Melvin Bullitt

Last updated

Melvin Bullitt
Melvin Bullitt.PNG
Bullitt in 2010
No. 33
Position: Defensive back
Personal information
Born: (1984-11-13) November 13, 1984 (age 40)
Bryan, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:201 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High school: Naaman Forest (Garland, Texas)
College: Texas A&M (2003–2006)
Undrafted: 2007
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:202
Forced fumbles:2
Pass deflections:13
Interceptions:7
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Melvin Terry Bullitt (born November 13, 1984) is a former American football defensive back. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2007 and played for the team for five seasons. He played college football at Texas A&M.

Contents

Early life

Bullitt starred at Naaman Forest High School in Garland, Texas, where he was team MVP as a senior after totaling 78 tackles (43 solo), five pass deflections, and three interceptions. He also caught seven passes for 185 yards and a touchdown. He was teammates with Uche Nwaneri and Jacob Lacey.

Bullitt committed to Texas A&M at the end of his junior year. [2]

College career

As a freshman at Texas A&M, Bullitt played in 8 games and produced 13 tackles. As a sophomore, he played in 12 games, finishing with 29 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble. He started 10 games as a junior and compiled 59 tackles, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. In the 2006 season, as a senior outside linebacker, he started in all 13 games had 84 tackles (26 solo), one interception, one fumble recovery, and eight pass deflections. After the season, he was named to the 2006 AT&T All-Big 12 Football First-team. [1] He finished his college career with 183 tackles (80 solo), 10.5 tackles for losses, and four interceptions.

Bullitt changed positions every season. He began playing at corner, then free safety, then strong safety, and finally at outside linebacker. [2]

Professional career

2007 season

Bullitt signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. In Week 5 he started in the Colts' dime package in a 33-14 victory over the Tampa Bay. He also saw action on defense in Week 9 against the New England as a replacement for injured Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders. He had his most extensive playing time in Week 17 against Tennessee, when he entered the game in the second half after the Colts rested starters on both sides of the ball. Despite only playing the second half, he made a team-high 10 tackles. [3] [4] [5]

2008 season

During the 2008 season, Bullitt made three game-saving interceptions to seal victories for the Colts. In the 31–27 comeback win over the Texans on October 5, he intercepted a pass by quarterback Sage Rosenfels at the Indianapolis 22, with 42 seconds remaining in the game. On November 9, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger attempted to throw a touchdown pass into the end zone on the final play, but Bullitt intercepted the pass, preventing a Steelers comeback and sealing the 24–20 Colts win. The third game-saver occurred in the second matchup against the Texans on November 16, when Bullitt intercepted Rosenfels' pass at the Colts 35, with 32 seconds left in the game. In the same game, however, he missed a tackle near the line of scrimmage on running back Steve Slaton, who ran 71 yards for a touchdown. [6] The Colts still won 33–27. [7] [8] Overall, Bullitt started nine games during the season, recording 42 solo tackles and four interceptions. [9]

After the season, Bullitt received recognition from USA Today , which listed him on its annual "All-Joe" team. [10]

Regarding his then-new role as a starter, Bullitt stated: "You always want to be a starter. That's why you come to the NFL. You don't want to come in and be a backup. You have to learn and you have to wait your time. You have to be patient, because anytime, an opportunity may come. Mine came this year, and I just wanted to go out and do the best I can and show people in the league I can play, too." [2]

2009 season

In January 2009, Bullitt was named the "emerging star" of the AFC South by an ESPN.com blogger; seven other players representing each division of the league were named one, as well. The players were picked based on their performances in the 2008 season. [11]

His teammates elected him as one of the two 2009 special-teams captains. [12] He started the season as a starter, replacing the injured Bob Sanders. He was named the "Unsung Hero of the Week" for week 3 by USA Today for his performance against the Arizona Cardinals. Bullitt forced a fumble and also prevented an airborne player from scoring a touchdown at the goal line. [13]

Bullitt also made a crucial fourth-down stop in the 35–34 victory over the New England Patriots. [14] [15]

For the second straight year, Bullitt made USA Today's "All-Joe" team. [16]

2010–2011 seasons

In October 2010, Bullitt was placed on injured reserve and missed the rest of the season. [17]

Three weeks into the 2011 season, Bullitt was placed on injured reserve. [18] He was released following the 2011 season on March 9, 2012.

NFL career statistics

Legend
BoldCareer high

Regular season

YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstSckTFLIntYdsTDLngPDFFFRYdsTD
2007 IND 150282350.01100010000
2008 IND 1597259130.03470391000
2009 IND 14127763140.01000011000
2010 IND 43141130.0011901910000
2011 IND 2211650.0011501510000
5026202162400.05741019132000

Playoffs

YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles
GPGSCmbSoloAstSckTFLIntYdsTDLngPDFFFRYdsTD
2007 IND 101010.00000000000
2008 IND 104310.00000010000
2009 IND 338800.00000020000
53131120.00000030000

Post-playing career

Following his retirement, Bullitt was named coach of the Legends Football League's Dallas Desire for the franchise's return in 2016. His brother Terrance will be his assistant. [19]

Melvin maintains an athletic training facility with his family in Rowlett, Texas. [20]

Personal

During his playing career, Melvin wore the number 33 in honor of his father, Jerry Bullitt, who wore the number as a linebacker at Texas A&M. When asked about his number, Melvin stated: "I kind of feel like when I'm wearing (No. 33), a piece of my dad is with me when I'm on the field." [21] Teammate Dominic Rhodes previously wore the same number for six seasons from 2001 to 2006 before playing the 2007 season for the Oakland Raiders. [22] Once Rhodes returned to the Colts prior to the 2008 season, he tried to get the number back and even offered Bullitt serious money for it, but to no avail. [23]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ed Reed</span> American football player, coach, and administrator (born 1978)

Edward Earl Reed Jr. is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL), spending the majority of his career with the Baltimore Ravens. He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, where he played on Miami's 2001 national championship team and was named a unanimous All-American. He was selected by the Ravens in the first round of the 2002 NFL draft and played 11 seasons with them before playing with the Houston Texans and New York Jets in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Bowl XLI</span> 2007 National Football League championship game

Super Bowl XLI was an American football game played between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Chicago Bears to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 2006 season. The Colts defeated the Bears by the score of 29–17. The game was played on February 4, 2007, at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This was the first, and to date only, Super Bowl win for an AFC South team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian Dawkins</span> American football player (born 1973)

Brian Patrick Dawkins Sr., nicknamed "Weapon X", is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football for the Clemson Tigers and was selected by the Eagles in the second round of the 1996 NFL draft. In his last three seasons, he played for the Denver Broncos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marlin Jackson</span> American football player (born 1983)

Marlin Tyrell Jackson is an American former professional football player in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, and was recognized as a two-time All-American. The Indianapolis Colts selected him in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft. Jackson won Super Bowl XLI with the Colts against the Chicago Bears. He finished his career with the Philadelphia Eagles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sage Rosenfels</span> American football player (born 1978)

Sage Jamen Rosenfels is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa State Cyclones and was selected by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL draft. He also played in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins from 2002 to 2005, the Houston Texans from 2006 to 2008, the Minnesota Vikings in 2009, and the New York Giants in 2010. He spent portions of the 2011 season with the Vikings and Dolphins, after being released by the Giants during preseason.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Giordano</span> American football player (born 1982)

Matthew Victor Giordano is an American former professional football safety. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL draft. Giordano grew up in Clovis, California, and played college football at Fresno City College and University of California, Berkeley.

Michael Allen Doss is an American former professional football safety who played in the National Football League (NFL) for six seasons. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, earning consensus All-American honors thrice and winning the 2002 national championship. He was selected in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts, with whom he played four seasons with, including during the team's 2006 Super Bowl season. Doss then spent one season with the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals each before retiring.

Ellis Hue Hobbs III is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for six seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Iowa State Cyclones. He was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft and played for them from 2005 to 2008. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in April 2009 and played for them from 2009 to 2010, before a neck injury prematurely ended his career.

Dexter Devon Reid Jr. is a former American football safety. He was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft after playing his college football at the University of North Carolina. Reid is a two-time Super Bowl champion, having won a trophy with the Patriots and Indianapolis Colts in 2005 and 2007 respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bob Sanders</span> American football player (born 1981)

Demond "Bob" Sanders is an American former professional football player who was a safety in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons. He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2004 NFL draft. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2007 and also played for the San Diego Chargers in his final season in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2006 Houston Texans season</span> 5th season in franchise history; first under coach Gary Kubiak

The 2006 Houston Texans season was the franchise's 5th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the 1st under head coach Gary Kubiak. The team improved on their 2–14 record in 2005 and finished 6-10, a four-game improvement over their previous season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antoine Bethea</span> American football player (born 1984)

Antoine Akeem Bethea is an American former professional football player who was a safety for 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Howard Bison and was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL draft. Bethea also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants. He was selected for the Pro Bowl three times and won Super Bowl XLI as a member of the Colts, beating the Chicago Bears.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cory Redding</span> American football player (born 1980)

Cory Bartholomew Redding is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft and played college football for the Texas Longhorns. Redding also played for the Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, and Arizona Cardinals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 Indianapolis Colts season</span> 56th season in franchise history; first at Lucas Oil Stadium and final one with coach Tony Dungy

The 2008 Indianapolis Colts season was the 56th season for the team in the National Football League (NFL) and the 25th in Indianapolis. It was the first season since 2002 that the Colts did not win the AFC South title. However, after a 3–4 start on the season Peyton Manning led the Colts to a nine-game winning streak, a 12–4 record, and a wild card berth in the playoffs. The Colts' season came to an end in San Diego when they were upset in their wild-card round playoff game against the San Diego Chargers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darius Butler</span> American football player (born 1986)

Darius Jermaine Butler is an American sports television personality and former professional football player who was a safety and cornerback for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Indianapolis Colts. He played college football for the Connecticut Huskies and was selected by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2009 NFL draft. He has also played for the Carolina Panthers. Butler began his career as a cornerback and switched to safety in 2016.

Al Mitchell Afalava is a former American football safety. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL draft. He also played for the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. He played in college for Oregon State University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kareem Jackson</span> American football player (born 1988)

Kareem Jackson is an American professional football safety for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Jackson was selected by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. He has also played for the Denver Broncos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rashaan Melvin</span> American football player (born 1989)

Rashaan DeMarcus Melvin is a former American football cornerback and current assistant secondary coach for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He played college football at Northern Illinois, and signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ibraheim Campbell</span> American football player (born 1992)

Ibraheim Malcolm-Ramon Campbell is an American former professional football safety. He played college football at Northwestern, and was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft. Campbell was also a member of the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, Tennessee Titans, and Indianapolis Colts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kenny Moore II</span> American football player (born 1995)

Kenneth Moore II is an American professional football cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Valdosta State, and signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2017.

References

  1. 1 2 "2006 AT&T All-Big 12 Football Awards Announced" (Press release). Archived from the original on May 17, 2008.
  2. 1 2 3 "Bullitt enjoying role as Colts' closer". Archived from the original on February 5, 2013.
  3. ↑ "Safety steps in for star | The Journal Gazette". journalgazette.net. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Bullitt in, Sanders out? No problem, Colts say » Colts » News From Terre Haute, Indiana". tribstar.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2012. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Bullitt's Late Interception Clinches Colts Victory . . . Again". Archived from the original on May 19, 2011.
  6. ↑ "Colts' Bullitt proves value as safety". Archived from the original on May 22, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2017.
  7. ↑ "Former Texas A&M safety Melvin Bullitt is making the big plays".
  8. ↑ "Colts' Bullitt proves value as safety - News-Sentinel.com". Archived from the original on May 22, 2011. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Bullitt quickly makes his mark in secondary".
  10. ↑ Weisman, Larry (January 22, 2009). "Annual All-Joe team: Honoring those who won little acclaim". USA Today. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
  11. ↑ Williamson, Bill (December 30, 2008). "2009 NFL emerging stars". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
  12. ↑ "COLTS NAME FOUR CAPTAINS F0R 2009". Archived from the original on September 22, 2009.
  13. ↑ Bell, Jarrett (September 30, 2009). "NFL Replay: Declining skills at the root of T.O.'s slow start". USA Today. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
  14. ↑ "They did what!?: Patriots' fourth-down gamble backfires big time".[ permanent dead link ]
  15. ↑ "'The Bullitt Shot' heard around the NFL world". Archived from the original on November 25, 2009. Retrieved November 21, 2009.
  16. ↑ Davis, Nate (January 28, 2010). "Joe Flacco an overachieving headliner on '09 All-Joe Team". USA Today. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
  17. ↑ "Colts safety Melvin Bullitt will miss the rest of the season | ProFootballTalk". profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. October 5, 2010. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
  18. ↑ "WFNI ESPN 1070 the Fan". 1070thefan.com. Archived from the original on April 5, 2012. Retrieved January 26, 2014.
  19. ↑ REVITALIZED DALLAS DESIRE SET TO MAKE FRANCHISE RETURN BY NAMING MELVIN BULLITT AS HEAD COACH
  20. ↑ "Thebullittexperience". Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  21. ↑ Rhodes caught in a numbers game, and it might get costly IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star
  22. ↑ "Dominic Rhodes enjoys reunion with team he helped win Super Bowl XLI". Archived from the original on February 4, 2013.
  23. ↑ "Back With the Colts, Dominic Rhodes Might Buy No. 33 From Melvin Bullitt".
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.