John “Bull” Bramlett, FCA Hall of Champions member and former star two-sport athlete at Memphis State, passed away Thursday morning. Excelling in baseball and football at what is now the University of Memphis, Bramlett was an outfielder in the St. Louis Cardinals system, then went to pursue football in 1965 for a career spanning seven years. Runner up to Joe Namath for the AFL Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowl selection, Bramlett also received MVP honors for the Patriots in 1970. His fierceness on the field earned him the tagline, “Meanest Man in Football.”

Christ took hold of him shortly after his playing career ended and Bramlett became a passionate speaker who addressed FCA and other groups across the country about his transformation and God’s love. He was an integral part of establishing an FCA Huddle at the University of Memphis and hosted an annual golf tournament since 1988 that benefits the Memphis Area FCA. In 2004, FCA established the John “Bull” Bramlett Award, given to an area high school football player that exemplifies character and integrity as well as on-field excellence.

To learn more about Bramlett’s life and ministry, and to view the trailer for his documentary Taming the Bull, visit bramlett.org.