Football History

A YouTube video filled with highlights of Navy Midshipmen Heisman Award-winning halfback Joe Bellino.

The Tennessee Titans boast a rich history filled with iconic players whose contributions have left an enduring legacy. A testament to their greatness is the team's tradition of retiring jersey numbers, a sacred honor bestowed upon only the most exceptional athletes. This post delves into the Titans' retired numbers, exploring the players behind them and the ways the team commemorates their extraordinary careers. From the hallowed halls of Nissan Stadium to the hearts of fans, these numbers are more than just digits – they are symbols of Titans pride and excellence.

Here are the Jersey Numbers the team has taken out of circulation to honor their legends:

-Jersey Number 1
Warren Moon 1984–1993

-Jersey Number 9
Steve McNair 1995–2005

-Jersey Number 27
Eddie George 1996–2003

-Jersey Number 34
Earl Campbell 1978–1984

-Jersey Number 43
Jim Norton 1960–1968

-Jersey Number 63
Mike Munchak 1982–1993

-Jersey Number 65
Elvin Bethea 1968–1983

-Jersey Number 74
Bruce Matthews 1983–2001

From Packers.com, the official website of the Green Bay Packers the life bio of Clarke Hinkle.

Born April 10, 1909, in Toronto, Ohio, was the stud fullback of 1929 to 1931 from Bucknell University, Clarke Hinkle arrived into this life. The FootballFoundation.org bio on Clarke states that he might just be the best player to ever suit up for Bucknell. Hinkle was blessed with great foot speed and mobility which gave him excellent range, both on offense and the defensive side of the ball. He was nicknamed the "Lackawanna Express," as he first achieved fame and notoriety in 1929, his sophomore season, when he led the East in scoring with 128 points.

He got better the more he played too as Clarke led Bucknell to an undefeated season in 1931. Clarke Hinkle’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1971. Hinkle joined the Green Bay Packers in 1932 and he was the answer to counter the Bears Bronko Nagurski, as the two battled head to head on many occasions. Bronko was the big powerful runner of the era but the stout Hinkle, who was 30 pounds lighter, was determined to hold his own with anyone on an NFL gridiron. Clark's moto was "get to the Bronk before he gets to me," a tactic he used to perfection one day in 1934. Trapped on the sidelines by Nagurski, Clarke escaped his tackle by driving directly into and over him. The Bears' superstar was helped from the field with a broken nose and a fractured rib.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame says that during his 10 years with the Green Bay Packers, Hinkle was named first- or second-team all-league each year! In 1964 Clarke Hinkle was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

There are some backfield players that are remembered for their passing abilities, powerful running, jumping the ball outside, or powerful blocking, but few are known for multiple of these traits. Eddie George is one of those special players.

-College Career

Eddie George’s collegiate career at Ohio State University was nothing short of spectacular. A bruising runner with exceptional vision and power, he quickly established himself as one of the nation’s top running backs. His junior and senior seasons were particularly dominant, as he amassed staggering statistics while leading the Buckeyes to Big Ten championships.

George's crowning achievement came in 1995 when he captured the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, and the Walter Camp Award.

His performance in the Rose Bowl that season, where he rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns, solidified his status as a college football legend. His ability to break tackles, find holes, and excel in both short-yardage and long-gain situations made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Selected as the fourth overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, Eddie George seamlessly transitioned his dominance from college to the professional ranks. He quickly became the focal point of the Oilers' offense and consistently produced impressive numbers.

George’s most memorable seasons came with the Tennessee Titans. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro, and his powerful running style was instrumental in the Titans' success. His 1,608 rushing yards in 1999 were a career-high, and his performance in the Music City Miracle playoff game against the Buffalo Bills is etched in NFL lore.  

While his career concluded with a brief stint with the Dallas Cowboys, George's impact on the game was primarily felt during his tenure in Tennessee. His ability to consistently gain tough yards, break tackles, and find the end zone made him one of the most feared running backs of his era.

-Football Legacy

Eddie George's legacy extends far beyond his impressive statistics. He was a complete running back who excelled in both rushing and receiving. His physicality, combined with his intelligence and determination, made him a formidable opponent.  

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, George is also remembered for his leadership and character. He was a respected teammate and a role model for aspiring football players. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011 further cemented his status as one of the greatest running backs in the history of the game.  

Eddie George’s impact on the sport of football is undeniable. His combination of talent, work ethic, and leadership has inspired countless players and fans alike.

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Glen Edwards, a name synonymous with both brilliance and controversy, carved a unique path in NFL history. This essay explores Edwards' career trajectory, highlighting his on-field dominance as a safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers, his well-documented history of dirty play, and his lasting impact on the game.

Edwards was an important chess piece in the Pittsburgh strategy of the 1970s, as this athletic player could contribute an abundance of skill to an already star-laden roster.

-A Member of the Steel Curtain (1971-1977)

Born in 1947, Glen Edwards possessed exceptional athleticism and a natural instinct for the game. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1971, he quickly established himself as a key contributor to their burgeoning defensive unit. Edwards' arrival coincided with the rise of the legendary "Steel Curtain" defense. His intelligence, agility, and ferocious tackling style made him a valuable asset. He excelled at reading plays, disrupting offenses, and shutting down running backs in the open field.

-A Shadow Cast by Controversy (1971-1981)

However, Edwards' career was marred by a consistent pattern of dirty play. His aggressive style often crossed the line, attracting penalties and accusations of targeting opposing players. A particularly infamous incident in 1974 showcased this reckless abandon, leading to his ejection from a game. This propensity for unnecessary roughness tarnished his achievements and left a complex legacy.

-Dominant Despite Controversy (1971-1981)

Despite the controversy, Edwards' on-field dominance cannot be denied. He finished his career with 39 interceptions, a testament to his ball-hawking skills. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and a key member of two Super Bowl champion Steelers teams (IX and X). His contributions to the Steelers' defensive dominance remain undeniable.

Bellino was a former halfback of the US Naval Academy team. He was a Heisman Trophy winner.