University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis Two-Sport Legend John Bramlett Passes Away
Oct 23, 2014 | Football
Oct. 23, 2014
John "Bull" Bramlett, one of the greatest defensive players in Tiger football history who also starred on the baseball diamond at the University of Memphis and went on to professionally play both sports, passed away Thursday. He was 73.
"John Bramlett was a great football and baseball player for the University of Memphis, and we are deeply saddened by his passing," said Tom Bowen, Director of Athletics at the University of Memphis. "John made a lasting impression in all that he did both on the football field and in his work and ministry. God bless his family."
During halftime of the Tigers' game against Duke last season, Bowen and Bramlett were a part of a ceremony as the legendary player had his No. 64 jersey retired.
Bramlett, a linebacker out of Humes High School in Memphis, played for legendary coach Billy J. Murphy for four seasons at the University of Memphis (1959-62).
A speedy and intense player, Bramlett made the Memphis Football varsity squad immediately as a freshman in 1959 and became a starter midway through the year. The Tigers finished the 1959 season with a 6-4 record with marquee wins over Florida State and Southern Miss.
During the 1960 campaign, Bramlett helped the Tigers improve to an 8-2 record and the 1961 team also posted an 8-2 mark.
As a senior, Bramlett registered two pass interceptions which were returned for a total of 55 yards. The Tigers improved to 8-1 and in an important program milestone, Bramlett led the defense in allowing Mississippi State to score just seven points as Memphis State won its first game against an SEC opponent, 28-7 against the Bulldogs in Starkville, Miss.
Memphis finished the 1962 season ranked 17th in the nation by United Press International.
"Tiger Nation has lost a legendary figure in the history of Memphis sports," said Tiger Football coach Justin Fuente. "I know that this city has lost an extraordinary man who exceedingly gave back to this community and will be remembered as much for his humanitarian efforts as his time competing on the field."
On the baseball diamond, Bramlett batted .323 as a freshman and .357 during his sophomore year. As a junior, Bramlett led the squad with a .403 batting average and the team posted a 13-6 record. As a senior, he batted .358, hit four home runs and stole 18 bases.
"We're saddened with the news on the passing of `Bull'," Memphis baseball coach Daron Schoenrock said. "To all of us in the program, he was part of our baseball family. He's been involved in alumni activities, and he did a lot of team chapels for us. We're proud to call him a former Tiger player and we love the impact he had on our Tiger community. As a program and Tiger Nation, we will miss him dearly."
Bramlett was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and stayed in professional baseball for three years before signing a contract with the Denver Broncos in 1965. Bramlett was the runner-up for Rookie of the Year honors in the NFL behind quarterback Joe Namath. He went on to play seven seasons for four teams in the NFL.
Following his playing career, Bramlett became a lay evangelist. He spoke to hundreds of churches, schools, prisons and at conventions, as well as led NFL and MLB chapel services for the past 40 years.
"John Bramlett was a legendary figure who attacked every facet of his life with a passion - be it his rugged style of play on the baseball and football field to his dedication to provide spiritual uplifting and compassion to those in need," said Bob Winn, who formerly directed the University of Memphis' athletic communications office and now works in the department's letterman's association, The M Club. "I was honored to know John Bramlett and his family and consider them close friends. Today, they are certainly in my thoughts anD Prayers."
Bramlett is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his sons, Andy and Don, who were also Memphis Football lettermen.
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Collierville (830 New Byhalia Road) Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be Monday at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Collierville.
John "Bull" Bramlett, one of the greatest defensive players in Tiger football history who also starred on the baseball diamond at the University of Memphis and went on to professionally play both sports, passed away Thursday. He was 73.
"John Bramlett was a great football and baseball player for the University of Memphis, and we are deeply saddened by his passing," said Tom Bowen, Director of Athletics at the University of Memphis. "John made a lasting impression in all that he did both on the football field and in his work and ministry. God bless his family."
During halftime of the Tigers' game against Duke last season, Bowen and Bramlett were a part of a ceremony as the legendary player had his No. 64 jersey retired.
Bramlett, a linebacker out of Humes High School in Memphis, played for legendary coach Billy J. Murphy for four seasons at the University of Memphis (1959-62).
A speedy and intense player, Bramlett made the Memphis Football varsity squad immediately as a freshman in 1959 and became a starter midway through the year. The Tigers finished the 1959 season with a 6-4 record with marquee wins over Florida State and Southern Miss.
During the 1960 campaign, Bramlett helped the Tigers improve to an 8-2 record and the 1961 team also posted an 8-2 mark.
As a senior, Bramlett registered two pass interceptions which were returned for a total of 55 yards. The Tigers improved to 8-1 and in an important program milestone, Bramlett led the defense in allowing Mississippi State to score just seven points as Memphis State won its first game against an SEC opponent, 28-7 against the Bulldogs in Starkville, Miss.
Memphis finished the 1962 season ranked 17th in the nation by United Press International.
"Tiger Nation has lost a legendary figure in the history of Memphis sports," said Tiger Football coach Justin Fuente. "I know that this city has lost an extraordinary man who exceedingly gave back to this community and will be remembered as much for his humanitarian efforts as his time competing on the field."
On the baseball diamond, Bramlett batted .323 as a freshman and .357 during his sophomore year. As a junior, Bramlett led the squad with a .403 batting average and the team posted a 13-6 record. As a senior, he batted .358, hit four home runs and stole 18 bases.
"We're saddened with the news on the passing of `Bull'," Memphis baseball coach Daron Schoenrock said. "To all of us in the program, he was part of our baseball family. He's been involved in alumni activities, and he did a lot of team chapels for us. We're proud to call him a former Tiger player and we love the impact he had on our Tiger community. As a program and Tiger Nation, we will miss him dearly."
Bramlett was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and stayed in professional baseball for three years before signing a contract with the Denver Broncos in 1965. Bramlett was the runner-up for Rookie of the Year honors in the NFL behind quarterback Joe Namath. He went on to play seven seasons for four teams in the NFL.
Following his playing career, Bramlett became a lay evangelist. He spoke to hundreds of churches, schools, prisons and at conventions, as well as led NFL and MLB chapel services for the past 40 years.
"John Bramlett was a legendary figure who attacked every facet of his life with a passion - be it his rugged style of play on the baseball and football field to his dedication to provide spiritual uplifting and compassion to those in need," said Bob Winn, who formerly directed the University of Memphis' athletic communications office and now works in the department's letterman's association, The M Club. "I was honored to know John Bramlett and his family and consider them close friends. Today, they are certainly in my thoughts anD Prayers."
Bramlett is survived by his wife, Nancy, and his sons, Andy and Don, who were also Memphis Football lettermen.
Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Collierville (830 New Byhalia Road) Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be Monday at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Collierville.
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