There is no question that John “Bull” Bramlett was a controversial figure in the history of football.
For every triumph that he accomplished over the course of his career, there were just as many failures. These photos tell the story of a life destined for destruction… blindsided by love. They tell the story of a man who discovered a life worth living — becoming the husband and father his family had never known; impacting people in a way he never imagined.
Here is a pictorial look at “Bull’s” transformation as a player and a person over the decades.
Football Highlights
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- Bull during Denver Broncos game (1966)
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- Bull after a defensive series for the Miami Dolphins (1968)
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- Bull with a Cigar – This photo was entered into a contest for a cigar company and won first place. Photographer won $10,000 and Bull received a box of cigars
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- Broncos vs. Bills (1966)
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- Denver Broncos press photo (1966)
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- Broncos press photo (1965) – Most used photo of Bull
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- Rookie year Broncos training camp (1965)
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- One-year-old Andy and me. I wanted a son who would be just like me. I turned out to be a poor example.
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- NFL Alumni photo (1996)
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- Denver Bronco press photo (1965)
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- Rookie Year – first day training camp with Charlie Parker (former Univ. of Southern Mississippi) Bull and Charlie were opponents in college.
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- Blocking a Bills field goal (1966)
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- Making a head on tackle on OJ Simpson (1970). Later OJ would write in his book that Bull was a dirty player. Bull denies that.
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- Bramlett family during St. Louis Cardinals contract signing. Cardinal scout Buddy Lewis on left (1963).
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- “AFL Tough Guy” article photo – “Not dirty, Just hustle” (1966)
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- Press photo – Denver Broncos (1966)
Ministry Highlights
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- Bull during 1980 interview about his faith
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- Preaching at a Federal Prison in FL. Bull loves prison ministry with Inmate Encounters (2000).
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- Leading singing at Calvary Rescue Mission (1980)
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- Preaching in an African prison (1997)
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- Giving an invitation during the prison crusade (1997)
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- Preaching at Hickory Hills Baptist Church (1979)
John’s Scrapbook
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- Rebecca “Puddin” • Nancy • Rachel “Punkin” • Hunter “Pistol” • John “Bull” • Jordan “Pro”
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- John • Hunter • Rebecca • Nancy • Jordan • Rachel
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- Bobby, my youngest brother, stands with me at the Memphis State University sideline
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- Andy, me, and Don. I’ve learned that a boy’s strongest desire is to have his dad’s love and approval. I’m thankful my boys never doubted my love for them.
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- Charles, Mom, Odell, (left to right) and me, in front.
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- Thank you, Tula Jeffries for allowing the Lord to use your hands and heart to write our life stories that have changed lives and homes.
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- My freshman year at Memphis State University. I had a four-year athletic scholarship and a burning desire to prove I could play.
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- Dr. Sonny Humphreys, presenting my diploma from Memphis State University in May 1963.
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- “Bull”, Coach Tony Dungy (coach of the Superbowl champions Indianapolis Colts), and Ken Whitten (pastor of Idelwild Church, Tampa, FL). Dear Brothers in the Lord.
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- “Bull” standing by his picture on the Denver Broncos Wall of Fame at the Denver Broncos Complex.
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- Andy Bramlett (son), Jack Kemp (Buffalo Bills quarterback and New York congressman), and Don Bramlett (son).
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- “Bull” and Joe Namath. Best quarterback to ever play, Joe was Rookie of the Year in 1965 and I was Runner-up.
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- I never went to the field without being willing to sacrifice my body.
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- No one hates to lose, but I have always had a hard time believing that anyone hates to lose as much as I do.
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- The Miami Dolphins Bull takes on the New England Patriots (1968).
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- The Patriots Bull (1970) tackles Tucker Friedrickson of the New York Giants (left), blocking a pass from the Redskins’ Sonny Jourgenson (right).
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- Dr. Adrian Rogers – always my friend, my pastor, my hero. “God is Love, and Jesus is Wonderful”.
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- Coach Bobby Bowden (head coach of Florida State University). A great coach, a great friend, and a great witness for Jesus Christ.
Through the Years
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- Coach Billy “Spook” Murphy sharing his testimony at “Sweet Jesus” Retreat in 1993.
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- Bull speaking at Coach Murphy’s Homegoing and Celebration on February 25, 2008.
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- Larry Coley, Area Director FCA, Tyler King, Cordova High School presented the Bull Bramlett Award at the Liberty Bowl Breakfast.
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- FamilyLife Today hosts Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine with Buill and Nancy.
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- Tommy McMurry, Earnest Richards, Bull, Steve Largent, and Billy Fletcher
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- Nancy signing books after speaking for Trish Bryant, Chairman, Atoka First Baptist Church.
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- Larry Coley, Andrew Brimhall, and “Bull.” Award given by ServiceMaster.
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- Jim Whitmire, Bull, and Ken Whitten – Sweet Jesus Retreat
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- Mike Murphy (son of Coach Billy “Spook” Murphy), University of Memphis Head Football Coach Larry Porter, and Bull
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- North Delta School, Batesville, MS – 4th Grade Class
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- Hunter, University of Memphis Head Football Coach Larry Porter, Andy Bramlett, and Jordan
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- Rachel, Rebecca, and Don Bramlett, University of Memphis Head Football Coach Larry Porter, and Bull
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- Liberty Bowl Bull Bramlett FCA Award – Dexter Alexander, Tom McDow, Bull, Dane Wilson, Larry Coley FCA Director, Austin Marshall, and Fred Flenoral, Jr.
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- Fox News New York TV Host, Sean Hannity, with Bill, Rebecca, Nancy, Rachel, and Luke Whitmire
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- Tony Dungy, Head Coach of NFL World Championship Indianapolis Colts, Dr. Mark and Pam Castellaw’s sons Mason and Michael, and Bull. Don’t miss reading Tony’s book “Quiet Strength”.
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- Mary Ellen Kerr (Chaplain) and the “Bull”
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- The “Bull” and Officer Ingersoll
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- Nancy, Pam Tebow, Bull at Salvation Army Founders Day Luncheon
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- Bull and Nancy
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- Bull and Todd Graham, Head Football Coach of University of Tulsa, was speaker at Pop Andrews Golf Classic.
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- Bull and Nancy Christmas photo with the grandchildren – An annual tradition
Retirement
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- Bull before his Memphis State jersey retirement ceremony
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- Post jersey ceremony with friends
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- Bull and Nancy with Univ. of Memphis Athletic Director, Tom Bowen at the jersey retirement
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- Bull and Nancy enjoying a moment at the jersey ceremony
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- Bramlett family at center court of Fed Ex Forum during ceremony
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- Presentation of retired jersey by the U of M Athletic Director, Tom Bowen and M-Club President, Dwight Boyd
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- A very excited and honored Bull Bramlett
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- Bull enjoying pre ceremony festivities as the U of M band plays
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:
P.O. Box 1747
Cordova, TN 38088-1747
(901) 753-6401 – Office/Fax
info@bramlett.org