NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Linebacker Erik Walden was a member of the Miami Dolphins the last time the Titans made the playoffs, in 2008.
It was his rookie season, and it was an eye-opening experience.
"And you think you are going to go every year," said Walden, who played collegiately at MTSU. "But it just doesn't work like that. So you have to cherish the moment and take advantage of it because you never know when it is going to come again."
As the Titans prepare for Saturday's playoff game against the Chiefs, veterans like Walden can have an influence on players who've never experienced postseason football. The Titans have 18 players on their roster who have appeared in a playoff game, and 35 players who have never experienced postseason football.
Walden, a 10-year veteran who joined the Titans this season, is the most experienced player on the team when it comes to the playoffs. He's played in 12 games in all, with the Dolphins, Packers, and Colts. He won a Super Bowl ring as a member of the Packers in 2010.
"Everything picks up in the playoffs —the speed, the magnitude of it all, the sense of urgency," said Walden, who finished the regular season with 44 tackles, four sacks and 28 quarterback pressures. "The atmosphere, man, it is electric. There is nothing like it. There is nothing in the regular season that can compare to a playoff game. You get close, maybe a Monday night or Sunday night, but there's nothing like it."
Here's a list of the Titans with playoff experience, along with games played:
• Erik Walden: 12
• Logan Ryan: 10
• Sylvester Williams: 7
• Eric Weems: 6
• Wesley Woodyard: 6
• Matt Cassel: 5
• Eric Decker: 5
• Delanie Walker: 4
• Josh Kline: 4
• Brice McCain: 3
• Ben Jones: 3
• Brynden Trawick: 3
• Ryan Succop: 2
• DeMarco Murray: 2
• Nate Palmer: 2
• Daren Bates: 1
• David King: 1
Walden said he's already spread the message to his teammates about what's at stake.
"The playoffs, it kind of brings awareness not only to yourself, but your teammates. It doesn't matter who makes the play, as long as the play is made," Walden said. "You want to make sure you know what you are doing on every opportunity and make the most of it.
"You have to be locked in and ready to go because there is nothing like it."
TitansOnline.com looks back at the team's all-time series against the Kansas City Chiefs. (AP Photos)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson celebrates with fans after an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Johnathan Cyprien (37) is congratulated by teammates Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) and Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan (26) after breaking up a pass late in the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) visits with fans after beating the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL wild-card playoff game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) visits with fans after beating the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL wild-card playoff game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) makes a 22-yard touchdown catch in front of Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Eric Murray (21) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) leaps for a touchdown in front of Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Will Redmond (24) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. Mariota’s throw to the end zone was batted right back at him by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Darrelle Revis, and Mariota hauled it in and dove for the goal line. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs past Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Ron Parker (38) for a 35-yard touchdown during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry celebrates with fans after the team's NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, in Kansas City, Mo. The Titans won 22-21. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones (60) celebrates following an NFL wild-card playoff football game against Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
