NASHVILLE – The Titans have released center Ben Jones with a 'failed physical' designation.
Jones, who initially joined the Titans in 2016, was named to his first Pro Bowl this past season.
"I want to thank Ben for his time here with the Titans," Titans Coach Mike Vrabel said in a statement on behalf of the organization. "He embodied a lot of the qualities we talk about when we describe a Titans player. He was a great teammate; his toughness was off the charts, and he had a leadership quality that was earned through the relationships he built and the dedication to the game he showed to his teammates."
In 11 NFL seasons, Jones has played in 182 games, including 161 starts. He played his first four NFL seasons with the Houston Texans.
From 2016 through 2021 with the Titans, Jones was one of one of only eight offensive linemen to start at least 96 of a possible 97 games.
Despite being recognized as a Pro Bowler, 2022 wasn't an easy one for Jones, however.
Jones missed five games because of a pair of concussions. He was placed on injured reserve on December 22, and he missed the final three games. Absences had been rare for Jones in his career – from 2012 through 2021, Jones appeared in 160 of 161 possible regular season games, including starts in all but one game during his first six seasons in Tennessee.
"God puts you through trials," Jones, speaking to TennesseeTitans.com from the Pro Bowl last month, said of the 2022 season, and his health. "You never know what it is going to be like, you just have to believe what He is putting you through is going to come out for the best. Everything can't be roses always – through trials come rewards, and it teaches you lessons that make you a better man and a better person."
Jones told TennesseeTitans.com last month his body was still recovering from another grind of a season.
"My mindset now is: It's an offseason, so how do I prepare like a normal offseason?," Jones said last month. "It's getting some surgeries, getting healthy. So, when (training) camp comes around, if I am able to go and ready to roll, I am able to go out there and do it.
"My whole thing is: Spend time with the family, get healthy, and get ready to play football like I always do. If I am able to still play at a high level, I would love to keep playing. If not, grandfather time does happen, and we'll see what is best for our family."
Jones spoke fondly about his time in Tennessee.
"I just finished my seventh year with the Titans, and it's been great," Jones said. "Every day you get to play in this league is a blessing. I never thought I'd play this long in the league so far, and I have been around so many amazing people, from teammates to coaches to staff. The relationships I've built, the places I got to go and see, I never imagined growing up in a small town in Alabama. It's been a real blessing."
Jones becomes the fifth player to be released by the Titans this offseason.
Earlier, the Titans released left tackle Taylor Lewan, receiver Robert Woods, linebacker Zach Cunningham and kicker Randy Bullock.
