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A first-round pick (19th overall) by the Titans in 2007, two-time Pro Bowl safety Michael Griffin tallied 25 interceptions, seven sacks, 11 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries during his nine seasons in Tennessee. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. —Safety Michael Griffin proved durable and dependable during his nine seasons with the Titans.
As the 2015 season came to an end, however, Griffin himself knew his days with the team could be numbered.
On Tuesday, the Titans released Griffin, ending his run with the Titans.
A first round draft pick by the team in 2007, Griffin played in 141 games with the team. He is tied with Buffalo's Corey Graham for the most games played by a safety in the NFL from 2007-15
"I want to thank Griff for his time here with the organization,'' Titans coach Mike Mularkey said. "He was a leader who showed up to work every day in an effort to get better, and I appreciated his effort both on and off the field for this team. He touched a lot of people in this community and in our organization. I want to wish him the best, and I hope he will always be remembered as a great Titan."
"We would like to thank Michael for all of his efforts and impact on the Titans during his nine seasons with our franchise," said Titans General Manager Jon Robinson. "Michael's reputation around the NFL is as a very durable player who always gives his best both on and off the field. His passion for the game of football, dating back to his college days at Texas, is also well-known, and we wish him all the best moving forward."
A two-time Pro Bowler (2008, 2010), Griffin totaled 25 interceptions over the nine seasons, which is tied for eighth in franchise history. He also became the fifth player in team history to record 900 career tackles and is the highest-ranking safety on the list.
Griffin was selected 19th overall out of the University of Texas. Griffin also finishes his Titans career with 65 passes defensed, 11 forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and seven sacks.
With one year remaining on his contract, Griffin talked about his uncertain future heading into the team's home finale against the Texans.
"I realize I am an older guy,'' Griffin said. "For nine years I sat in that locker, and I have seen how this business works, and I always knew one day my day would come. It's going to come. I don't know when, but it's going to come.
"I tell people all the time: You never know when your last game may be. (Sunday) might possibly be my last game here, I don't know,'' Griffin said. "When you don't know the 'what ifs?' you don't know your future and you have to put it in God's hands. He knows the future, and I am just going to go along with it.
"There's no guarantee for next year. So the message probably this week is cherish every moment to be able to step out on that practice field and practice, and prepare for this week, including myself and everyone else in this locker room, because there's never a guarantee for next year."
