FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                    JULY 15, 2002

 

IRONMAN MATTHEWS

TO RETIRE AFTER 19 SEASONS

JERSEY TO BE RETIRED, INDUCTED INTO TEAM HALL OF FAME

 NASHVILLE, TENN. – After 296 NFL games, 14-time Pro Bowl G/C Bruce Matthews announced his retirement today in Houston, Tex. He will have his number 74 jersey retired by the team and will be inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame in a ceremony on Dec. 8 at the Titans game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Arguably, one of the best offensive linemen to play the game, Matthews played in more NFL games than any non-kicker in the league’s history. Longevity and durability were his hallmark, but that coupled with his unparalleled play, earning a league record 14 consecutive Pro Bowl selections (tied with Merlin Olsen) and six times named AP All-Pro, made him one of the all-time greats. He rose to the challenges presented to him in starting at every position on the offensive line during his NFL career (87 C, 99 LG, 67 RG, 22 RT, 17 LT).

“He obviously was a great football player, but what I found admirable about Bruce was that God and family were clearly more important than football and this is what made him such a special man, not just a special football player,” said team owner K.S. “Bud” Adams, Jr.  “We are proud to retire his jersey and induct him in our team Hall of Fame, and look forward to his induction in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.”

A constant for the Oilers/Titans franchise, Matthews started in a team record 229 consecutive games (streak started at Indianapolis, Nov. 29, 1987) and never missed a game because of injury. His 19 seasons also are a team record and he ranks second in NFL history for years with one team behind Jackie Slater, who spent 20 seasons with the Rams. Matthews and G Randall McDaniel (Vikings) were the only two NFL players to play in every game during the decade of the 90’s.

Matthews was a part of nearly one-half of the franchise’s 42-year history and helped the team win 151 games, make the playoffs nine times, earn the only three AFC Central titles in team history, earn an AFC Championship and the franchise’s only Super Bowl appearance. He blocked for 15 quarterbacks and 27 running backs, including four different 1,000-yard rushers (Earl Campbell, Mike Rozier, Gary Brown and Eddie George). During his career, he played in offenses that produced nine 1,000 yard rushing seasons and eight 3,000 yard passers. Additionally, he played in 42 different stadiums during his NFL career.

Originally drafted by the Houston Oilers in the first round (ninth overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft, Matthews earned All-America honors at the University of Southern California. Matthews was a teammate of Titans head coach Jeff Fisher for two seasons and blocked for teammates Charles White and Marcus Allen during his Trojan career. Matthews has the distinction of blocking for five Heisman Trophy winners during his football career (White, Allen, Mike Rozier, Earl Campbell and Eddie George).

Matthews joins his brother, Clay, in playing 19 NFL seasons and the duo set an NFL record for games played by a pair of brothers with 574 games. Clay Matthews ranks sixth in NFL games played (278).

Matthews will retire to his house in Missouri City, Tex., with his wife of 19 years, Carrie, and their six children: Steven (17), Kevin (15), Jacob (10), Michael (8), Marilyn (4) and Luke (2). He is the co-owner of a construction company and is involved in a number of other business ventures.

BY THE NUMBERS FOR MATTHEWS

Games/Starts (Playoffs): 1983: 16/15, 1984: 16/16, 1985: 16/16, 1986: 16/16, 1987: 8/5 (2/2), 1988: 16/16 (2/2), 1989: 16/16 (1/1), 1990: 16/16 (1/1), 1991: 16/16 (2/2), 1992: 16/16 (1/1), 1993: 16/16 (1/1), 1994:16/16, 1995: 16/16, 1996: 16/16, 1997: 16/16, 1998: 16/16, 1999: 16/16 (4/4), 2000: 16/16 (1/1), 2001: 16/16 Totals: 296/292 (15/15).

Starts Breakdown by Position: 1983, RG 15; 1984, C 9, RG 1, RT 6; 1985, RT 16; 1986, LT 16; 1987, RG 5; 1988, RG 16; 1989, RG 15, C 1; 1990, RG 15, C 1; 1991, C 16; 1992, C 16; 1993, C 16; 1994, C 15, LT 1; 1995, LG 16; 1996, LG 16; 1997, LG 16; 1998, LG 16; 1999, LG 12, C 4; 2000, LG 16; 2001, LG 7, C 9

Totals: 87 C, 99 LG, 67 RG, 22 RT, 17 LT.

 

####

 

THE NFL ON BRUCE MATTHEWS

Paul Tagliabue, NFL Commissioner

“All NFL players strive to ‘be the best.’  Bruce Matthews not only attained that status early in his career but stayed on top for 19 years.  We congratulate Bruce for his many, many accomplishments on and off the field both in Houston and in Tennessee.  Actually, the only members of the NFL family who are not sad to see him retire are opposing defensive linemen.”

K.S. “Bud” Adams, Jr., Titans Owner/Founder

“In my mind, Bruce ranks among the top in the players that have worn the Oilers/Titans uniform. He obviously was a great football player, but what I found admirable about Bruce was that God and family were clearly more important than football and this is what made him such a special man, not just a special football player. We are proud to retire his jersey and induct him in our team Hall of Fame, and look forward to his induction in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.”

Floyd Reese, Titans General Manager

“The thing that is unique about Bruce is that it is impossible to put into words what he has done. What he has gone through as a player, to always be there and answer the bell and excel at whatever he is doing, cannot be properly expressed.

“He is arguably the best offensive lineman to play the game. If you put together a laundry list of what you would want in an offensive lineman, durability, production, versatility, dependability, character, he would be at the top of the list in each of those categories.

“As a modern day athlete he is unique in that he doesn’t have a giant ego and isn’t looking for the limelight. He was perfectly content to do his job and then go home and spend time with his family.”

Jeff Fisher, Titans Head Coach and Teammate at USC

“I was honored to be Bruce Matthews’ coach and also a teammate of his. He is the ultimate competitor on and off the field. Bruce transcends all that is good in athletics and has a unique way of making everyone around him better. This combined with his family and personal life embodies all that is good with the human spirit. Bruce Matthews will always be a Titan-like figure in this organization, the NFL and all athletics. 

Jeff Diamond, Titans President

"I told Bruce that I felt honored to be able to work for the past three seasons with perhaps the greatest and most versatile offensive lineman in NFL history. Bruce was a true professional who could always be counted on--both on and off the field. I'll always remember how happy he was to get to the Super Bowl in 2000 after so many great years. His speech at our stadium homecoming celebration after winning the AFC Championship at Jacksonville was stirring. Bruce talked of the character of the Titans and how the team was doing things that no one except our team believed they could do in the playoffs that season."

Mike Munchak, Hall of Fame Guard, Teammate, Offensive Line Coach

“As a teammate it was a thrill and a pleasure for 12 years to be alongside the best ever to play. I have been with him for all 19 of his years in the league, either as a teammate or his coach, so I know that I am biased, but he does things as a player that nobody has done (playing all three offensive line positions) or may ever do. He is a humble guy, but hopefully someday he can sit back and reflect on his accomplishments. His retirement will be tough for the organization and me. I will miss him as a friend, not seeing him every day and the team will miss him as a person, player, teammate and leader.”

Steve McNair, Titans Quarterback

“He will go down as one of the most athletic players in NFL history, being able to play every position on the offensive line and doing it well. He will also be remembered as one of the most competitive players ever to play the game. He didn’t care if it was training camp or practice or a game he wanted to win.

“I have always looked up to him as a leader. He didn’t always say very much, but he led by example, getting the job done, playing through injuries, and a desire to win. I admire him for these qualities and have tried to pattern myself after him to become a dominant leader.”

Warren Moon, Former Oiler Quarterback and Teammate

“Bruce was the most talented, intelligent and competitive lineman I played with in my 20 years of professional football. There may have been more physical players or intelligent players or competitive players, but no one had them all wrapped up into one package like Bruce. What made him unique was his versatility, being able to play all of the line positions and at a Pro Bowl-level. The thing I liked about him the most was his spirit and attitude. He was a joy to be around and made coming to work everyday more enjoyable because of how he approached the game. I wish him the very best in his retirement.”

Eddie George, Titans Running Back

“It was an honor to play with Bruce for six seasons. He was one of the greatest offensive linemen ever to play the game. More importantly for me, he was a great person to be around. He was a great leader, although a quiet one, he led by example. I enjoyed the talks we had about life, football and leadership and will always value his friendship.”

Brad Hopkins, Titans Tackle

“I think the effect Bruce had on me and my teammates was not generally on the field, it was off the field that he had the greatest influence, as a friend. He is someone you looked forward to talk to, goof around with and debate the issues of the day. With Bruce it was always more than just football. He respected you as a player, never coaching or yelling at you, he always did his job and he expected you to do yours.”

Gregg Williams, Bills Head Coach

“Bruce may be one of the most competitive athletes to ever play this game.  From creating make-up games in the locker room to pre-practice games to the actual football games on the field of play, his competitiveness is the second-best quality about him.  His top quality is his overall athleticism.  Not many have played the game and been a pro bowl-level at all three offensive line positions.  But his athleticism does not stop there because he throws like a quarterback and catches like a tight end.  When I was the special teams coach with the Houston Oilers he even beat our punt returners in fielding punting games, and he was our backup punter and kicker.  Bruce is a tremendously prideful man who excels in competitive situations and this game is better because he played it and we will all miss him.” 

Mike Holovak, Former Oilers General Manager/Personnel Director/Scout

(from draft day 1983 after Matthews’ selection by the Oilers)

“Matthews is the type of player that can come in  and help our program right away. The thought of Bruce at left tackle and Mike Munchak at left guard is most encouraging. They could become a devastating duo for many years to come. He is very intense and aggressive on the football field, but is smart enough to keep his head in the game. I see him becoming a player in the future that really dominates at his position.”

(thoughts after Matthews’ 19-year career)

“As a personnel guy, Bruce was the first guy I recommended to be our first pick that year and look what he did. He is one in a million as a player and as a friend, the kind of guy you love to have on your team.”

Coach LeBeau, Bengals Head Coach

"I am in a unique position to comment on Bruce Matthews because I have been in the same division with him for his entire career.  This is coming from an opponent.  The fact that he has played 19 years as an offensive lineman speaks volumes for what he has accomplished.  He has played 50 more games than any other offensive lineman, and his durability and longevity will be hard-pressed to match.  He is truly one of the rare athletes of our time."

Bill Cowher, Steelers Head Coach

“Bruce Matthews has been a great ambassador for the National Football League.  He has been an outstanding competitor and ultimate professional.  His longevity in this league is a standard that will be hard to surpass.”

Foge Fazio, Browns Defensive Coordinator

"I have been fortunate to be in this league for 15 years, and Bruce has been in it more than I.  I have played against him many times, and he was an outstanding technician and competitor at both guard and center.  He is a true credit to the game, and I wish he and his family all the best in their future endeavors."

 

####