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Turron DavenportESPN
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans announced they are retiring the numbers of running back Eddie George and quarterback Steve McNair. The jerseys will be retired in a ceremony before the Titans home opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 15.
“This is a big moment for me personally because I love these guys and I know my dad [Bud Adams] loved these guys. He would be so happy and proud that we are honoring them today,” team owner Amy Adams Strunk said. “Together Steve and Eddie led the Titans to new heights with 80 wins and four playoff seasons together including an AFC Championship and Super Bowl appearance in 1999. I am pleased to announce that no other Titan will ever wear #9 and #27 again,”
George was the 1996 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after the then Houston Oilers selected him with the No. 14 pick in the draft. He is the Titans franchise-leading rusher having gained 10,009 yards and was selected to four Pro Bowls from 1997-2000. George retired in 2006 after playing nine years in the NFL. He holds over 25 Titans franchise rushing records.
“To have my jersey retired with my partner in crime Steve McNair means a lot. We were always linked at the hip and been through a lot together both on and off the football field,” George said. “I couldn’t imagine having a day like this with my jersey being retired without Steve’s. It’s totally appropriate to have us go in together … I want to thank the Titans nation and the fans with their support on the journey from Houston to Nashville. I can’t wait for the 15th because it will be an exciting time.”
McNair was selected by the Titans with the No. 3 pick in the 1995 draft and is the second-leading passer in franchise history. He led the Titans to an AFC Championship two years after taking over as the starter in 1997. Only two other players have ever thrown for over 30,000 (31,304) yards and rushed for over 3,500 (3,590) yards. He accumulated 174 touchdown passes over his 13-year career. McNair is also the first black quarterback to be named NFL MVP, having shared the honors with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning that year.
McNair was murdered in 2009, two years after playing his final season with the Baltimore Ravens.
Before the Titans retired numbers 27 and 9, there were only 151 jerseys retired in the NFL. This is the first time in NFL history that these numbers have been retired.