NASHVILLE – Delanie Walker had high hopes when he signed with the Titans back in 2013.
After seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, the tight end was looking for an opportunity to take his game to another level.
The next seven seasons – from 2013 to 2019 – Walker did just that, as he became a three-time Pro Bowler and a four-time captain while also being recognized twice as the team's Community Man of the Year.
On Tuesday, the day Walker officially announced his retirement from the NFL, he acknowledged things worked out pretty well for his career.
He's thankful for his time with the Titans.
"I would say it worked out better than I could have imagined," Walker said on Monday night. "I dreamt about it, and made it come to life because I believed it would. I knew once I had the opportunity, I wasn't going to let it get away from me. Playing in Tennessee, with the Titans, it was better than I ever dreamed of, and I can't thank the Titans organization enough for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to do everything I was able to do. It was a dream come true, to be honest with you."
Walker will hold a press conference announcing his retirement on Tuesday afternoon at Nissan Stadium, which will officially put a cap on his 14-year NFL career.
As a Titan, Walker became one of the most prolific tight ends in the NFL. His success came during a time when the fortunes of the franchise began to change.
Not bad for a guy who came into the league as a little-known player from Central Missouri, drafted in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the 49ers.
"When I came into this league, I wasn't a big name, and I left this league with a big name and that just shows I worked hard for this," Walker said. "I worked hard to put myself on the map, and to prove to myself I was an elite player in this league.
"To be able to retire with the Titans means a lot because I feel like those were my best years. I am honored to go out as a Titan. They gave me the opportunity to play my best football and go out there and do what I do best, and that's to be a dog. I am glad that I'm able to retire as a Titan."
Over his 14-year career, Walker recorded 504 receptions for 5,888 yards and 36 touchdowns in 183 games. During his Titans career, was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and he was selected a captain four times, in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Walker ranks second on the franchise's list of receptions by a tight end (381) and over a five-year period from 2013-17, no NFL tight end had more receptions than Walker (356).
"I want to congratulate Delanie on a fantastic NFL career," Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said. "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 a 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."
Titans safety Kevin Byard called Walker a great teammate.
"He was a great teammate to me, and obviously one of the vets in the locker room when I was a rookie," Byard said of Walker. "He's a guy who always showed me love, and he showed me how to be a pro every single day, the way he attacked practice, treatment. … And he's a guy who always made a lot of plays for us during the time I was here. I am super-proud of him, and he is definitely one of the all-time great Titans."
Walker arrived in Tennessee as an unrestricted free agent in the spring of 2013 after recording 123 receptions over his first seven NFL seasons with the 49ers. Over his first five seasons with the Titans, he would register at least 60 receptions each season, including a career-best 94 receptions for a career-high 1,088 yards in 2015 – both established new franchise highs for tight ends, passing Frank Wycheck. He earned his first Pro Bowl appearance following his record-breaking 2015 campaign.
The Titans had four consecutive losing records from 2012-2015. It 2016, Walker's second year as a captain and Pro Bowler, the team finished with the first of what's turned into six consecutive winning seasons.
"I didn't know a lot about Nashville at the time," Walker said of signing with the team. "When they told me I had an opportunity to be a starter, and to make a name for myself, that was all I needed to hear, and I wanted to make the most of it. ... As a team, I felt like we built it together. We had the guys, the coaches, and it wasn't just me. It was a team effort, and it all came together."
Walker left his name throughout the Titans record books, finishing eighth in career receptions (381), ninth in career receiving yards (4,423), eighth in receiving touchdowns (28) and as the franchise's second-longest streak of consecutive games with a reception (83 games from 2013-19). He also owns the top four receiving yardage totals (1,088 in 2015; 890 in 2014; 807 in 2017; 800 in 2016) in a season for a tight end in franchise history.
Walker, who is now working with retired players as part of the NFL's Legends Community, broke his ankle in the 2018 season opener at Miami, and he played in just one game that season.
Walker played his last game with the Titans in November of 2019, as his season was cut short when he was placed on Injured Reserve.
"I remember when I got drafted in 2006, my family would ask me: How long do you think you're going to play? I said, maybe eight years. Hopefully I can make it to eight," Walker said.
"Playing this game, I did it for so long, I am so thankful. Honestly, I wish I could have played more, but injuries took place and there you have it."
Over his 14-year career, Walker recorded 504 receptions for 5,888 yards and 36 touchdowns in 183 games. During his Titans career, was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and he was selected a captain four times, in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 10, 2019 - Delanie Walker #82 of Tennessee Titans portrait during Media Day at Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, TN. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - August 17, 2019 - Tight end Delanie Walker #82 of Tennessee Titans scores a touchdown during the preseason home game between the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Al Wagner/Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 25, 2019 - Tight end Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans during the preseason home game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Kayla Schoen/Tennessee Titans
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Tight end Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans during the Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 08, 2019 - Head coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans and Tight end Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans during the Tennessee Titans game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - Tight end Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans making a catch during the game between the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Caleb Jones/Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 - Tight end Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans smiles after a big reception during the game between the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. Photo By Sam Carbine/Tennessee Titans
JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 - Tight end Delanie Walker #82 of the Tennessee Titans during the game between the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL. Photo By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) celebrates a touchdown with tight end MyCole Pruitt (85) and offensive guard Jamil Douglas (75) during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sep. 8, 2019 in Cleveland. (Aaron Doster/NFL)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) is knocked out of bounds short of the goal line by Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, file photo, Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) plays against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, in Nashville, Tenn. A change in teams has been very beneficial to two-time Pro Bowler Delanie Walker. Thanks to four very productive seasons since joining Tennessee, Walker needs just 49 yards to become the seventh active tight end with 5,000 yards receiving for his career. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski, File)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) is brought down by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis (52) in the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) warms up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) is stopped by Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry (29) after a 15-yard gain in the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) runs the ball against Houston Texans linebacker Mike Mohamed (54) in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars strong safety Johnathan Cyprien after a short gain during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) stands in the end zone after catching a 7-yard touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) heads to the goal line for a touchdown ahead of New England Patriots defensive back Jordan Richards (37) and Logan Ryan (26) after catching a pass in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) runs after making a catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) hangs onto the ball as New York Jets free safety Jaiquawn Jarrett (37) tries to knock it loose as Walkers scores a touchdown on a 1-yard pass in the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker, left, is hit by Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson during the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Tennessee Titans' Delanie Walker tries to break free from Philadelphia Eagles' Malcolm Jenkins during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) stiff- arms Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Ryan Clark (25) after making a catch in the second quarter an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans vs. New York Jets on August 12, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Carolina Panthers at Nissan Stadium on August 19, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears in a preseason game on August 27, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Oakland Raiders at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Oakland Raiders at Nissan Stadium on September 10, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Seattle Seahawks on September 24, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Seattle Seahawks on September 24, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Seattle Seahawks on September 24, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Miami Dolphins on October 9, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns on October 22, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore Ravens on November 5, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Cincinnati Bengals on November 12, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers on November 16, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts on November 26, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans on December 3, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans on December 3, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans on December 3, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Los Angeles Rams on December 24, 2017. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. Kansas City Chiefs on January 6, 2018. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
Tennessee Titans vs. New England Patriots on January 13, 2018. Photos by Donn Jones Photography
