About
John “Bull” Bramlett was born July 7, 1941 in Memphis, Tennessee. As a two-time NFL All-Pro Linebacker, his career spanned over seven years (1965 thru 1971) with four different teams:
the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Boston Patriots, and Atlanta Falcons.
Bramlett was a two-sport athlete at Humes High School in Memphis, TN. John won All City, All-State and All-American honors in football and All City and All State honors in baseball. Bramlett signed a scholarship at Memphis State University (now University of Memphis) to play football and baseball. At Memphis State he was named an honorable mention All-American his senior year and also played in the Senior Bowl in 1962. After leading Memphis state in hitting for four straight years, Bramlett signed a professional baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963. John earned the nickname “Bull” while playing baseball in Winnipeg, Canada. During a game, Bramlett ran through a wooden fence after catching a foul ball down the third base lines. He played in that organization for 2 years until he was handed a lifetime ban from professional baseball after seriously injuring a man during an altercation at a bar in Homestead, FL. Bramlett then signed a contract with the Denver Broncos and was named runner-up AFL Rookie of the year behind Joe Namath in 1965.
Bramlett lasted two seasons with the Broncos, making one appearance in the Pro Bowl in 1966 before being traded to the Miami Dolphins for a fourth round pick in the 1968 NFL Draft. He played two seasons with Miami, making another Pro Bowl appearance in 1968, before being traded to the Patriots along with quarterback Kim Hammond in exchange for Nick Buoniconti in 1969.
While playing for the Patriots, Bramlett was named the Most Valuable Player for the team in 1970. Because of Bramlett’s on the field aggressiveness and off the field antics, he was nicknamed the “Meanest Man in Football.” Bramlett was then released and played one more season with the Atlanta Falcons before retiring from the NFL in 1972.
Bramlett was a lay evangelist after experiencing a conversion to Christianity in 1973. He spoke to hundreds of churches, schools, prisons, conventions as well as NFL and MLB chapel services over the past 40 years.
Materials & Resources
The complete John “Bull” Bramlett story. A must read. Written by John Bramlett (with Tula Jeffries).
John “Bull” Bramlett was the best at what he did, and what he did best was hurt people. Most of all he hurt himself.
“As surely as parting the Red Sea or speaking from the burning bush demonstrates God’s awesome power, so does the dramatic story of John ‘Bull’ Bramlett. His personal story is sad at times and funny at times, yet (it) always offers hope and inspiration to us all. We serve a mighty God and John Bramlett was a special project, I’m sure.”
“I have known John and Nancy Bramlett for one-quarter of a century. My love and respect for them continues to grow. John Bramlett is bold as a lion, gentle as a dove, and in his own way as wise as a serpent. He has the ability to capture the attention of people that I personally could never reach. I wholeheartedly commend the ministry of this fantastic couple.”
“You don’t forget a great football player like John Bramlett. His intensity was amazing. He was tough and aggressive, with absolutely no regard for his body. Every time you played against him, you expected to be hit, and hit hard.”
“If John Bramlett can become a Christian, there’s hope for everybody in the world.”
A Note from “the Bull”
When I sign autographs for those who ask, I always include “Rom.1:16” after my name. This verse is the foundation of my ministry and the way I try to live my life. The Gospel of Jesus Christ and his redeeming grace and love are what compel me to live for him. I will never get over what Jesus did for me on that cross. I will share that message unashamedly for as long as God keeps me here.
I thank many who have helped me along the way and loved me unconditionally. To all my friends and family who have encouraged me to share my story, I am deeply grateful.
Love in Jesus,
John “Bull” Bramlett
Continue Bull’s Ministry
Thank you for helping to continue Bull’s ministry as we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and equip others to do the same. Your donation is tax deductible as allowed by law.
Online via Paypal:
Mail payment to:
The John Bramlett Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 1747
Cordova, TN 38088-1747
(901) 753-6401 – Office/Fax
info@bramlett.org