Stephen Tulloch's journey in professional football began when he was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. As a linebacker, Tulloch quickly demonstrated his skills on the field, earning a reputation for his tackling ability and football intelligence. His early years with the Titans saw him gradually increase his playing time, and by the 2008 season, he had secured a starting position.
During his tenure with the Titans, Tulloch became known for his consistency and reliability. In the 2010 season, he recorded a career-high 160 tackles, which ranked him among the league's top tacklers that year. His performance did not go unnoticed, and he became a respected figure in the Titans' defense. Tulloch's ability to read the game and make crucial stops was a testament to his understanding of the sport and his role within the team.
In 2011, Tulloch signed with the Detroit Lions, reuniting with former Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who was then the head coach of the Lions. This move marked a new chapter in his career, and he continued to be a central figure in the Lions' defense. Tulloch's leadership on the field was evident, and he played a vital role in helping the Lions reach the playoffs in the 2011 season for the first time since 1999.
Tulloch's time with the Lions was marked by several memorable moments, including a unique celebration in 2013 that resulted in an unfortunate injury. After sacking Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Tulloch mimicked Rodgers' "Discount Double Check" celebration, only to tear his ACL in the process. Despite this setback, Tulloch's determination saw him return to the field, continuing to contribute to the Lions' defensive efforts.
Throughout his career with the Lions, Tulloch was a consistent performer, regularly leading the team in tackles. His ability to anchor the defense and mentor younger players was invaluable to the team. In 2015, he recorded his 1000th career tackle, a milestone that underscored his durability and effectiveness as a linebacker.
In 2016, Tulloch signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, reuniting with former Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, who was then the Eagles' defensive coordinator. Although his time with the Eagles was brief, Tulloch brought veteran experience to the team and provided depth to their linebacker corps.
Stephen Tulloch announced his retirement from professional football in 2017, concluding an 11-year career in the NFL. Over the course of his career, he played in 157 games, starting 112 of them, and recorded over 950 tackles, 14.5 sacks, and 5 interceptions.
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