All-Pro Linebacker, Tennessee Titans
NFL star Keith Bulluck is one guy who isn't afraid to take on a challenge. Whether he's chasing down a scrambling quarterback on the gridiron or helping those less fortunate in the community, this seven-year defensive standout for the Tennessee Titans brings a winning attitude and positive energy to everything he does.
A fan favorite, Keith is a proven leader both on and off the field. His athletic prowess has earned him All-Pro honors, most notably his outstanding tackling ability. In fact, he ranks third on the Titan's all-time tackle list with more than 1,027 stops. Equally impressive is Keith's dedication to helping others. His teammates, members of the media and local nonprofit executives recently honored Keith by naming him the Titan's "Walter Payton Man of the Year" for his outstanding community service in both 2006 and 2007.
Keith has overcome many obstacles in his life to become a hero in the eyes of children, as well as adults. At the age of 12, Keith was placed in foster care when his own mother was going through a difficult time and could no longer care for him. The stay, which was supposed to last three weeks, turned into six years. Keith recalls:
"You have to play the cards you're dealt. I tried to keep my head level and just persevere. I went to live with Linda Welch, a single woman originally from England. My foster mother and I came from such different cultures. But she gave me the stability and support I needed to excel in school."
Keith attended Syracuse University on a scholarship and graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology. In 2000, he fulfilled his dream of playing professional football when the Titans selected the talented linebacker as their first-round draft choice.
During the off-season, Keith focuses his time on philanthropic efforts that benefit children in foster care. In 2003, he founded the Believe and Achieve Foundation to help foster youth in Tennessee and New York. He hosts charity fundraisers, toy drives and holiday parties for youth in foster care and their families. He regularly visits schools to sign autographs, donate supplies and speak about the importance of education in getting ahead in life. His foundation also has developed a computer program with New Horizon Technology to help young adults who are transitioning out of foster care with technical job training skills. Keith says:
"Young people in foster care often figure they will be stuck in minimum-wage jobs after they leave the system. I'm proof it doesn't have to be that way. Sure, I had natural ability, size and a lot of breaks, but you also need focus in life, someone to bring you along, someone to help you develop job skills."