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
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 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, 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

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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 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 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

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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

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 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

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

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)
Final Rankings
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