NASHVILLE – Veteran cornerback Johnathan Joseph was a first-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft – the same year the Titans picked quarterback Vince Young.
It's also the same year Isaiah Wilson, the team's first-round pick this year, turned seven years old.
So yeah, it's been a while.
Yet Joseph is still playing – after signing with the Titans earlier this month, he's set to begin his 15th NFL season.
And he's motivated to prove he can still perform at a high level, while showing the younger guys the way.
"I think (it's) just a love of the game," Joseph said. "Obviously, we drafted some guys, and I think it's my job to show those guys the ropes. Fifteen years ago I was a first-round pick, sitting in a lot of those guys' shoes, a rookie, not understanding the playbook, just catching up with the day-to-day life of the NFL, and just the rigors of the schedule compared to being in college. Just having that part, I'm able to help those guys along the way. Anything that can help those guys play better I'm here for."
But make no mistake, Joseph was added to the roster to make an impact on the field, something he's done during the course of his career.
The 36-year-old Joseph, most recently with the Texans, was drafted in 2006 by the Bengals. He played from 2006-2010 with the Bengals before joining the Texans, where he's played the past nine seasons.
Joseph ranks fourth among active NFL players for career interceptions (31) and leads all active NFL cornerbacks in career tackles (750). Joseph also leads all NFL players over the last 20 seasons for passes defensed (194) and can become the first NFL player to reach 200 passes defensed since the statistic became tracked (2000).
In Tennessee, he joins a secondary that includes veteran cornerbacks Malcolm Butler and Adorree' Jackson, along with second-round pick Kristian Fulton from LSU. The Titans also have cornerbacks Tye Smith, Chris Milton, Kenneth Durden, and Kareem Orr in the fold. Veteran Logan Ryan won't return.
"(My role) is to kind of fit in where need be," Joseph said. "But at the same time, just be myself. I'm not coming in here to look to replace anybody, or do anything, or be the savior, or none of that. I'm just coming in here to do whatever my job is, whatever my role is, do that to the utmost. I think, obviously, Logan (Ryan) was a great player for those guys. I don't want to get into comparisons. When I see somewhere that I need to speak up, or give some input, or help guys here or there, that will always be me at any point of my life. So, I think that's just natural for me. Any time I'm there to give information back and be helpful it's only right."
Joseph has familiarity with the city of Nashville, and the coaching staff with the Titans.
His wife, Delaina, attended Hillsboro High School and then Tennessee State University. The couple ended up meeting in Cincinnati, during his rookie season.
While in Houston, Joseph played under Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and secondary coach Anthony Midget, who joined the Titans earlier this offseason after coaching with the Texans.
"I think both of those guys have the same mentality and want to play winning football and bring that mentality each and every day to the classroom and the football field, obviously," Joseph said of Midget and Vrabel.
"I think just having a history with him, knowing his mentality, knowing his expectations," Joseph continued when speaking of Vrabel. "Obviously, been playing against the Titans in the division. I know what they bring as a football team, they made a great push last year and have a lot of great players on this team. I think he's doing a great job of managing that. That's his biggest skillset, I think, that I remember about him. Being around him, the way that he manages guys. But at the same time, he has a high expectation level for you to do your job at the highest level, and be a professional at all times, and I think that's what's great about him and I think that's what makes him a great coach."
With the Titans, Joseph is ready to make his mark.
The 5-foot-11, 186-pounder has been named to two Pro Bowls in his career – in 2011 and 2012. He's been a consistent starter and performer during his 14-year NFL career, and has 31 career interceptions, 754 tackles, 195 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries to show for it. He has scored eight touchdowns in his career.
Joseph played in 14 games for the Texans in 2019, when he racked up 51 tackles while also recording an interception.
His work preparing for 2020 has already started.
"This league is always about getting young. I think you have to do more the older you get, some people think it's the opposite way, but I think it's the more you do, you have to stay ahead of the curve," he said. "I think just being able to go out and just compete with the younger guys, whether it's in your training session, your preparation, whatever it may be. Just always having that mentality. Any time you have a chance to be out there and wear the NFL shield it's a privilege, don't take it for granted.
"I take a lot of pride in (still being able to play at a high level) just because it's a blessing. At the same time, anything at this point in this stage in my career is not a given. You have to work for it and still go out and put in the work, and I enjoy it. That's the best part about football is the grind. When you get out there and play in the games on Sunday and all that, that's fun."
A look back at veteran cornerback Johnathan Joseph's 14-year NFL career with the Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals. (AP Photos)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
Houston Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) and Johnathan Joseph, right, celebrate an interception by Joseph in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans' Johnathan Joseph (24) returns an interception during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Houston. The Texans beat the Dolphins 30-10. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
Houston Texans' Johnathan Joseph (24) returns an interception during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Houston. The Texans beat the Dolphins 30-10. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) runs back an interception in the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen Morton)
Houston Texans' Johnathan Joseph (24) returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) catches an interception on a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones, right, in the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Monday, Nov. 16, 2015. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) returns an interception for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Reliant Stadium on Sunday October 21, 2012 in Houston, Texas. Houston won 43-13. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
Houston Texans' Johnathan Joseph (24) celebrates with teammates after he returned an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) celebrates an interception in the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Monday, Nov. 16, 2015. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Houston Texans defensive back Johnathan Joseph (24) celebrates with defensive back Marcus Williams (40) after an interception during a regular season Week 6 NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and the Houston Texans on Sunday October 15, 2017 in Houston. The Texans beat the Browns 33-17 (Matt Patterson via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) returns an interception as Miami Dolphins guard John Jerry (74) dives to tackle him in the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
Houston Texans safety Johnathan Joseph (24) runs back an interception during an NFL game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, October 15, 2017 in Houston. (Bill Baptist via AP)
Houston Texans' Johnathan Joseph (24) returns an interception during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Houston. The Texans beat the Dolphins 30-10. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) intercepts the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Reliant Stadium on Sunday October 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas. Houston won 17-10. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
Fans erupt in cheer as Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) returns an interception thrown by Cleveland Browns quarterback Kevin Hogan for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Houston. The Texans' Kareem Jackson (25) and Brennan Scarlett (57) join the celebration. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) runs the ball after an interception during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, Nov. 16, 2015 in Cincinnati. Houston won 10-6. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) intercepts the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Reliant Stadium on Sunday October 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas. Houston won 17-10. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) celebrates during an an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Houston. Houston won 28-22. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Houston Texans' Johnathan Joseph (24) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans' Nate Washington (85) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
FILE - In this Sept. 14, 2014, file photo, Oakland Raiders wide receiver James Jones, right, fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph during an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif. Jones fumbled twice on one play in the game. (AP Photo/Beck Diefenbach, File)
Houston Texans defensive back Johnathan Joseph (24) motions to the sideline during a Week 13 NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016 in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers beat the Texans 21-13. (Matt Patterson via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) evades being tackled by Tennessee Titans running back Bishop Sankey during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) runs onto the field prior to kickoff during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 in Houston. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) looks on during a week 16 NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, Dec. 25, 2017 in Houston. Pittsburgh won 34-6. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) lines up in position during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in Houston. New England won 27-6. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Houston Texans Johnathan Joseph (24) plays against the Jacksonville Jaguars during an NFL game on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, in Jacksonville, Fla. (Tom DiPace via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) carries a flag during introductions before an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) runs on to the field before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive back Johnathan Joseph (24) defends against New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks (14) during a regular season Week 3 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots on Sunday September 24, 2017 in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots beat the Texans 36-33 (Matt Patterson via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) evades being tackled by Tennessee Titans running back Bishop Sankey during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) is introduced before an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Houston Texans' Johnathan Joseph responds to a question during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston Texans defensive back Johnathan Joseph (24) laughs as he walks onto the field before the 2018 NFL preseason week 3 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 in Los Angeles. The Rams won the game 21-20. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR JCPENNEY - Houston Texans Johnathan Joseph teams up with JCPenney to surprise teachers from T.H. Rogers School with a shopping spree this back-to-school season on Monday August 26th 2019 in Houston, Texas (Anthony Rathbun/AP Images for JCPenney)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph, with his daughter Janae and son Jonathan Jr., talks with the media following an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph answers questions during a press conference after a practice at the team's NFL football training facility in Houston Tuesday, June 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Houston Texans defensive back Johnathan Joseph (24) during warmups before a regular season Week 8 NFL football game between the Miami Dolphins and the Houston Texans on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, in Houston. The Texans beat the Dolphins 42-23. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph answers questions during a press conference after a practice at the team's NFL football training facility in Houston Tuesday, June 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) defends during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Houston. The Texans beat the Jaguars 13-12. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph reacts after giving up a touchdown run to Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Houston Texans defensive back Johnathan Joseph (24) poses for a portrait during the Houston Texans Media Day on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 in Houston. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
