NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Former Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck played 11 NFL seasons, and loved every minute of it.
Five years after his career ended, it's clear his body of work didn't go unnoticed – Bulluck is on the list of first-time eligible Modern Era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2016.
Quarterback Brett Favre, who retired as the National Football League's all-time leader in nearly every passing category, along with wide receiver Terrell Owens, guard Alan Faneca and safety Lawyer Milloy are also on the list of first-time eligible nominees.
Former Titans quarterback Steve McNair, running back Eddie George, center Kevin Mawae and kicker Gary Anderson also made the list of Modern Era nominees, which includes a total of 108 individuals under consideration for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2016.
"It is nothing I was expecting,'' Bulluck said Wednesday night. "Those guys, just to be mentioned with the names on the list, it is a pretty great feeling.
"I feel like you put that quarter in and you play the game and once it's over, it's over. I don't really talk about (my accomplishments) too much. Everything is based upon what you won (as a team) instead of individual statistics. You put your art on the canvas, you put your work on the canvas, and once it's done, it's done, it's up for other people to decide and judge. But for people to put me on the list with great linebackers and players, I'm cool with that. I'm glad my work is remembered in such a way."
A first round draft pick by the Titans in 2000, Bulluck played from 2000-09 in Tennessee, and he finished his career with the Giants in 2010.
Bulluck racked up 1,293 tackles during his career. He played in 135 consecutive games, with 127 starts, while with the Titans before suffering a season-ending knee injury against the Dolphins in 2009. He led the Titans in tackles in six different seasons, and had more interceptions (21) than sacks (18).
The Modern Era nominees will be trimmed to 25 semifinalists in November and, from there, to 15 finalists in January.
Linebackers Cornelius Bennett, Tedy Bruschi, Kevin Greene (also DE), Ken Harvey, Levon Kirkland, Clay Matthews, Willie McGinest (also DE), Karl Mecklenburg, Matt Millen, Sam Mills, Zach Thomas and Mike Vrabel were named on the list of modern era nominees.
Bulluck said he's especially proud to be mentioned once again with McNair and George, his former teammates with the Titans. McNair, George, Mawae and Anderson were nominated in previous years as well.
"Eddie, to this day, is one of my big brothers and if Steve was still with us, he'd be right there with Eddie,'' Bulluck said. "I was watching those guys when they were making history, so I am honored to be mentioned with them. They could have picked a lot of other people, so I really feel blessed."
Photos: Donn Jones, AP Photos
