Former Titan Delanie Walker proclaims his official retirement

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Former Tennessee Titans tight finish Delanie Walker introduced Tuesday that he’s formally retiring from the NFL.

“Enjoying this sport, I did it for therefore lengthy, I’m so grateful,” Walker mentioned by way of the crew web site. “I might say it labored out higher than I might have imagined.”

Walker performed 14 seasons beginning in 2006 when the San Francisco 49ers chosen him within the sixth spherical out of the College of Central Missouri. The Titans signed Walker to a four-year, $17.5 million contract in 2013.

As a Titans participant, Walker grew to become one of the crucial prolific tight ends within the NFL and was named to the Professional Bowl in three of his seven years in Nashville. Walker’s 28 landing receptions are probably the most for a Titans/Oilers tight finish and his 4,423 receiving yards completed second in franchise historical past for tight ends.

Walker was a four-time crew caption for the Titans and helped flip issues round for the Titans when he joined the crew. He final performed seven video games in 2019, a season that was impacted by lingering accidents. Walker was launched in March 2020 and didn’t signal with one other crew.

“I wish to congratulate Delanie on a unbelievable NFL profession,” mentioned Titans controlling proprietor Amy Adams Strunk. “His impression on our crew and in our group is undoubtedly one to be celebrated and set a normal for others. He was a real skilled in every little thing he did and was one of many key gamers who helped our group attain the extent of success that now we have sustained for a number of years now.”

Walker was the crew’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the 12 months nominee in 2013 and 2015 for his group work which incorporates the Delanie Walker Provides Again Basis, which supplies instructional alternatives and sources to inside metropolis and low-income kids. He additionally was deeply concerned with the native MADD (Moms In opposition to Drunk Driving) chapter.

In 14 seasons, Walker posted 504 receptions for five,888 yards and 36 touchdowns.

The Titans will acknowledge Walker in a halftime ceremony on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.