John Bramlett obit

John 'Bull' Bramlett dies at 73

 

He was not on the list.

John "Bull" Bramlett, a former professional football and baseball player who was nicknamed the "Meanest Man in Football," has died. He was 73.

Shelby County Mayor's Office spokesman Steve Shular told The Associated Press that family members say the Memphis native died early Thursday. Shular said Mayor Mark H. Luttrell was close to Bramlett, who had been in declining health.

Bramlett was a star baseball and football player at Memphis State, now the University of Memphis.

He went on to play professional baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals for two years before changing to the NFL, where he played from 1965 to 1971 and was a two-time All-Pro linebacker. He was runner-up to Joe Namath for American Football League rookie of the year in 1965.

His pro football career included four teams: the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Boston Patriots (now New England) and Atlanta Falcons.

Bramlett only lasted two seasons with the Broncos, making one appearance in the Pro Bowl 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, before being traded to the Patriots along with quarterback Kim Hammond in exchange for Nick Buoniconti in 1969

Because of his on-field aggressiveness and his antics off the field, Bramlett was given his nickname. But he changed his behavior when he retired from football, becoming a Christian evangelist.

In 1973, Bramlett became a Christian and abandoned his wild lifestyle. He was active in Christian ministry for many years. He resided in Memphis with his wife, Nancy, until his death. He had two sons, Don and Andy. His ministry was John Bramlett Ministries.

Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick, who were rookies on the Dolphins in 1968, tell several amusing stories about Bramlett in their book Always on the Run.

Bramlett also wrote his own autobiography called Taming the Bull: The John "Bull" Bramlett Story.

According to a website dedicated to his ministry, Bramlett spent 40 years speaking to hundreds of churches, schools, prisons and conventions, as well as NFL and MLB chapel services.

"Indeed, he inspired many people as a professional football player," Luttrell said in a statement. "Yet ... John's stories of forgiveness and hope through his Christian witness made a real difference in the lives of countless people throughout the nation and here in Shelby County.

"John Bramlett was ... a dear friend. I'm grateful for having known him and his family."