Hayes Pullard

Hayes Joseph "HP" to Hayes Pullard, Jr. and his wife, Sharon Pullard. He was one of 10 children. His uncle was Robert Pullard, a stand-out pole vaulter at the University of Southern California (USC) from 1971 to 1974. His uncle placed third at the 1973 NCAA University Division Outdoor Track and Field Championships, and fourth in 1974. basketball, and sprinted for the track and field team. Pullard's brothers DeShawn and Ken had attended Crenshaw High. DeShawn Pullard even tried to convince Hayes to attend Susan Miller Dorsey High School, which had an excellent football program. But Pullard agreed with his father, and attended Crenshaw. and Marcus Martin, and the three helped Crenshaw High School become the first Los Angeles City Section team to play in a state championship game. He had surgery in the off-season to correct problems which arose from the sprain. Pullard had an outstanding year, however, and along with T. J. McDonald was one of only two players to have more than 100 tackles Defensive line coach Ed Orgeron was named the interim head coach, and led the team to a 6–2 record. At season's end, Pullard had 94 tackles.

Cleveland Browns The Cleveland Browns selected Pullard in the seventh round (219th overall) of the 2015 NFL draft. He was the 33rd linebacker selected in 2015. On May 17, 2015, the Browns signed Pullard four-year, $2.35 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $79,240. He was released by the Browns on September 5, 2015. He was signed to the Browns' practice squad the following day.

Jacksonville Jaguars On October 28, 2015, the Jacksonville Jaguars signed Pullard off the Browns' practice squad. They signed him to a four-year, $2.28 million contract.

On September 3, 2017, Pullard was waived by the Jaguars.

Los Angeles Chargers On September 4, 2017, Pullard was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Chargers and was reunited with Chargers' defensive coordinator Gus Bradley who was Pullard's head coach in Jacksonville. He was signed as depth at middle linebacker after starter Denzel Perryman was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Upon joining the team, head coach Anthony Lynn named Pullard the backup middle linebacker behind Korey Toomer. He competed in an open competition between himself, Korey Toomer, and Kyle Emanuel for the job as the starting middle linebacker.

On September 2, 2018, Pullard was waived by the Chargers. He was re-signed on October 30, 2018.

Arizona Cardinals On August 2, 2019, Pullard signed with the Arizona Cardinals. He was released on August 25, 2019.

Philadelphia Eagles On August 27, 2019, Pullard signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was released during final roster cuts on August 30, 2019.

Coaching career In 2020, Pullard returned to USC as a quality control analyst.