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Titans 11 Best Players of All Time

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Aerial view of Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans, celebrating the Titans 11 Best Players of All Time who shaped the team’s legacy.

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Reading Time: 7 minutes

Titans 11 Best Players of All Time: The Legends Who Built Tennessee Football

Since their rebranding from the Houston Oilers in 1999, the Tennessee Titans have built a legacy of their own, defined by standout players and memorable moments. As the team forged its new identity in Nashville, numerous athletes rose to the occasion, cementing their status as Titans legends. 

This list honors the Titans 11 Best Players of All Time, celebrating their remarkable contributions to the franchise’s success and their impact on the NFL. From dominant running backs to tenacious defenders, these players have shaped the Titans’ modern era and left a lasting legacy.

Table of Contents

 

#11: Blaine Bishop (1993-2001)

  • Position: Safety
  • Height/Weight: 5’9″, 205 lbs
 
Blaine Bishop celebrates a defensive play during his time with the Tennessee Titans, showcasing his intense energy and impact on the game.
23 Blaine Bishop, S (How many Titans have worn the number: 7) Here, Tennessee Titans safety Blaine Bishop celebrates after stopping Indianapolis Colts running back Edgerrin James during the playoff game in Indianapolis, Ind. Jan 16, 2000.
Blaine Bishop
 

Blaine Bishop was the heart of the Titans’ secondary during the late 90s and early 2000s, known for his hard-hitting style and leadership on the field. A four-time Pro Bowler, Bishop earned a reputation as one of the toughest safeties in the NFL, regularly punishing receivers who dared to enter his territory. 

His intelligence, athleticism, and toughness helped define the Titans’ defense during their early years in Tennessee, making him a fan favorite and a key contributor to their success.

Notable Accomplishments:

  • 4x Pro Bowler (1995-1997, 2000)

#10: Albert Haynesworth (2002-2008)

  • Position: Defensive Tackle
  • Height/Weight: 6’6″, 350 lbs
Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee Titans defensive lineman, focuses before a snap during an NFL game.
Oct 27, 2008; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (92) gets set at the line against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at LP Field. The Titans beat the Colts 31-21 Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Albert Haynesworth was a dominant force in the trenches for the Titans, known for his immense size and ability to disrupt offenses. His combination of power and agility made him one of the league’s most feared defensive linemen during his prime. 

Haynesworth’s impact on the Titans’ defense was undeniable, anchoring the defensive line and wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks and running backs alike.

Notable Accomplishments:

  • 2x All-Pro selection (2007, 2008)
  • 2x Pro Bowler (2007, 2008)

#9: Chris Johnson (2008-2013)

  • Position: Running Back
  • Height/Weight: 5’11”, 203 lbs
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans running back, sprints past a Green Bay Packers defender during an NFL game.
November 2, 2008; Nashville, TN USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) breaks a tackle by Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Johnny Jolly (97) in the first quarter at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Johnson, also known as “CJ2K,” was one of the most electrifying players in NFL history. His blazing speed allowed him to break off long runs at any moment, making him a constant big-play threat. 

Johnson’s record-breaking 2009 season, in which he rushed for over 2,000 yards, solidified his legacy as one of the greatest Titans ever.

Notable Accomplishments:

  • NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2009)
  • 2,006 rushing yards in 2009 (sixth-highest single-season total in NFL history)
  • 3x Pro Bowler (2008-2010)

#8: Frank Wycheck (1995-2003)

  • Position: Tight End
  • Height/Weight: 6’3″, 253 lbs
Frank Wycheck making an iconic catch for the Tennessee Titans during a game against the Steelers.
Tennessee Titans tight end Frank Wycheck (89) pulls in a touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Adelphia Coliseum Nov. 25, 2001. For the second time this season, the Titans lost to their AFC Central rival Steelers 34-24.
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Frank Wycheck was a reliable and productive tight end for the Titans, known for his consistency and clutch playmaking. 

A fan favorite, Wycheck played a key role in the Titans’ offense and is best remembered for his pivotal part in the “Music City Miracle,” one of the most iconic plays in NFL history.

Notable Accomplishments:

  • 3x Pro Bowler (1998-2000)
  • Integral part of the “Music City Miracle” in the 1999 AFC Wild Card Game

#7: Taylor Lewan (2014-2022)

  • Position: Offensive Tackle
  • Height/Weight: 6’7″, 309 lbs
Taylor Lewan, Tennessee Titans offensive lineman, walks off the field after a game.
Aug 23, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Taylor Lewan (77) is shown on the sideline during their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Titans won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Taylor Lewan was a cornerstone of the Titans’ offensive line for nearly a decade, providing elite protection for the team’s quarterbacks and opening running lanes for backs like Derrick Henry. 

His combination of size, athleticism, and nasty demeanor made him one of the top tackles in the NFL.

Notable Accomplishments:

  • 3x Pro Bowler (2016-2018)

#6: Kevin Byard (2016-2022)

  • Position: Safety
  • Height/Weight: 5’11”, 212 lbs
Kevin Byard, Tennessee Titans defensive back, dives to tackle a Cleveland Browns player during an NFL game.
Oct 16, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Ricardo Louis (80) drops a pass defended by Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (20) in the second half at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 28-26. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Byard is one of the most versatile and productive safeties in the NFL today. Known for his ball-hawking ability and leadership, Byard has consistently been a key piece of the Titans’ defense. 

His knack for making big plays in critical moments has earned him a reputation as one of the league’s top defensive backs.

Notable Accomplishments:

  • 2x First-Team All-Pro (2017, 2021)
  • 2x Pro Bowler (2017, 2021)
  • NFL co-leader in interceptions in 2017 (8)

#5: Jevon Kearse (1999-2003, 2008-2009)

  • Position: Defensive End
  • Height/Weight: 6’4″, 265 lbs
Tennessee Titans' Jevon Kearse leaps to block Kurt Warner's pass during Super Bowl XXXIV against the St. Louis Rams.
Tennessee Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse (90) blocks a pass by St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner during the 3rd quarter Jan. 30, 2000. The Titans just fell inches short in a 23-16 Rams’ victory in Super Bowl XXXIV.
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Jevon Kearse, known as “The Freak,” burst onto the NFL scene with one of the most dominant rookie seasons in history. His rare combination of speed, agility, and power made him nearly unblockable off the edge. 

Kearse’s ability to rush the passer helped lead the Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV, and his presence struck fear into opposing quarterbacks throughout his career. Despite dealing with injuries in his later years, Kearse remained one of the Titans’ most impactful defensive players and set the standard for edge rushers in Tennessee.

Notable Accomplishments:

  • NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1999)
  • 3x Pro Bowler (1999-2001)

#4: Keith Bulluck (2000-2009)

  • Position: Linebacker
  • Height/Weight: 6’3″, 235 lbs
Tennessee Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck focuses on defense during an NFL game.
Oct 28, 2007; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck (53) during 13-9 victory over Oakland Raiders at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Keith Bulluck was the undisputed leader of the Titans’ defense during the 2000s, known for his playmaking ability and football IQ. A versatile linebacker who could cover, blitz, and stuff the run, Bulluck was a cornerstone of Tennessee’s defense for a decade. 

He consistently ranked among the NFL’s top linebackers in tackles and was equally effective in pass coverage, recording 18 career interceptions. 

Bulluck’s leadership extended off the field, where he became a mentor to younger players and a face of the franchise. His presence was felt every time he stepped on the field, and his tenacity earned him the nickname “Mr. Monday Night” for his standout performances in primetime games.

Notable Accomplishments:

  • 1x All-Pro selection (2002)
  • 3x Pro Bowler (2002-2004)
  • Recorded over 1,000 career tackles and 18 career interceptions

#3: Eddie George (1996-2003)

  • Position: Running Back
  • Height/Weight: 6’3″, 235 lbs
Tennessee Titans' Eddie George powers through the snow against the Cleveland Browns.
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George attempts to move away from Cleveland Browns defender Marquis Smith (21) at Cleveland Browns Stadium Dec. 17, 2000. The Titans won 24-9 with George gaining 176 rushing yards on 34 carries and three touchdowns.
Tennessee Titans At Cleveland Browns Football

Eddie George was the workhorse of the Titans’ offense during his tenure, known for his powerful running style and durability. George’s ability to consistently produce at a high level made him the engine behind Tennessee’s success, particularly during their Super Bowl run in 1999. 

He rushed for over 1,000 yards in seven consecutive seasons, showcasing his remarkable consistency. Off the field, George’s leadership was equally important, as he set the tone for the team with his toughness and work ethic. His legacy in Tennessee is one of grit, resilience, and excellence.

Notable Accomplishments:

  • 4x Pro Bowler (1997-2000)
  • NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1996)
  • Rushed for over 10,000 career yards, including seven straight 1,000-yard seasons

#2: Steve McNair (1995-2005)

  • Position: Quarterback
  • Height/Weight: 6’2″, 230 lbs
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair scrambles away from a defender during a game against the St. Louis Rams.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9), making his first start after recovering from injury, scampers into the end zone for a touchdown as St. Louis Rams defender Todd Collins (54) arrives too late. The Titans upset the undefeated Rams 24-21 at Adelphia Coliseum on Oct. 21, 1999.

Steve “Air” McNair was the face of the Tennessee Titans for over a decade, embodying the grit and determination that defined the team’s early years in Nashville. 

Known for his toughness and ability to play through injury, McNair led the Titans to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1999, coming just one yard short of a potential game-tying touchdown. McNair’s dual-threat ability as both a passer and runner made him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks of his time, and his leadership in clutch situations endeared him to Titans fans. 

His MVP-winning 2003 season remains one of the greatest performances by a Titans quarterback, solidifying his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

Notable Accomplishments:

  • NFL Co-MVP (2003)
  • 3x Pro Bowler (2000, 2003, 2005)
  • Holds the franchise record for career passing yards (27,141)

#1: Derrick Henry (2016-2023)

  • Position: Running Back
  • Height/Weight: 6’3″, 247 lbs
Tennessee Titans' Derrick Henry breaks away for a touchdown run during an NFL game.
Jan 3, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs past Houston Texans safety A.J. Moore (33) during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Henry has quickly established himself as one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history. Known for his rare combination of size, speed, and power, Henry has rewritten the Titans’ record books with his jaw-dropping performances. 

His ability to break tackles and rack up yards after contact has made him a nightmare for defenders, and his historic 2,027-yard rushing season in 2020 placed him in the NFL’s elite group of 2,000-yard rushers. 

Henry’s performances in key moments, including multiple game-winning plays, have made him the cornerstone of the Titans’ offense in the modern era. His continued dominance in the NFL has earned him the reputation as one of the best players in franchise history and the league overall.

Notable Accomplishments:

  • 2x NFL Rushing Champion (2019, 2020)
  • NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2020)
  • 3x Pro Bowler (2019, 2020, 2022)
  • 1x First-Team All-Pro (2020) and 1x Second-Team All-Pro (2019)
  • Sixth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season (2020)

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Reece Lightner

Reece Lightner is a Philly-born sports writer with a Journalism degree from Penn State and a background in PR and NBA scouting. He founded Sortie Sports to fuel debates through bold, SEO-driven player rankings and lists
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This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.

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