Matt Rhule Proud of Ex-Huskers’ Resiliency in Making NFL Rosters

LINCOLN—As NFL rosters go through final cuts, the pride extends well beyond those cities.

Speaking with the media as part of game week ahead of the 2025 season, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule was asked about a pair of his former players who have made the 53-man rosters for their respective teams. Those players are tight end Thomas Fidone and linebacker John Bullock.

"Here's two guys that, when we got here, things did not look very bright for them: one with the knee, one with this thing. They did all we asked and look at them now," Rhule said.

Thomas Fidone, New York Giants

Fidone battled more than injuries in Lincoln. The four-star prospect from Council Bluffs also endured critiques of his performances, with many wanting more out of the highly-touted tight end.

"All the work that he had to do to come back, all the things he had to overcome... There was always a lot of flak for him for some reason. There was always a lot of flak for him that he had to deal with. I just love the guy. I just thought he overcame the odds," Rhule said.

With Greg Dulcich let go (per @TomPelissero), seventh-round TE Thomas Fidone — he of the self-tattooing skills — has inked himself onto the #Giants’ 53-man roster, sources say. Fidone caught 8 of 9 targets for 64 yards in the preseason and showed strong blocking ability as well. pic.twitter.com/pmkyVo8EK5
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 26, 2025

Those odds included multiple injuries that affected his ability to contribute earlier in his collegiate career.

"I'm really proud of him because I've seen everything that he went into him coming back," Rhule said. "I've seen the video of that second knee injury. It's grotesque."

Fidone returned to play in all 25 games between 2023 and 2024. His sophomore season saw him make the most touchdown receptions by a Husker tight end since 2010.

"Fidone's very special to my family. They're like the biggest Fidone fans," Rhule said. "I think the most important thing is they had a really deep tight end room; he had a really good camp. Even if he didn't make that team, he was gonna make a team."

New York Giants tight end Thomas Fidone II runs with the ball after making a catch against Buffalo Bill linebacker Keonta Jenkins. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

A seventh-round draft pick, Fidone began the month at No. 5 on the depth chart, along with fellow rookie Jermaine Terry II from Oregon State. As the 53-man rosters are finalized, Fidone remains on the team over 2022 third-round pick Greg Dulcich, who was waived. Fidone is now battling with veterans Theo Johnson, Daniel Bellinger, and Chris Mahertz.

John Bullock, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The definition of a Cornhusker, Bullock began his career at Nebraska as a walk-on. The Omaha native and Creighton Prep grad spent two seasons in Lincoln without seeing the field before carving out a spot on special teams.

"When I got here, he was kind of forgotten about," Rhule said. "He hadn't really played. He was a backup safety. I remember sitting in my office after the first year with us and (Bullock) being like, 'I'm thinking about retiring, should I come back and play?'"

Bucs have let undrafted rookie linebacker John Bullock know he's made the initial 53-man roster. The rookie from Nebraska had a strong preseason, including three special-teams tackles Saturday. Another success story in Tampa Bay finding undrafted gems.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 25, 2025

Bullock did continue playing, making the move to linebacker ahead of his junior year. Emerging as a starter, he played in all 12 games in 2023 with 10 starts, earning one of the single-digit jerseys.

In 2024, Bullock started all 13 games and set career highs in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, pass breakups, and interceptions. From barely seeing the field to being one of the Blackshirts' most counted on guys every week, Bullock earned every snap he played.

"He didn't always like the way we did it," Rhule said. "I yelled at him at 9 on 7 to run through and hit people, and was always on him, but I just knew, I think we all knew, what he could be.

"What I said to our guys is the process works for those who will work, and the process is undefeated for those who won't be defeated. And, to me, that's John Bullock. He just kept pulling himself up. Nothing was handed to him."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker John Bullock has made the roster with fellow former Husker Lavonte David. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Bullock now joins fellow Husker alum Lavonte David as a Bucs linebacker.

"I am truly honored and I am going to make the most of it," Bullock told Buccaneers.com. "Special teams-wise, I knew that came into play and I knew that was how I was going to find my niche and find my role and I made sure to kind of tune into that every single play. I love to play the game and any way I can help this team win, I am going to try to do that to scratch and claw and do whatever to find my way."

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