The Tennessee Titans have had many different phases over the years — probably more than any other NFL franchise — while making their way over from Houston to Nashville. The Houston Oilers, Tennessee Oilers, and Tennessee Titans have each provided this organization with a legacy that can be categorized as long-lasting and memorable, a legacy that includes many wins, quite a few losses, and a slew of incredibly talented players.
However, don't expect to see the likes of quarterback Warren Moon, running back Earl Campbell, interior offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, offensive lineman Mike Munchak, pass rusher Robert Brazile or other notable players from the Oilers era on the following list. These are the five best players in the history of the Titans with a specific focus on the Tennessee Titans, which have officially been around since back in 1999.
Although it was tough to narrow down this list to just five players by its end, there are definitely a handful of figures that remain above the rest when it comes to the Tennessee Titans.
1. Steve McNair, Quarterback (1995 – 2005)
Far and away the best quarterback that the Tennessee Titans have ever employed, Steve McNair is also the best overall player to represent “Music City” — period. Spending 11 of his 13 seasons with the franchise with the final seven of those go-rounds coming as a member of the Tennessee Titans, McNair not only put up gaudy numbers, but his grit, determination, and mentality as a winner make it even easier to put him atop this list.
A three-time Pro Bowler and NFL MVP, McNair notably led this franchise to the postseason four times with such a run infamously being highlighted by an AFC Championship and an appearance in the Super Bowl in 1999, the organization's first season as the Tennessee Titans. The Titans have not reached the Super Bowl since McNair helped lead Tennessee there with the current AFC South franchise only reaching the postseason four times in the last 16 seasons.
2. Eddie George, Running Back (1996 – 2003)
A staple of the Tennessee Titans franchise while remaining a huge part of the organization to this day, running back Eddie George gave the team one of the best one-two punches of all time as he and quarterback Steve McNair made opposing defenses pay at virtually every turn.
Spending all but one season as a member of the Titans, George rushed for more than 1,000 yards seven times in his eight seasons with the team in addition to scoring a total of 64 rushing touchdowns. Over the course of his Titans tenure, George rushed for more than 10,000 yards en route to becoming the franchise's all-time leader in such a category.
It is also worth noting that George helped lead the Titans to four playoff appearances, an AFC Championship, an appearance in the Super Bowl — all while accumulating four Pro Bowl appearances, an Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and an All-Pro nod.
3. Chris Johnson, Running Back (2008 – 2013)
Although former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson didn't encounter the same team-related success like Steve McNair or Eddie George, “CJ2K” is no doubt one of the most prolific rushers in NFL history, let alone the history of the franchise.
Virtually untouchable in the open field, Johnson most notably rushed for 2,0006 yards in 2009, which was only his second season atop the highest level. Not only that, but he also produced 2,509 yards from scrimmage that season while setting a single-season NFL record in the process.
After leading the Titans to the postseason as a rookie in 2008 and following that performance up with over 2,000 rushing yards in 2009, Johnson went on to record at least 1,000 yards rushing in each of his six seasons in Tennessee. Of course, the Titans selected Johnson in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft out of East Carolina after he ran a blistering 4.24 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
4. Keith Bulluck, Linebacker (2000 – 2009)
Longtime NFL linebacker Keith Bulluck is the best defensive player to ever sport the two-tone blue.
Spending 10 years with Titans while serving as the team's defensive leader and captain for the majority of that time, Bulluck led the team to five postseason appearances in addition to posting impressive numbers on an individual level year-in and year-out.
Known as “Mr. Monday Night” thanks to his three-interception performance against the New Orleans Saints in 2007, the veteran linebacker only missed three regular-season games in 10 years and finished in the top 10 in the league in total tackles three different times. A first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, Bulluck also led NFL in total tackles with 152 wrap-ups in 2004.
5. Jevon Kearse, Defensive End (1999 – 2003, 2008 – 2009)
Even though defensive end Jevon Kearse only spent five seasons with the Tennessee Titans to begin his NFL tenure, “The Freak” ultimately returned home for two more seasons in 2008 and 2009 after a four-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The league's Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1999, Kearse immediately helped lead the Titans to the Super Bowl with 14.5 sacks that year. Not only that, but he set an NFL rookie record for sacks in a single-season in the process. The first-ever NFL Draft pick of the Tennessee Titans, Kearse went on to reach three Pro Bowls alongside one All-Pro selection, all while becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the NFL for quite a few years. It is also worth mentioning that Kearse was part of five Titans teams that reached the postseason as remained a staple of the franchise at its highest peaks.
Outside of linebacker Keith Bulluck, it is hard to argue that Kearse is not the most dominant defender in the history of the Tennessee Titans.
Honorable Mention (In No Particular Order):
- Derrick Henry, Running Back (2016 – Present)
- Derrick Mason, Wide Receiver (1997 – 2004)
- Frank Wycheck, Tight End (1995 – 2003)
- Delanie Walker, Tight End (2013 – 2019)
- Jurrell Casey, Defensive Tackle (2011 – 2019)
- Albert Haynesworth, Defensive Tackle (2002 – 2008)
- Michael Roos, Offensive Tackle (2005 – 2014)
- Kevin Mawae, Center (2006 – 2009)
- Rob Bironas, Place Kicker (2005 – 2013)
- Brett Kern, Punter (2009 – Present)
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