Former Detroit Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch has decided to retire from the NFL after 11 seasons that were spent playing with the Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions, and most recently, the Philadelphia Eagles. He will be making the official announcement at the Lions practice facility in Allen Park, MI on Thursday.
LB Stephen Tulloch to announce retirement from NFL: https://t.co/otLJ4zN4nE pic.twitter.com/3Xrl0B3FWI
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) April 18, 2017
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Tulloch, 32, was originally drafted by the Titans in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of North Carolina State. During his collegiate years, he was named MVP of the Meineke Car Care Bowl in 2005.
After signing a one-year contract with the Lions in 2011, he went on to start all 16 games in his first year in the Motor City. He was soon rewarded with a five-year contract, which he signed in 2012. That same year, he was rewarded with the Detroit Lions-Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association/Pro Football Writers Association’s Media-Friendly “Good Guy Award.”
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However, in 2014, Tulloch suffered a bizarre and embarrassing injury. He tore his ACL while celebrating a sack of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Prior to the injury, Tulloch had played in 130 straight games to begin his career.
Tulloch is known for his charitable community work, having hosted charity softball games with wide receiver Golden Tate. Additionally, he wrote a children’s book called “The Little Linebacker,” which was released in 2015. His foundation raised money for Detroit Public Schools and also assisted families that are dealing with cancer. Tulloch also helped to build a school in Negril, Jamaica for pre-kindergarten children. Because of his efforts, he was awarded the NFL Man of the Year in 2012 and 2013 for his community service.
Tulloch also led his team in tackles during six separate seasons, amassing a career-best 160 in 2010. During four of his five years with the Lions, he had over 100 tackles. He finished his career with 57 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, 12 fumble recoveries, and five interceptions.
