Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule has expressed his immense pride in the perseverance of two of his former players, Thomas Fidone and John Bullock, who have overcome monumental obstacles to secure a place on NFL rosters. Rhule, who spoke with both of them about their great news, highlighted how their tenacity is a lesson for the entire team.
Thomas Fidone’s path to the NFL was an uphill battle from the start. After suffering two ACL injuries early in his Nebraska career, many would have given up. However, Fidone not only came back, but, as a seventh-round draft pick, he earned a spot on the New York Giants roster. Rhule shared that Fidone had a special relationship with his daughters and recalled a conversation in which he told him how proud he was of him. «I saw everything that went into him coming back,» Rhule said, referring to a «grotesque» second injury that most players would not have returned from.
On the other hand, John Bullock’s story is just as inspiring. Bullock spent three years without playing a single defensive snap as a Husker, but under Rhule’s direction, he became a defensive pillar. His hard work earned him a spot on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. Upon hearing the news, Rhule sent a message to Bullock and his father, reminding him of his motto:
«The process is undefeated for those who won’t be defeated.» Bullock, who considered retiring from football, is for Rhule the perfect example that hard work overcomes expectations.
Rhule shared the stories of both players with his current team at Nebraska, using their successes as proof of his philosophy. For the coach, Fidone and Bullock’s victories demonstrate that, instead of constantly looking for transfer players, dedication and work from the players already in the program are enough. «To me, that’s John Bullock. He just kept pulling himself up. Nothing was handed to him,» Rhule concluded, proud of the path his former players have forged.