Titus O'Neil reacts to the latest honor bestowed upon him.
In July 2021, WWE announced The Hillsborough County School Board voted unanimously to add Titus O'Neil's real name, Thaddeus M. Bullard, to Sligh Middle Magnet School in honor of Titus' work with the public school system.
The Thaddeus M. Bullard Academy will also be part of a rebranding of the work at the school around creative and immersive mentoring of students.
The name of the school was officially changed on October 28 and Titus wrote a very emotional social media post reacting to his name being attached to the school.
I’ve been struggling to find the right words. The wave of emotions that I’ve experienced today are simply indescribable, but I’m going to try.
When I first stepped on this campus 6 years ago, I immediately felt a connection. I could see myself in many of the faces of young students who walked the hallways. It made me look back at my own past, remembering those who poured into me and exposed me to opportunities I never imagined. They made me who I am and it was on my heart to do the same for the students at Sligh Middle Magnet. To whom much is given…
Today I am humbled. Watching that tarp come off the building, revealing the addition of my name, merely signified the start of something big. My commitment to this school is life long. I look forward to continuing to work hand in hand with the faculty and staff to ensure that students who enter as a part of Cougar Nation leave equipped to be successful and capable of achieving all that the world has to offer.
The outpouring of support from my family, friends, and community as a whole will forever be appreciated. None of this could happen without you. So many of you have picked up the phone when I call with my ideas, when I need help to make things happen because you recognize that vision requires teamwork. Let me warn you, those calls aren’t going to stop--. I’m excited about what the future holds because…much will be required.
Sincerely,
Thaddeus M. Bullard
Titus has been with WWE since 2009 and co-hosted WrestleMania 37, which took place in Tampa, this past April. Also, Titus was honored with the Warrior Award at this year's Hall of Fame Ceremony.