Collierville producers create film about sports legend ‘Bull’ Bramlett | Collierville Independent

From STAFF REPORTS

Collierville residents Grant Guffin and Trey Reynolds recently produced a film on Memphis native and sports icon John “Bull” Bramlett.

Scheduled for release on Aug. 22, Taming the Bull: The John Bramlett Story details Bramlett’s early years as a student-athlete at Humes High School and Memphis State University, his brief minor league baseball career in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, his standout NFL career, and his work in more than three decades of public speaking and ministry.

The film also features a number of luminaries who are friends and former teammates or opponents of Bramlett, including Joe Namath, Tony Dungy, Tim McCarver, Bobby Bowden, Darrell Waltrip, Bob Griese, Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick.

Taming the Bull is produced by Flashlight Films and Flashlight Media Group, whose credits include the regional theatrical film Nick Saban: Gamechanger, as well as other biographical films on Bo Jackson, Archie and Eli Manning, Ken Stabler, and Cam Newton.

“This is a true Memphis story,” explained Guffin. “John was raised in a poor neighborhood downtown, but because of his athletic ability, and through the force of his will, he rose to become an NFL Pro Bowler and a sports legend.”

But there’s more to the film than a simple rags to riches tale. Throughout his life, Bramlett was driven by anger and feelings of inadequacy due to his poor upbringing. Alcohol abuse further fueled his rage; resulting in reckless, unpredictable behavior that led to his eviction from professional baseball, brief stints with four NFL teams, numerous fights and arrests, and failures as a husband and father.

Headed down a dangerous path and unable to overcome his personal demons, Bramlett seemed destined for destruction—until his wife and a few acquaintances presented him with a new direction for his life. Hearing and accepting a message of love and faith for the first time, Bramlett embarked on an entirely different path. Taming the Bull chronicles this change, as Bramlett becomes a champion for good.

“John’s life is better than a Hollywood script,” Guffin added. “From nothing to the heights of athletic success; from darkness and danger to becoming a fearless, one-man force for good. There aren’t many real stories like Taming the Bull.”

Malco’s Ridgeway Cinema Grill will host a private VIP screening on Aug. 22 before the film is released to the general public. Those interested in purchasing the film or hosting a screening of the film can find out more information at www.bramlett.org.