After a successful 14-year career in the NFL, tight end Delanie Walker has announced he plans to retire as a member of the Titans with a press conference at Nissan Stadium Tuesday afternoon.
Walker went from being drafted in the 6th round out of Central Missouri to one of the most accomplished tight ends of his generation. Beginning in San Francisco, he spent seven years as a 49er before being signed by then-GM Ruston Webster to join the Tennessee Titans. Walker was a Titan for his next seven years, and was the rare NFL player to break out as a star in his 30s.
In 14 seasons, Walker amassed 504 receptions for 5,888 yards and 36 touchdowns over the span of 183 games. A four-time Titans captain (2015-2018) and three-time Pro-Bowler (2015-2017), he ranks second on the franchise’s all-time list of receptions by a tight end (381).
In a statement, Tennessee controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said about Walker “I want to congratulate Delanie on a fantastic NFL career. 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 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.”
