Jonathan Bullard

Jonathan Bullard Bio

Jonathan Bullard (born October 22, 1993) is an American professional football defensive end who currently plays for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators at the University of Florida, where he established himself as one of the top defensive linemen in the Southeastern Conference. The Chicago Bears selected Bullard in the third round (72nd overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft, and he has since built a professional career spanning multiple franchises over nine seasons. His NFL journey has taken him through Chicago, Arizona, Seattle, Atlanta, and Minnesota before joining the Saints in 2025.

Early Life and Background

Jonathan Bullard was born on October 22, 1993, in Shelby, North Carolina, United States. He attended Crest Senior High School in his hometown, where he developed into a highly decorated high school football player. As a senior at Crest, Bullard recorded 82 tackles and 16 sacks, demonstrating the disruptive presence that would define his playing style at the next level.

Bullard was regarded as an elite prospect coming out of high school. He earned a five-star recruit rating and was ranked as the best defensive end in his class, attracting attention from major college programs across the country. His combination of size, athleticism, and production made him one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in his recruiting class.

Path to Professional Football

After considering several major programs, Bullard committed to play college football at the University of Florida. The decision to join the Florida Gators program represented his ambition to compete against the best competition in college football and develop under the guidance of a premier football program. His commitment was seen as a significant recruiting victory for the Gators coaching staff.

At Florida, Bullard quickly demonstrated his potential as a freshman in 2012, playing in all 13 games and making two starts. He recorded 27 tackles and 1.5 sacks during his debut season, showing flashes of the production that would become a consistent feature of his collegiate career. His early success suggested he could become a cornerstone player for the Gators defense.

Jonathan Bullard Career

College Career (2012–2015)

Bullard’s development continued steadily throughout his collegiate career at Florida. As a sophomore in 2013, he appeared in 11 games with eight starts, recording 33 tackles and 1.5 sacks. His sophomore season showed improvement in his technique and understanding of the defensive schemes at the collegiate level.

His junior year in 2014 saw Bullard take another step forward as he started all 12 games for the Gators. He compiled 52 tackles with 2.5 sacks, establishing himself as a reliable presence along Florida’s defensive line. Rather than entering the 2015 NFL Draft, Bullard made the decision to return to Florida for his senior season, a choice that would pay significant dividends for his professional stock.

The 2015 season proved to be the pinnacle of Bullard’s college career. His dominant performance earned him Third-team All-American honors and First-team All-SEC recognition, solidifying his status as one of the top defensive end prospects in the country. His decision to return for his senior year paid off with the accolades and visibility needed to secure a high draft selection. He also earned First-team Freshman All-SEC honors back in 2012, highlighting his early impact at the college level.

Chicago Bears (2016–2018)

The Chicago Bears selected Jonathan Bullard in the third round with the 72nd overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, signaling their belief in his potential to contribute along their defensive line. He signed his rookie contract on June 6, 2016, and quickly began his transition to professional football. Bullard made his NFL debut on September 11, 2016, against the Houston Texans.

Bullard recorded his first career sack on October 9, 2016, taking down Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. That milestone represented the fulfillment of his lifelong dream of sacking an NFL quarterback. He finished his rookie season with one start in fourteen games, recording eighteen tackles and his first career sack, showing promise despite limited starting opportunities.

In 2017, Bullard continued to develop as a rotational player for the Bears defense. He recorded his first career pass break-up on September 28, 2017, and logged his first career forced fumble on October 29 against the New Orleans Saints, stripping running back Mark Ingram II. He recorded his second sack of the season bringing down quarterback Carson Wentz in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles on November 26. He finished his second season with three starts, recording 26 tackles, a sack, and two pass breakups. The Bears waived Bullard during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019.

Arizona Cardinals (2019–2020)

On September 1, 2019, the Arizona Cardinals claimed Bullard off waivers, providing him with an opportunity to continue his NFL career. He was placed on injured reserve on December 6, 2019, with a hamstring injury that cut his debut season with Arizona short. Despite the injury, he managed 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks through nine games and six starts, showing he could be a productive player when healthy.

Bullard re-signed with the Cardinals on April 3, 2020, hoping to build on his partial 2019 season. However, he was released during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, before being re-signed to the practice squad a day later. His tenure with Arizona ended after limited appearances during the 2020 season.

Seattle Seahawks (2020)

On October 7, 2020, Bullard was signed to the Seattle Seahawks active roster from the Cardinals practice squad. This move provided him with an opportunity to join a playoff-contending team and compete for playing time in the NFC. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Seahawks on January 9, 2021, before being activated on January 21, 2021.

Atlanta Falcons (2021)

On April 1, 2021, Bullard signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. This signing gave him a fresh start with a new organization and the opportunity to contribute to a Falcons defense looking to rebuild its defensive line rotation. His experience from four previous teams made him a valuable veteran presence in the locker room.

Minnesota Vikings (2022–2024)

On June 2, 2022, Bullard signed with the Minnesota Vikings, beginning a three-season tenure that would become the most productive stretch of his career. He was placed on injured reserve on December 10, 2022, but was activated on January 7, 2023, after recovering from his injury.

Bullard re-signed with the Vikings on March 21, 2023, and responded with the best season of his professional career. He played in all 17 games with 14 starts, recording a career-high 44 tackles and two sacks. His consistent production and durability earned him a expanded role in Minnesota’s defensive scheme.

On March 13, 2024, Bullard re-signed with the Vikings for another season. He started all 17 games for the second consecutive year, recording 41 tackles, one sack, and three passes defensed. His two-year run as a full-time starter demonstrated his reliability and continued effectiveness at the NFL level.

New Orleans Saints (2025–Present)

On July 23, 2025, Bullard signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. The signing brought him to a franchise known for its passionate fan base and competitive NFC South division. Bullard immediately joined the Saints defensive line rotation and provided valuable experience to a team looking to strengthen its pass rush.

During his inaugural season with the Saints in 2025, Bullard made 15 appearances including six starts. He recorded two pass deflections and 26 combined tackles, showing he could still be a productive contributor despite being in his tenth NFL season. His versatility along the defensive line allowed the Saints coaching staff to use him in various alignments.

Driving Style and Strengths

Bullard has established himself as a reliable run-defender with the ability to collapse pockets from the interior of the defensive line. His combination of size (6 feet 3 inches, 290 pounds) and functional athleticism allows him to hold up against the run while still providing a pass-rushing threat. His experience across multiple defensive systems has given him adaptability and football intelligence that coaches value in rotational players.

Notable Events and Milestones

Throughout his career, Bullard has accumulated several memorable moments, none more significant than his first career sack against Andrew Luck in 2016. His forced fumble against Mark Ingram II in 2017 showcased his ability to make game-changing plays. His career-high 44 tackles in 2023 with Minnesota represented his best statistical season as a professional.

Jonathan Bullard Career Wins

Across nine NFL seasons with six different franchises, Jonathan Bullard has developed into a reliable rotational defensive lineman. His career statistics include 247 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 10 pass deflections. While he has never led a team in any particular statistical category, his consistent contributions and availability have made him a valued player throughout his career.

College Achievements Highlights

Bullard’s most decorated accomplishments came during his time at the University of Florida. His senior season in 2015 represented the pinnacle of his collegiate career, earning him Third-team All-American honors and First-team All-SEC recognition. His dominance at the college level helped establish the foundation for his professional career and demonstrated his ability to compete against elite competition.

Professional Milestones

At the professional level, Bullard’s standout season came in 2023 with the Minnesota Vikings when he recorded career highs in tackles (44) and sacks (2) while starting 14 games. His ability to stay healthy and remain productive has been a consistent theme throughout his career, with multiple seasons of 15 or more appearances. His 2025 season with the Saints saw him contribute 26 tackles across 15 games, maintaining his reputation as a reliable rotational player.

Jonathan Bullard Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Specific details about Jonathan Bullard’s family background, including his parents and any family connections to athletics, are not extensively documented in publicly available sources. His upbringing in Shelby, North Carolina, provided him with the foundation to develop his football talents at a high level.

Personal Life

Jonathan Bullard has maintained a relatively private personal life throughout his professional career. Details about his marital status, spouse, or children are not publicly confirmed. His focus has remained on his football career as he has navigated the challenges of being a journeyman player in the NFL.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 NFL season marked a new chapter in Jonathan Bullard’s career as he joined the New Orleans Saints organization. His signing in July came during training camp, giving him limited time to learn the defensive scheme and build chemistry with his new teammates. Despite the mid-year addition, Bullard carved out a meaningful role in the Saints defensive line rotation.

Throughout the season, Bullard appeared in 15 games with six starts, recording 26 combined tackles and two pass deflections. His contributions came primarily as a rotational player on early downs and in obvious running situations, where his experience and technique provided value to the coaching staff. His durability remained a strength as he avoided significant injuries during the season.

The Saints defense utilized Bullard’s versatility by aligning him at multiple positions along the defensive line. His ability to slide inside on passing downs while maintaining effectiveness against the run made him a valuable chess piece for defensive coordinator decisions. Looking ahead, Bullard’s performance in 2025 demonstrated he can still be an effective contributor at the NFL level, positioning him for continued opportunities in professional football.