From Nebraska to the NFL: Josh and Daniel BullocksFrom Nebraska to the NFL: Josh and Daniel Bullocks
Football

From Nebraska to the NFL: Josh and Daniel Bullocks

By Jeff Griesch
Huskers.com

All this summer on Huskers.com, we are featuring football players who have enjoyed outstanding professional careers by making the transition from Nebraska to the NFL. Twin brothers Josh and Daniel Bullocks both played in the defensive backfield for the Huskers and have made their moves to the NFL with the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions.

Daniel, a captain for the Huskers as a senior in 2005, enjoyed a strong rookie season with the Detroit Lions in 2006. The native of Chattanooga, Tenn., led all NFL rookie defensive backs with 70 tackles, including 52 solos. The Hixson High School graduate added seven tackles on special teams and five pass breakups. He appeared in 15 games for the Lions, including seven starts.

Daniel joined the Lions after being chosen in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft with the 40th overall pick.

The younger of the twins by one minute, Josh preceded his older brother in the NFL by choosing to enter the draft following his junior season at Nebraska. Like his brother, Josh was chosen with the 40th overall pick in the second round of the draft, heading to the New Orleans Saints. Josh enjoyed a strong second season in the Big Easy, leading the Saints' secondary with 95 total tackles, while adding a pair of interceptions. In the NFC Championship Game against the Chicago Bears, Josh led the Saints with 11 total tackles.

In the NFC Divisional playoff win over Philadelphia, Josh added five tackles and three pass breakups to help the Saints. On the season, he started all 16 games for the club. His second season followed a solid rookie campaign in 2005, when he appeared in 16 games with 13 starts. He posted 70 tackles and an interception from his free safety position.

Josh earned All-America honors as a defensive back for Nebraska in 2003, when he ranked second nationally with 10 interceptions, which he returned a total of 154 yards. He tied a school record by intercepting a pass in four straight games, helping the Huskers lead the nation with 32 interceptions and 47 forced turnovers as a team on the season.