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UCF Knights football has added some star power to its fan base with the commitment of linebacker TJ Bullard.
Bullard, the son of WWE superstar Titus O’Neil, announced his commitment to UCF on Saturday.
— TJ Bullard (@TJBullard1) June 27, 2021
“Today is the Ultimate Proud Dad Moment as my son @TJBullard1 officially made his college decision to attend @UCF_Football on a Full Scholarship Thank you to @CoachGusMalzahn and @T_WILL4REAL for this amazing opportunity. #ChargeOn #GoKnights,” O’Neil tweeted along with a photo of his family with Malzahn.
Today is the Ultimate Proud Dad Moment as my son @TJBullard1 officially made his college decision to attend @UCF_Football on a Full Scholarship ❤️ Thank you to @CoachGusMalzahn and @T_WILL4REAL for this amazing opportunity. #ChargeOn #GoKnights pic.twitter.com/V0B7UxmvPg
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) June 27, 2021
The Berkeley Prep linebacker from Tampa is 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds. He’s the No. 99 ranked linebacker in the U.S. and ranked No. 137 overall in Florida, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.
Bullard, who was recruited by UCF defensive coordinator Travis Williams, told Knights 247 why he made a hard commitment to the Knights football program on Saturday.
“It just felt like home,” Bullard said. “That’s why I made the decision.”
“The coaching staff definitely welcomed me in,” Bullard added. “They recruited me very hard. They just took the time out to get to know me as a person and a football player. The UCF football players welcomed me in as well. I was able to talk with Tatum again this week, and Jeremiah, Ryan O’Keefe too, they all welcomed me in like family.”
@T_WILL4REAL ⚔️⚔️ Thank you for a great day pic.twitter.com/I5ZGMbaYqp
— TJ Bullard (@TJBullard1) June 3, 2021
Before entering the professional wrestling world, his father was a defensive end at Florida, who played 1997-2000 under coach Steve Spurrier.
The announcement of Bullard’s commitment to UCF was met with praise and congratulations from rapper Plies, “Masked Singer” host and “Hangover” star Ken Jeong, WWE legend Randy Orton and “America’s Got Talent” host and actor Terry Crews, just to name a few.
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) June 28, 2021
“UCF Got A Steal!!!!!! ... ” Plies tweeted Saturday. “A Real Steppa!!!!!!! … Kid Comes From A Great Family & A Amazing Program!!!”
UCF Got A Steal!!!!!! @TJBullard1 A Real Steppa!!!!!!! @T_WILL4REAL & @CoachGusMalzahn Congrats!!! Kid Comes From A Great Family & A Amazing Program!!! @UCF_Football For The Win!!!! @BPS_Football https://t.co/zLZ8nLcGkl
— Plies (@plies) June 27, 2021
The “Hypnotized” rapper added, “I’ve Said It A Million Times @UCF_Football
Is Running Circle Around Alot Of These Florida Programs. B/c For Years They’ve Kept Their Ears To The Streetz! They Willing To Do What A lot Of Florida Programs Aren’t & That’s Roll Their Sleeves Up & Do The Work! They Got The 407 Lit”
Plies attended Miami (Ohio) and played football there from 1995-1997. He attended UCF after, but dropped out.
I’ve Said It A Million Times @UCF_Football Is Running Circle Around Alot Of These Florida Programs. B/c For Years They’ve Kept Their Ears To The Streetz! They Willing To Do What A lot Of Florida Programs Aren’t & That’s Roll Their Sleeves Up & Do The Work! They Got The 407 Lit
— Plies (@plies) June 27, 2021
Jeong tweeted his congratulations to Bullard on Sunday. His praise was met with an invitation to the Bounce House from O’Neil.
CONGRATS TO @TJBullard1!!! Much love!!❤️ https://t.co/Bk3kfUE6Xg
— Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) June 28, 2021
“Thank you @kenjeong now we will have to get you to a game at @UCF_Football to see @TJBullard1 in the #BounceHouse with @CoachGusMalzahn @T_WILL4REAL and the #GoKnights Nation,” O’Neil said Sunday.
Thank you @kenjeong now we will have to get you to a game at @UCF_Football to see @TJBullard1 in the #BounceHouse with @CoachGusMalzahn @T_WILL4REAL and the #GoKnights Nation https://t.co/kpbaZumpc0
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) June 28, 2021
Crews also shared his congratulations on Twitter on Sunday night.
“Gotta give a shout out to the son of my man @TitusONeilWWE, @tjbullard1 for committing to play for @UCF_Football !!! Congratulations young man!!!” the “White Chicks” favorite said.
Gotta give a shout out to the son of my man @TitusONeilWWE, @tjbullard1 for committing to play for @UCF_Football !!! Congratulations young man!!!
— terry crews (@terrycrews) June 28, 2021
O’Neil replied, “Thank you @terrycrews Love ya brother. Send the family my love. And y’all owe us a trip to Florida so we might as well swing a @UCF_Football game this year and if we time it right… we could catch a @GatorsFB game too.”
Thank you @terrycrews ❤️Love ya brother. Send the family my love. And y’all owe us a trip to Florida so we might as well swing a @UCF_Football game this year and if we time it right… we could catch a @GatorsFB game too ❤️ https://t.co/aLuiLwTtt8
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) June 28, 2021
Orton is among the plethora of WWE stars joining in on the celebration on Twitter.
Well Done @TJBullard1 https://t.co/0IFVbTcwXR
— Randy Orton (@RandyOrton) June 27, 2021
Rapper Wale tweeted “Shoutout nephew” Sunday night.
Shoutout nephew https://t.co/p9Fr0mKDMZ@TJBullard1 @UCF_Football
— Wale (@Wale) June 28, 2021
Country singer Jimmie Allen also congratulated Bullard on his commitment to the Knights football program.
Congrats @TJBullard1 on signing with @UCF_Football
— Jimmie Allen (@JimmieAllen) June 28, 2021
Bullard told Knights 247 that the commitments wouldn’t stop with him. He said he would help bring some more players to Orlando.
“I’m going to make sure everybody knows that UCF is the place to be,” Bullard told Knights 247. “I’m going to recruit for sure and help get some great players here.”
Daniella Medina is a contributing writer for Black & Gold Banneret. Follow her on Twitter @danimedinanews.