One of the Tennessee Titans’ franchise greats, tight end Delanie Walker, has officially retired from the NFL after 14 seasons and one heck of a career. Walker announced his retirement through the team on Tuesday.
The Titans will hold a retirement press conference for the 38-year-old at 2:30 p.m CDT the same day. Walker will also serve as one of the honorary 12th Titans on Sunday, along with former Houston Oilers quarterback Dan Pastorini.
“I remember when I got drafted in 2006, my family would ask me: How long do you think you’re going to play? I said, maybe eight years. Hopefully I can make it to eight,” Walker said.
“Playing this game, I did it for so long, I am so thankful. Honestly, I wish I could have played more, but injuries took place and there you have it.”
Walker was a bright spot during some dark years with the Titans and is one of the best to play the position in franchise history. He got the proper send-off from Titans Twitter upon his announcement. Check it out below.
.@delaniewalker82 was a fantastic player. I will always hold him in especially high regard for his candor and willingness to speak the truth. #Titans have had a few guys who were good enough they didn’t have to worry about saying what needed to be said. He was one. Congrats.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) October 18, 2022
Former #Titans TE Delanie Walker is officially retiring. Walker was one of the best free-agent additions in team history and a 3x Pro Bowl. The media will get to speak to him today at 2:30p CT.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) October 18, 2022
When you talk about the new era of Titans football and the players that changed the franchise, one of the first players you have to name is Delanie Walker. He was so important to this football team on and off the field.
A Titan legend.
— 2nd & Victory (@2ndandVictory) October 18, 2022
Delanie Walker is a major piece of why the #Titans are what they are today. Through the tough times in Nashville, he never wavered and stepped up as a huge leader. He arguably became the best TE in the NFL while in Tennessee. A retirement well deserved. Thank you, Delanie 🙏 pic.twitter.com/SwDkkUn4Er
— Brett Batchelor (@BrettBatchelor) October 18, 2022
Love to hear Delanie Walker (@delaniewalker82) is retiring as a Titan! Dude was a huge part of the organization’s turn around, and a top player at his position. He’s arguably the best in franchise history.He doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Nothing but love for #82 ⚔️ #TitanUp https://t.co/MJo02z3QI9
— Andrew Prue (@AndrewJAPrue) October 18, 2022
You can make the argument that Delanie Walker is the best free agent signing in #Titans history.
— Titans247 (@NFL_Titans247) October 18, 2022
Happy retirement to fantasy LEGEND Delanie Walker 🙌 https://t.co/4z9J1C9zbA
— Fantasy Football Today (@FFToday) October 18, 2022
Delanie Walker is an absolute titans legend. Won’t be budged from my all time favorites list ever. Enjoy the retired life.
— Ethan Medley (@TheMedley1) October 18, 2022
The signing of the Delanie Walker was a "turn of the tide" type addition for the #Titans
He was a bright spot for so many years and still is as a player to rep the two-tone blue.
Congrats, @delaniewalker82! https://t.co/XIhUorxZ6E
— Tres (@TresWinn) October 18, 2022
TE Delanie Walker officially retires as a #Titan today.
-In 14-year career, totaled 504 catches for 5,888 yds and 36 TDs in 183 games.
-Spent 7 yrs with Titans, named to Pro Bowl 2015-17. Selected as captain 2015-18.
-From 2013-17, no NFL TE had more catches than Walker (356).— John Glennon (@glennonsports) October 18, 2022
Former Titans TE Delanie Walker has officially retired from the NFL after 14 seasons. Played his last seven years in the league with Tennessee, with whom he was a three-time Pro Bowler. Owns the top four receiving totals for a TE in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/YktEfq7Gk9
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) October 18, 2022
Delanie Walker was goated dude I loved him in madden
— Nunyah (@LCBurgundy) October 18, 2022
With apologies to Frank Wycheck, Delanie Walker is the best TE in #Titans franchise history. Was one of the only guys who gave a shit on some awful teams from 2013-2015 and he’s among the players most responsible for the culture turnaround since 2016.pic.twitter.com/56YiVHsDhn
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonNFL) October 18, 2022
Loved watching Delanie Walker play throughout his entire career. @delaniewalker82 , you were a beast out there. https://t.co/1EJ54eZB6B
— Mike Patton (@MikePatton82) October 18, 2022
Best Free Agent signing in #Titans history. Congrats Delanie!!! https://t.co/BPKeu4TPos
— TicTacTitans (@TicTacTitans) October 18, 2022
Former #Titans tight end @delaniewalker82 is officially retiring from the NFL after 14 seasons. He was an instrumental free agent signing by the team and went to three Pro Bowls. @NC5
— Steve Layman (@SteveLayman) October 18, 2022
@delaniewalker82 Congratulations on a Great Career Brotha! #DelanieWalkerDay
— Blaine E.Bishop (@bbishop23) October 18, 2022