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NASHVILLE, Tenn. –** Delanie Walker got a new deal.
Now, the veteran tight end wants to prove to the Titans they made the right decision.
"That's exactly what I am thinking,'' Walker said. "They invested in me once before, and now they have done it again, and I am not going to let them down. I am going to go out there and give it all I've got. I am a hard worker on the field and off the field. I do a lot in the community, so I am kind of grounded here in Nashville.
"I am just thankful for the opportunity they have given me, so I don't want to let them down. So I feel like I am going to go out there and have a better year. Each year, I want to be better than the next."
The Titans gave Walker a contract extension on Friday. In 2015, Walker led the Titans and all NFL tight ends in receptions. He had 94 catches for 1,088 receiving yards and six touchdowns last season.
Walker set a franchise records for tight ends in catches and receiving yards in 2015, and became just the ninth tight end in NFL history to record 90 catches in a season, joining Tony Gonzalez (five times), Jason Witten (four), Todd Christensen (two) and Dallas Clark, Jimmy Graham, Ben Coates, Martellus Bennett and Rob Gronkowski.
"Me being sixth-round draft pick, and to end up where I'm at now, it shows a lot. And it shows how much it means to me,'' Walker said. "And I hope the young guys see it. It doesn't matter what round you go in – if you are dedicated to what you do and you do it the right way – on the field and off the field – you will get rewarded. And I think this is proof of that."
Walker, who joined the Titans in 2013 after playing his first seven NFL seasons with the 49ers, said he has plenty of motivation to keep it going.
He also said he's appreciative of how Titans general manager Jon Robinson handled his contract situation. Before agreeing to a new deal the team, Walker's contract was scheduled to expire after the 2016 season.
"Jon told me they were going to try and get something done, but they wanted to get some free agents, which I understand. I want to win, too,'' Walker said. "So I said, "I'm all about that too, I want to try and turn this program around, because I want to be here and I want to win games. They said once they took care of that they were going to work a deal with me, which he did. He kept his word and so far I think he has done a great job with this organization and I am excited to see where it goes from here.
"I am happy Jon and the organization sees how hard I work. And I respect them for understanding I do go out there and bust my butt every play, and I am going to make it up to them by continuing to do it."
"I'm happy to be here,'' Walker added. "I love the city of Nashville, the people are nice to me and they show me love. I love playing for the organization. I can't lie – I had great years in San Francisco, but I think my best years have come in Tennessee."
TitansOnline.com looks back at TE Delanie Walker's 2015 season. (AP Photos)