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Titans "Birthday Boy" Delanie Walker Still Going Strong at Age 34

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today is Delanie Walker's birthday, but he isn't necessarily advertising it.

"I keep it low-key, low-profile," the Titans tight end said with a smile. "I've been that way all my life. It's just another day, to be honest with you."

On his 34th birthday, however, his ability to still play at a high level was once again on full display on the practice field on Sunday.

"He inspires every day, to come out and bring it,'" fellow Titans tight end Luke Stocker said of Walker. "He plays at such a high level, and he practices at such a high level. … It seems like the older he gets the better he gets."

At 34, Walker is the oldest Titan.

But he's still going strong. 

"Guys ask me: What are you, 36? 40?," Walker said with a smile. "I get all the ages that I am not, that is the common joke. But that's OK."

Walker was named to his third straight Pro Bowl in 2017 after he led the team with 74 receptions for 807 yards and three touchdowns. He was named Offensive MVP of the Pro Bowl after catching two touchdowns in the game, including an 18-yard, game-winning score in the fourth quarter.

In 12 seasons, Walker has caught 479 passes for 5,621 yards and 34 touchdowns. He played his first seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before signing with the Titans prior to the 2013 season.

In Sunday's practice, Walker caught two touchdowns in a red zone period, and made a number of catches during the session. He had a ball knocked out of his arms from cornerback Malcolm Butler, but that only ticked him off.

Titans coach Mike Vrabel said Walker is a great example for younger players to follow.

"I think with Delanie, he's a true professional," Vrabel said. "He comes in here and he works, and he takes care of his body. And he puts as much time on the practice field as he does off the practice field, and that's one thing the young guys can take with them, is how much this guy does outside of practice and in meetings to be a professional."

Walker wasn't able to keep a low-profile on Sunday. 

Some of his teammates knew, and some loyal fans brought him a sign, and gave it to him after practice. He heard the words "Birthday Boy" on a number of occasions.

"To be 34 and still be able to run with these young bucks, it means a lot to me," Walker said. "And to still be able to play the game at a high speed, I am blessed to be honest with you.

"Everyone asks me how I do it, and I really can't explain how I do it, to be 34 and be a 13-year vet and still be a top 5 tight end in this league."

The Titans take the field for Day 13 of training camp practice on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018 at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)

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