Former Syracuse linebacker Keith Bulluck will serve as an honorary captain for the Orange football team during its season opener against Tennessee on Aug. 30, 2025. The game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
According to Aflac Kickoff officials, Bulluck will represent Syracuse, while former Tennessee linebacker Al Wilson will act as honorary captain for the Volunteers. Both are scheduled to participate in the coin toss at midfield before the start of the game.
Bulluck played at Syracuse from 1996 through 1999 and appeared in 43 games during his collegiate career. He recorded 375 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries. In his senior year, he led the Big East with 138 tackles and received the Bill Horr Award as the team’s most valuable player.
Bulluck was selected with the No. 30 overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played ten seasons with Tennessee and completed his professional career with the New York Giants in 2010. He formally retired as a member of the Titans in 2012.
Recognized by enshrinement in the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Bulluck earned First Team All-Pro honors in both 2003 and 2007 and made a Pro Bowl appearance in 2003. In addition, he led the NFL in tackles for the 2004 season and set a franchise record for linebackers with five interceptions during 2007.
Recently, Bulluck has been present at Syracuse fall camp alongside fellow alumni such as Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Dwight Freeney to support head coach Fran Brown’s program entering its second season.
