LAS VEGAS – Rodger Saffold plays for Super Bowls, not Pro Bowls.
But the veteran Titans guard, after 12 NFL seasons, has a sense of pride after being named to this year's all-star game, and it's certainly understandable.
"To finally get my opportunity," Saffold said on Friday, "it feels good. I've been waiting a long time, and I'm excited to put another notch in my belt.
"I've been to the AFC Championship, the NFC Championship, the Super Bowl and now the Pro Bowl. The fact that I can say I've done all the things, it's a blessing. Now I want to win a championship, and hopefully I can do it with the Titans."
Yes, Saffold is making his first Pro Bowl appearance of his 12-year NFL career.
This season, Saffold battled through injuries to make 15 starts at left guard while paving the way for the league's fifth-best rushing attack, with backs Derrick Henry, D'Onta Foreman and Dontrell Hilliard.
The 2021 season was Saffold's third season in Tennessee after playing nine seasons with the Rams, who selected him in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
He has registered 157 starts over his 12-year NFL career.
"I've played with a lot of great players, great running backs," Saffold said. "I played with Steven Jackson at the start of my career, I played with Todd Gurley, Derrick Henry. I blocked for Adrian Peterson. It is just a blessing to be able to do that, and to be able to play with great players as well now here at the Pro Bowl."
Titans General Manager Jon Robinson this week applauded Saffold for his toughness, and his willingness to battle through injuries to keep playing week in and week out.
"He's powerful," Robinson said of Saffold. "He's a great teammate, and he really helped us in the run game."
Titans safety Kevin Byard, at his second Pro Bowl, is happy to have Saffold with him this year.
"I am super excited for Rodger," Byard said. "Him being in the league for so long, to finally get the recognition he deserves, it's great."
Saffold brought his mother, his youngest sister, and his two kids to Las Vegas, along with his girlfriend, and friends from all over the United States.
Saffold lost his father, Rodger Saffold II, during the 2020 season, but he knows he's with him in spirit.
"I know he is extremely proud, and I think my dad gave me that little kick in the butt to keep pushing forward and to get here," Saffold said. "I know that he is super proud, and he knows I am going to keep fighting."
Saffold, by the way, said he has no plans stop playing any time soon.
The 33-year-old Saffold wants to play several more seasons, and he hopes it's with the Titans.
"My goal has always been to play 15 years," Saffold said. "If I wake up one day and say I want to go 16, I'll go 16. But I am going to play as long as I can. I am not going to disappoint my younger self.
"I never wanted to be a journeyman. I have been very blessed to play for two franchises that I have a lot of confidence in, and a lot of respect for."
And yes, he wants to win a Super Bowl.
"I still crave it," he said. "I used to play for the Rams, and now they are back in the Super Bowl. Now I want to win a championship, with the Titans. We want to bring a Super Bowl championship to Nashville and I want to be a part of that."
