Tennessee Titans all-time Mount Rushmore

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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 5: Offensive lineman Bruce Matthews #74 of the Tennessee Titans looks across the line of scrimmage as quarterback Steve McNair #9 stands behind center during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at PSINet Stadium on December 5, 1999 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Titans 41-14. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

Tennessee Titans Mount Rushmore: OL Bruce Matthews

The versatility was simply amazing. He literally lined up at every position on the offensive line during his 19-year career with the franchise and was a star in every regard. In 1983, the Houston Oilers used the ninth overall pick to take USC offensive lineman Bruce Matthews. He would prove to be an extremely wise investment.

Via the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the amazing performer would make a total of 292 regular-season starts with the club from 1983-2001. To break it down from one side to another, those starts came at left tackle (17), left guard (99), center (87), right guard (67) and right tackle (22). There were also 15 postseason games for Matthews in which he was in the opening lineup each time.

The club would reach the playoffs seven straight years from 1987-93 but never got past the divisional round. In any case, the Hall of Fame blocker was a model of consistency. And he was on the field when the franchise finally reached the Super Bowl in 1999 as the Tennessee Titans.

Matthews was named to a record 14 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1988-2001, tied with Rams’ defensive tackle Merlin Olsen for the longest streak in league history.

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