As the NFL enters the quieter stretch of OTAs and mandatory minicamps ahead of July, the Tennessee Titans like every team are gearing up for training camp with a refreshed roster and renewed optimism. With the league celebrating its 21st-century silver anniversary, it’s the perfect time to look back and honor the top Titans players from the past 25 years by naming the franchise’s All-Quarter Century Offense.
Since Steve McNair’s departure, the Titans have struggled to find consistent success at quarterback. Players like Marcus Mariota, Jake Locker, Vince Young, and Will Levis couldn’t match his impact. McNair’s legacy remains so significant that only Hall of Famer Warren Moon tops him in most franchise passing records.
Wearing No. 9, Steve McNair earned three Pro Bowl selections and shared the 2003 MVP honor with Peyton Manning. He spent six of his 11 NFL seasons with the Titans during the 21st century before retiring in 2007 as a Raven. McNair remains the franchise leader in quarterback wins with 76 and threw for 27,141 yards and 156 touchdowns at a time when the passing game was still evolving. No other Titans quarterback has matched his influence on the team or the city.
While the Titans may lack long-term star power at quarterback, they more than make up for it with a legendary lineup of running backs. The franchise’s history features an impressive mix of current, future, and near Hall of Famers. Titans rushers have built a storied legacy, highlighted by multiple Heisman Trophy winners like Eddie George, Derrick Henry, and Earl Campbell.
Though Eddie George is a franchise legend, his 21st-century production was hindered by late-career injuries. Derrick Henry ultimately gets the nod over George, Chris Johnson, and DeMarco Murray. “King Henry,” now with the Ravens, built a legendary resume in Tennessee, rushing for 90 touchdowns and 9,502 yards first and second in franchise history, respectively. His sustained dominance gave him the edge over the electrifying Johnson in a tightly contested decision.
Wide Receivers
Derrick Mason
Drafted by the Titans/Oilers in 1997, Derrick Mason spent the first eight seasons of his 15-year NFL career in Tennessee, becoming one of the franchise’s all-time greats. During his time with the team, Mason recorded 453 receptions for 6,114 yards and 37 touchdowns, ranking in the top 10 of all three major receiving categories in Titans history. The Michigan State product earned both of his career Pro Bowl selections as a Titan. While A.J. Brown was considered, his shorter tenure couldn’t match Mason’s sustained impact.
Nate Washington
Despite the franchise’s roots in the high-powered run-and-shoot offense, the Titans have struggled to consistently produce standout wide receivers in the 21st century. Nate Washington, who joined Tennessee after four seasons with the Steelers, wasn’t a superstar—but he became a dependable and consistent presence in the passing game. His reliability and steady production made him a trusted target for the variety of quarterbacks he played alongside during his time with the Titans.
In his six seasons with the Titans, Nate Washington totaled 307 receptions for 4,591 yards and 28 touchdowns. When he departed in 2014, he ranked tenth in franchise history in receptions, eighth in receiving yards, and was tied with Delanie Walker for eighth in touchdown catches. His consistent production secured him a lasting place among Tennessee’s most dependable wideouts.
Tight Ends
Delanie Walker
Delanie Walker began his NFL journey as a sixth-round pick by the 49ers in 2006, spending several seasons behind Vernon Davis. It wasn’t until he signed with the Titans in 2013 that his career truly took off. Walker quickly became one of the league’s top tight ends and played a vital role in Tennessee’s resurgence in the late 2010s. A fan favorite in Nashville, his career was unfortunately cut short by a severe ankle injury following a 2017 contract extension. He retired in 2019, finishing his Titans tenure with 381 receptions (eighth in team history) and 4,423 receiving yards (ninth all-time).
Frank Wycheck
Another legendary Titans tight end not originally drafted by the team, Frank Wycheck makes a strong case as the best at his position in franchise history. Though drafted by Washington in 1993, he joined the Oilers in 1995 and became a cornerstone of the franchise. Wycheck ranks third all-time in team history with 482 receptions and seventh with 4,958 receiving yards.
A three-time Pro Bowler, his final selection came in 2000, one of just four seasons he played in the 21st century. Despite that, his legacy secures him a spot on the All-Titans Silver Anniversary team. He is most famously remembered for his pivotal role in the “Music City Miracle,” a moment etched in NFL history though forever painful for Bills fans. Wycheck sadly passed away in 2023.
Offensive Tackles
Michael Roos
For decades, the Titans have benefited from elite play at offensive tackle, and Michael Roos was a major part of that tradition. Drafted in 2005, Roos began his career at right tackle before taking over the left side in 2006 following Brad Hopkins’ retirement. A model of consistency and durability, Roos started every game of his career until retiring in 2014. His decade-long dominance and reliability on the blind side solidified his status as a Titans legend and a key figure in the franchise’s offensive line legacy.
Taylor Lewan
Taylor Lewan spent nine seasons with the Titans before retiring in 2023 to pursue a media career. A three-time Pro Bowler, he was a dominant presence at left tackle and helped revive Tennessee’s proud offensive line tradition. Lewan made 100 starts in 105 games and, at one point, signed the richest contract for a left tackle a five-year, $80 million deal. His consistent performance and leadership earned him a place on the All-Titans Silver Anniversary team, edging out fellow standout David Stewart.
Guards
Rodger Saffold
Rodger Saffold claims the guard spot on the Titans’ Silver Anniversary team, edging out other notable free-agent signings like Quinton Spain, Andy Levitre, and Daniel Brunskill. After joining Tennessee from the Rams, Saffold became a key piece of the Titans’ powerful offensive line during their deep playoff runs. Though his tenure in Nashville was relatively short, his impact was significant. Saffold earned his first of two Pro Bowl selections as a Titan and later finished his career with the Bills, retiring after the 2022 season.
Nate Davis
Nate Davis earns a spot on the Titans’ Silver Anniversary team over contenders like Eugene Amano, Leroy Harris, and Fernando Velasco. A third-round pick in 2019, Davis became a reliable starter during one of the franchise’s most successful stretches under head coach Mike Vrabel. He held down the guard position through 2022, departing just before the team’s decline began. Though not as decorated as Hall of Famers like Mike Munchak and Bruce Matthews, Davis upheld the Titans’ proud offensive line tradition during his time in Nashville.
Center
Ben Jones
Ben Jones gets the nod at center on the Titans’ Silver Anniversary team, narrowly edging out Hall of Famer Kevin Mawae. After starting his career with the rival Texans, Jones joined the Titans in 2016 and became a steady, durable anchor on the offensive line during the team’s resurgence under Mike Vrabel. While Mawae earned more accolades—including two Pro Bowl nods and an All-Pro selection in Tennessee he’s more closely associated with his time as a Jet. Jones’ longevity and leadership in Nashville give him the edge here, though both players remain worthy of recognition in Titans history.
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