It should come as no surprise that the San Diego Chargers’ quarterback Phillip Rivers is a household name in the N.C . State community. Other former State players that should sound familiar include Torry Holt, Mario Williams, Jerricho Cotchery and Adrian Wilson.
But where does this leave former State player Stephen Tulloch?
Tulloch, a middle linebacker for the undefeated Detroit Lions has proved to be a key acquisition for Motor City this past offseason in the NFL. The leadership and exemplary playmaker ability he has displayed thus far on defense has undoubtedly been a factor in the team’s ongoing success.
Stephen Tulloch is not a name that will probably spark a lot of notoriety in the general populace of the State community but it is a name that diehard State fans are familiar with. The three years Tulloch spent playing for State in 2003 to 2005 were brief but nonetheless unforgettable.
During his career at State, Tulloch was a contributing force on the defensive side of the ball, racking up 274 total tackles, seven sacks, two fumble recoveries, a pick-six and even MVP honors in the 2005 Meineke Car Care Bowl against South Florida.
After his third year at State, Tulloch was selected in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL draft. However, he was not the only State player present on draft day to have the privilege to shake the former commissioner Paul Tagliabue’s hand. Manny Lawson, John McCargo and Williams were also a part of one of the most elite defensive units that State has established.
“It was great, it was one of the better times I’ve had in my career as far as football is concerned,” Tulloch said. “And I had an opportunity to come in to school with a lot of those guys. When we got there, N.C. State was known for its defense but we kind of took it to another level. It was an exciting time to have those big guys in front of me. We just had a solid team.”
Prior to his arrival in Detroit, Tulloch spent his first five seasons with the Tennessee Titans. While playing under former head coach Jeff Fisher, he had established an impressive resume that consisted of being awarded runner up for total tackles in the 2010 season with 160.
After his fifth year with the Titans, he became a free agent. Detroit opportunistically signed Tulloch to a one year deal in order to swiftly revitalize its linebacker corps. Now playing under head coach Jim Schwartz, one may assume that Tulloch was destined to play for Detroit because Schwartz served as Tulloch’s former defensive coordinator for the Titans in 2006-2008.
Just recently in week four, the Lions overcame a 24-point deficit to defeat “America’s Team” in Arlington, Texas. The six-year veteran solidified his worth when he intercepted Tony Romo’s pass to Jason Witten late in the fourth quarter. This ultimately placed the Lions in Cowboy territory to win the game on a Calvin Johnson fade route to the end zone.
“I knew we had a chance,” Tulloch said. “I knew we had an opportunity to go up when we were down by three. I told the guys before we got on the field, with about four minutes in the game that we had to make a play. This is what defenses are made of.”
Taking advantage of Romo’s self-destructiveness during the contest, Tulloch’s situational awareness proved to be clutch in one of the game’s most defining moments.
“It so happened that I had a great read on Tony Romo,” Tulloch said. “I saw Witten run down the middle and I was able to undercut him and intercept the ball.”
Just three years ago, Detroit went 0-16 in the regular season. But after five weeks of football thus far, the Lions have reversed their fortune and are now one of two remaining undefeated teams left in the league.
Make no mistake – the former punching bags of the NFL are not in this position because of luck. Tulloch said the players have worked assiduously week in and week out to reach the success they currently have.
“It’s a mind frame, it’s a state of mind,” Tulloch said. “When I got here, I told these guys to be professionals, do what it takes to get the job done and know how to respond to adversity. When the offense throws a pick and you’re inside your 10-yard line, defend that and force them to kick a field goal so you don’t have to give up six points.”
Tulloch’s underrated value has taken away from his popularity among the Wolfpack community, but the substance he brings forth in every game is undeniable. It is only a matter of time before every State fan knows his name.
