NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Rob Bironas wants to finish his career where he started it.
The Titans' Pro Bowl kicker will continue to get that chance after he agreed Thursday on a multi-year contract extension with the team he began his NFL journey with in 2005.
"This is where I wanted to be playing -- for the Titans, in the city of Nashville and the state of Tennessee," Bironas said Thursday afternoon. "This is where I call home, so it was an easy decision for me. I started my career here, and obviously I would like to end it here."
Bironas is relieved and excited to be returning to the Titans and city he's established deep roots in over the last eight years.
"I want to thank the Mr. Adams, the Titans' organization, coach Munchak, (GM) Ruston Webster and everyone else involved in keeping me here for another couple of seasons," said Bironas, the third most accurate kicker in NFL history (85.6%) and second leading scorer in franchise history behind Al Del Greco. "I had faith in the organization that we could get it worked out. In this business it can be a last-minute deal, so I just had to be patient and let my agent work with the staff upstairs to get a deal done that worked for both sides."
Not only has Bironas excelled on the football field, he's been one of the team's community all-stars, taking part in numerous charitable events in the greater Nashville area and his home state of Kentucky.
He started the Rob Bironas Fund in 2008 to help give back to those in need. Staying in Nashville enables him to continue his community service in the city he loves.
"That's huge," Bironas said. "I put a lot of time and energy into the community and really enjoy meeting a lot of great people and taking part in the various community events. That's something I'll continue to be involved in and look forward to doing."
On the field, Bironas has created lasting memories for Titans fans. In addition to kicking 11 game-winning field goals, the 2007 Pro Bowl and* AP* All-Pro selection owns club records for longest field goal (60 yards), most field goals in a game (eight, also an NFL record), most consecutive games with a field goal (20) and most consecutive field goals (20, tied with Al Del Greco).
Bironas credits his success to hard work, preparation and staying focused. But he doesn't put value in personal accomplishments.
"Those are accolades and achievements that are good to have, but my mentality has always been one kick, one game at a time," he said. "They are something I can look back on and share with my grandkids one day. Right now I have a job to do, and that's trying to win games and put points on the board each time I'm on the field."
Bironas has earned the respect of Titans fans from his consistency both on and off the field, and he appreciates the support they've shown him throughout his career.
"They're the ones we play for and keep us out on the field on Sundays," he said.
As for personal goals, Bironas simply wants to stay consistent. Team goals are another thing.
"I want to do well for the Titans each time I'm on the field," he said. "They signed me up for a couple more seasons and I'd like to be a part of helping us get back to the playoffs, win some games and ultimately bring a Super Bowl title to Nashville. That would be fun."
How long Bironas will kick remains to be seen. For now, he'll continue to approach each kick — and contract — one at a time.
"Kickers go a lot longer in this sport," Bironas said. "I got started a little bit late, but I feel I have plenty of good years left in me."
