Bruce Matthews is set to retire.....
playr050
Posts: 3,972
If he played another year, he could still bring it.
"(Jul 13) HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Bruce Matthews apparently is ready to call it a career.
The Houston Chronicle reported on its web site Friday night that Matthews, one of the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history, is retiring after a stellar 19-year career.
According to the report, Matthews will make the official announcement at a news conference Monday at Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams' offices in Texas.
Matthews, 40, played his entire career with the Houston Oilers/ Titans franchise, earning 14 Pro Bowl berths and making an NFL-record 229 consecutive starts.
This past season, Matthews tied Merlin Olsen for the most Pro Bowls in NFL history - nine at guard and five at center. He played in 296 career games, the most of any non-kicker in league annals.
During his career, Matthews never missed a game because of injury, sidelined for games in 1983 and 1987 due to contract disputes.
"Playing football for the Oilers and Titans was never a job for me, it was always a privilege," Matthews told the newspaper. "I've been blessed to play with great guys in great cities in front of great fans, but now it's time to move on. I have no regrets."
Matthews and guard Randall McDaniel, who retired earlier this year, were the only NFL players to appear in every game in the 1990s. Matthews' string of consecutive games played dates to November 29, 1987.
The decision to retire was not totally unexpected from Matthews, who didn't attend any of the team's offseason mini-camps. There had been speculation that Matthews would play a 20th season with the expansion Houston Texans.
With his retirement, Matthews is a virtual lock to be a first-ballot selection for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2006.
Matthews came to the Oilers with ninth overall pick in the 1983 draft out of Southern California, where he used to pave the way for Charles White and Marcus Allen.
Matthews' retirement will leave Washington Redskins cornerback Darrell Green, as the only active player from the 1983 draft.
During his career with the Houston/Tennessee franchise, Matthews has helped open holes for the likes of Earl Campbell, Mike Rozier and Eddie George.
In Houston, Matthews and Mike Munchak - the club's first-round pick in 1982 - became the anchors of an offensive line for a team that made the playoffs seven straight years (1987-93) but never advanced to the AFC championship game.
Matthews also was the most outspoken player when owner Bud Adams moved the franchise to Tennessee following the 1996 season.
The crowning jewel of Matthews' career came when he started at left guard in the Titans' Super Bowl XXXIV 23-16 loss to the St. Louis Rams."
"(Jul 13) HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Bruce Matthews apparently is ready to call it a career.
The Houston Chronicle reported on its web site Friday night that Matthews, one of the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history, is retiring after a stellar 19-year career.
According to the report, Matthews will make the official announcement at a news conference Monday at Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams' offices in Texas.
Matthews, 40, played his entire career with the Houston Oilers/ Titans franchise, earning 14 Pro Bowl berths and making an NFL-record 229 consecutive starts.
This past season, Matthews tied Merlin Olsen for the most Pro Bowls in NFL history - nine at guard and five at center. He played in 296 career games, the most of any non-kicker in league annals.
During his career, Matthews never missed a game because of injury, sidelined for games in 1983 and 1987 due to contract disputes.
"Playing football for the Oilers and Titans was never a job for me, it was always a privilege," Matthews told the newspaper. "I've been blessed to play with great guys in great cities in front of great fans, but now it's time to move on. I have no regrets."
Matthews and guard Randall McDaniel, who retired earlier this year, were the only NFL players to appear in every game in the 1990s. Matthews' string of consecutive games played dates to November 29, 1987.
The decision to retire was not totally unexpected from Matthews, who didn't attend any of the team's offseason mini-camps. There had been speculation that Matthews would play a 20th season with the expansion Houston Texans.
With his retirement, Matthews is a virtual lock to be a first-ballot selection for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2006.
Matthews came to the Oilers with ninth overall pick in the 1983 draft out of Southern California, where he used to pave the way for Charles White and Marcus Allen.
Matthews' retirement will leave Washington Redskins cornerback Darrell Green, as the only active player from the 1983 draft.
During his career with the Houston/Tennessee franchise, Matthews has helped open holes for the likes of Earl Campbell, Mike Rozier and Eddie George.
In Houston, Matthews and Mike Munchak - the club's first-round pick in 1982 - became the anchors of an offensive line for a team that made the playoffs seven straight years (1987-93) but never advanced to the AFC championship game.
Matthews also was the most outspoken player when owner Bud Adams moved the franchise to Tennessee following the 1996 season.
The crowning jewel of Matthews' career came when he started at left guard in the Titans' Super Bowl XXXIV 23-16 loss to the St. Louis Rams."
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