Cortland Finnegan Titans: Remembering A Fearless Competitor In Nashville
When you think about the Tennessee Titans, some names just pop into your head, and for many fans, Cortland Finnegan is definitely one of them. His time with the team was, in a way, pretty unforgettable, marked by a real competitive fire that made him stand out on the field. He was, you know, a player who truly left his mark, especially in Nashville, becoming a fan favorite for his tenacious play.
Cortland Finnegan, born on February 2, 1984, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, came into the National Football League with a certain kind of energy. He was, in some respects, a force to be reckoned with, a cornerback who wasn't afraid to mix it up. His journey from college football at Samford to the big leagues, picked by the Titans in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft, really showed his dedication.
This article is going to take a closer look at Cortland Finnegan's impact, particularly during his years with the Tennessee Titans. We'll explore his career highlights, that famous rivalry, and just what made him such a memorable figure in the game. It's almost like, his story is one of grit and passion, something every football enthusiast can appreciate.
Table of Contents
- Cortland Finnegan: A Look at His Life and Career
- The Titans Years: A Legacy of Grit
- Beyond Nashville: Other NFL Stops
- The Infamous Andre Johnson Confrontation
- Life After Football: Still Fearless
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cortland Finnegan
Cortland Finnegan: A Look at His Life and Career
Cortland Temujin Finnegan, as a matter of fact, was born on February 2, 1984, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. His early life included three years in Korea while his mother, Linda Finnegan, served in the army there, which is pretty interesting. He also, you know, went to Milton High School in Milton, Florida, where he was a star athlete.
He played college football for the Samford Bulldogs, and that's where he really honed his skills before making the jump to the pros. His selection by the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft was, in a way, the start of something special for him and for the team. He was a cornerback, and that position, as you know, requires a lot of quickness and toughness.
Throughout his career, Finnegan became known for his tenacity and a very competitive spirit, which, you know, really made him stand out. He wasn't just a player; he was a personality on the field, someone who definitely got under opponents' skin sometimes. His impact on the NFL, especially in Nashville, is still talked about by fans and former teammates alike, which is pretty cool.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cortland Temujin Finnegan |
| Born | February 2, 1984 |
| Birthplace | Fayetteville, North Carolina |
| College | Samford University |
| NFL Draft | 2006, Round 7, Pick 218 (Tennessee Titans) |
| Position | Cornerback |
| NFL Career | 2006-2015 (10 seasons) |
| Pro Bowls | 1 (2008) |
The Titans Years: A Legacy of Grit
Cortland Finnegan's time with the Tennessee Titans is, arguably, where he truly made his name in the NFL. From 2006, when he was drafted, he quickly became a key part of their defense. He was, you know, one of those players who brought a certain kind of intensity to every single game, which fans really appreciated. His dedication and competitive spirit, honestly, inspired football enthusiasts everywhere, especially those who followed the Titans.
He wasn't just a player who showed up; he was someone who gave it his all, every single snap. That kind of effort, you know, resonates with people. The Titans' defense, with Finnegan in the secondary, was often a tough unit to play against, and he was a big reason why. His style of play was, basically, fearless, which is what made him so compelling to watch.
Drafted and Defined
Being selected by the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft, Cortland Finnegan was, in a way, a bit of a diamond in the rough. He wasn't a high-profile pick, but he certainly played like one once he hit the field. This pick, you know, really showed the Titans' ability to find talent later in the draft, and Finnegan, for his part, made the most of his opportunity.
He quickly established himself as a reliable and, honestly, very aggressive cornerback. His playing style was defined by a willingness to challenge receivers, make tackles, and, of course, go for the ball. He was the kind of player who, you know, seemed to be everywhere on the field, always around the action, which is what you want from a defensive back.
Interceptions and the Pro Bowl Nod
During his time with the Titans, Cortland Finnegan really showed his playmaking ability. He recorded a total of 14 interceptions while playing for the team, which is a pretty solid number for a cornerback. These weren't just lucky picks; they were often the result of his keen instincts and, you know, his aggressive approach to the game, always trying to disrupt passing lanes.
His standout year, in particular, was 2008. After his second consecutive season with five interceptions, he earned a well-deserved trip to the Pro Bowl. That kind of recognition, you know, really solidifies a player's standing in the league. It showed that his consistent performance and his knack for creating turnovers were, basically, undeniable, and the rest of the league took notice.
He was a player who, you know, could change the momentum of a game with a single play, whether it was a crucial interception or a big hit. His ability to consistently get his hands on the ball, as a matter of fact, was a testament to his skill and his relentless effort on the field. Fans loved that about him, and it was a big part of his identity as a Titan.
A Fearless Competitor
Cortland Finnegan's reputation as a fearless competitor was, in some respects, well-earned. He played with an edge, always pushing the limits, which sometimes led to confrontations, but it also made him a very effective and, you know, exciting player to watch. He wasn't someone who backed down from a challenge, which is a quality fans truly admire in athletes.
His style of play was, quite literally, full-throttle, every single down. He brought a certain kind of energy that, you know, could be infectious for his teammates and intimidating for opponents. This competitive spirit wasn't just limited to the game itself; it was, you know, part of who he was, and it showed in everything he did on the field.
He was known for his physical play, often getting right up in a receiver's face from the snap. That kind of coverage, you know, takes a lot of confidence and belief in your own abilities. Finnegan, apparently, had that in spades, and it made him a very difficult matchup for opposing wideouts, which is a big compliment for a cornerback.
Beyond Nashville: Other NFL Stops
While his time with the Tennessee Titans is, arguably, what most people remember him for, Cortland Finnegan's career extended beyond Nashville. After his impactful years with the Titans, he also played for a few other teams in the NFL. He was, you know, a member of the St. Louis Rams, the Miami Dolphins, the Carolina Panthers, and, for a short period, the New Orleans Saints.
His fascinating journey from the Tennessee Titans to the St. Louis Rams, for example, really showcases his continued impact on the NFL. He played a total of 10 seasons for four different teams, which, you know, speaks to his longevity and his ability to contribute. Across his career, he had 541 solo tackles, 121 assists, 7.0 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, and 18 interceptions, which are pretty impressive stats for a cornerback.
Even though his most prominent years were with the Titans, he continued to bring that same dedication and competitive spirit to his subsequent teams. He was, basically, the same tenacious player wherever he went, which is a rare thing in the league. His presence on the field was, you know, always felt, regardless of the uniform he was wearing.
The Infamous Andre Johnson Confrontation
One moment that many football fans, and certainly Titans and Texans fans, remember vividly is the confrontation between Cortland Finnegan and Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson. This incident, you know, happened on November 28, 2010, during a game between the Titans and the Texans at Reliant Stadium. It was, in a way, a pretty intense moment that captured the bitterness of the rivalry between the two teams.
The two players were, apparently, going at it all game long, getting physical on the outside whenever Finnegan lined up across from Johnson. The rivalry between the Texans and Titans had, you know, often led to heated moments, but this particular exchange escalated into a full-blown fight after a play. Both players, as a matter of fact, exchanged blows and were ejected from the game for unnecessary actions.
It was a moment that, you know, quickly went viral, showing the raw emotion and intensity that can sometimes boil over in professional football. Legendary Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson, it seemed, had enough of Cortland Finnegan that day. This incident, arguably, became one of the most talked-about fights in recent NFL history, really highlighting the competitive nature of both players and the rivalry itself. You can, you know, find videos of it online, and it's still pretty wild to watch.
Life After Football: Still Fearless
Even after his professional football career wrapped up, Cortland Finnegan has, you know, continued to show that same fearless spirit. It's almost like, that competitive fire never truly leaves some people. A recent example of this was when he completed a tandem parachute jump, which is pretty daring. This just goes to show that, apparently, his willingness to take on challenges isn't just limited to the football field.
He's a person who, you know, seems to embrace life's adventures, whether it's battling wide receivers or jumping out of planes. It's a testament to his personality, which, you know, has always been described as tenacious and spirited. His journey, from his early days to his NFL career and now to his life after football, continues to inspire, showing that a competitive mindset can, basically, take you far in many different aspects of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cortland Finnegan
What teams did Cortland Finnegan play for during his NFL career?
Cortland Finnegan played for a few teams during his 10 seasons in the NFL. He started with the Tennessee Titans, who drafted him in 2006. After his time in Nashville, he also played for the St. Louis Rams, the Miami Dolphins, the Carolina Panthers, and, you know, had a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints. So, he certainly moved around a bit in his career, leaving his mark on several franchises.
How many interceptions did Cortland Finnegan record with the Tennessee Titans?
During his impactful years with the Tennessee Titans, Cortland Finnegan recorded a total of 14 interceptions. He was, you know, a real ball-hawk for the team, consistently making plays in the secondary. His ability to snag those picks, especially in consecutive seasons leading up to his 2008 Pro Bowl selection, was a significant part of his contribution to the Titans' defense.
What was the famous on-field fight involving Cortland Finnegan?
The most famous on-field fight involving Cortland Finnegan was, without a doubt, his confrontation with Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson. This incident happened on November 28, 2010. The two players, you know, had been going at it all game, and things eventually boiled over, leading to them exchanging blows. Both Finnegan and Johnson were ejected from the game because of it, and it's still a widely remembered moment in NFL history.
Cortland Finnegan's career, especially his time with the Tennessee Titans, really highlights what it means to be a truly competitive football player. His dedication and that unmistakable spirit, you know, continue to resonate with fans. He was a player who, honestly, gave everything he had on the field, and that's something people really connect with.
If you're interested in more stories about legendary players and their impact on the game, you can learn more about former NFL stars on our site. And, you know, to get even more details about specific player histories, you can link to this page for in-depth profiles. His legacy, as a matter of fact, is a reminder of the passion that makes football so compelling.
Checkout the latest stats for Cortland Finnegan on the official NFL website, which, you know, provides a complete and accurate reference for his professional football statistics, draft info, awards, and biographical data. It's a great way to see just how much he accomplished in his career, which is pretty amazing when you think about it.
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