Calen Bullock's Pro Bowl Nod Highlights NFL Pipeline at USC

Houston Texans defensive back Calen Bullock was recently added to the Pro Bowl roster, making him the third former USC Trojans star to participate.

Jun 10, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock speaks at a press conference after an NFL football minicamp at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans will be well represented in this year’s Pro Bowl, with Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock being the most recent addition to the AFC roster.

A key member of Houston's stout defense, Bullock was a late addition to the Pro Bowl in replacement of Pittsburgh defensive back Jalen Ramsey.

Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety Calen Bullock (21) walks off the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Former USC Trojans Participating in the Pro Bowl

In addition to Bullock, the two other former Trojans participating in the Pro Bowl are Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu.

Former USC quarterback Sam Darnold and defensive end Leonard Williams earned a Pro Bowl selection as well, but they have been replaced because they will play in Super Bowl LX with the Seattle Seahawks.

Bullock spent three seasons with the USC Trojans before being selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. In three seasons with the Trojans, Bullock racked up 148 total tackles and 16 passes defended.

Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Bullock proved to be a playmaker on the Trojans' defense, recording nine interceptions with two of them returned for touchdowns.

St. Brown spent three seasons with the Trojans before being selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The USC Trojans have been one of the top programs in sending wide receivers to the NFL, and St. Brown has gone on to have a highly successful career despite sliding in the draft.

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Through three seasons with the Trojans, St. Brown recorded 178 receptions for 2,270 yards and 16 touchdowns. This is his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl for the former Trojan, who has since become one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.

Tuipulotu’s final season with the Trojans was in 2022, USC coach Lincoln Riley’s first year with the program. Tuipulotu was a force to be reckoned with on defense. Through three seasons, he racked up 116 total tackles, 21 sacks, and four forced fumbles.

Aug 7, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (45) at press conference during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

After three years with USC, Tuipulotu was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. Tuipulotu’s USC success is translating into the NFL, as he recorded 13 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2025.

USC’s Pipeline to the NFL Set to Continue

Multiple former Trojans players participating in the Pro Bowl demonstrates that USC is a program with a pipeline to the NFL, and that is set to continue in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Trojans are expected to have two wide receivers selected in the NFL Draft: Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane. Lemon is a first-round draft projection, coming off a stellar season with the Trojans, earning the Biletnikoff Award. Lane may not be a first-round projection, but he could be one of the bigger steals of the draft.

Between St. Brown and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison, the USC Trojans have proven to develop the position at a high level. Lemon and Lane will be the next examples of former Trojans who can have highly successful NFL careers.

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC wide receiver Makai Lemon speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images | Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

USC safety Kamari Ramsey will also be a player to watch in the upcoming draft after spending two seasons with the Trojans. With Ramsey, the Trojans are set to go three consecutive years with a defensive back selected in the NFL Draft.

USC being able to not only send players to the NFL each year but also have successful careers will help the program recruit top prospects, while the Trojans continue to compete each year.