After not playing in each of the past two seasons, former Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker has officially announced his retirement from the NFL after a 14-year career. The team will hold a press conference for its franchise great on Tuesday afternoon.
Walker spent seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before spending another seven with the Titans and said he was thankful for his time in Nashville and will be retiring as a Titan.
“I would say it worked out better than I could have imagined,” Walker said, per Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. “I dreamt about it, and made it come to life because I believed it would. I knew once I had the opportunity, I wasn’t going to let it get away from me. Playing in Tennessee, with the Titans, it was better than I ever dreamed of, and I can’t thank the Titans organization enough for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to do everything I was able to do. It was a dream come true, to be honest with you.”
“When I came into this league, I wasn’t a big name, and I left this league with a big name and that just shows I worked hard for this,” Walker continued. “I worked hard to put myself on the map, and to prove to myself I was an elite player in this league.
“To be able to retire with the Titans means a lot because I feel like those were my best years. I am honored to go out as a Titan. They gave me the opportunity to play my best football and go out there and do what I do best, and that’s to be a dog. I am glad that I’m able to retire as a Titan.”
Walker was an absolute stud for the Titans and a bright spot during two of the worst years in franchise history. The 38-year-old tallied four seasons of 800 yards or more from 2014-2017, including a 1,000-yard season in 2015.
Walker went on to play in three Pro Bowls in that span and was considered one of the best at his position in the NFL.
“I want to congratulate Delanie on a fantastic NFL career,” Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said. “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.”
Unfortunately, a brutal ankle injury in 2018 derailed Walker’s career. The injury plagued Walker in 2019, also, leading to his playing in just four contests before being released the following offseason.
Regardless of how things ended, Walker will always be remembered for the excellent play, leadership and attitude he brought to this team, making him one of the best tight ends in franchise history.
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