Stephen Tulloch is walking away from his career in football with more than a look back on the games he played and the statistics he compiled.
The lives he touched through the work of the Operation 55 foundation he started during his five seasons as a starting middle linebacker for the Detroit Lions mean as much to him as the players he tackled.
And there were plenty of both. He hit hard on the field, and he worked hard away from the field to help those in need.
Head coach Jim Caldwell referenced a quote by the legendary baseball Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson in paying tribute to Tulloch’s work on and off the field at his retirement press conference Thursday.