NASHVILLE — Tight end Delanie Walker is retiring as a member of the Tennessee Titans. Walker calls it a career after 14 seasons in the NFL.
Tennessee announced that the three-time Pro Bowler will hold a retirement press conference on Tuesday. The 38-year-old spent seven seasons with the Titans from 2013-2019 after spending his first seven years in the league with the San Francisco 49ers.
“I want to congratulate Delanie on a fantastic NFL career,” Tennessee controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement. “His impact on our team and in our community is undoubtedly one to be celebrated and set a standard for others. Very few players can say they were a four-time captain, went to three Pro Bowls and won the Community Man of the Year Award twice.
“He was a true professional in everything he did and was one of the key players who helped our organization reach the level of success that we have sustained for several years now. From a sixth-round selection by San Francisco to 504 receptions over 14 NFL seasons is quite a journey. Delanie will always be considered part of the Titans family, and we wish him continued success in the years to come.”
Walker’s impact in Tennessee
One of the most underrated offensive players of his time, Walker was a consistent match-up problem for defenses who faced the Titans. The former sixth-round pick was Tennessee’s leading receiver in three different seasons during his time in Nashville, and amassed a career-high 1,088 yard in 2015. Walker has been a free agent for the last two years.
Walker ends his career with 504 receptions for 5,888 yards and 37 total touchdowns.
His arrival in Nashville truly established his career. Walker was not a featured player in the San Francisco offense, but did reach a conference championship game and the 2012 Super Bowl with the 49ers. He signed with Tennessee following that playoff run under then-general manger Ruston Webster and is arguably the most impactful free-agent signing in the franchise’s history.
Only Charlie Hennigan (101), Haywood Jeffries (100) and Derrick Mason (96, 95) caught more passes in a single season than Walker’s 94 receptions in 2015. He is eighth among Oilers or Titans in career receptions.
Leave a Reply