NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Jurrell Casey was a clear Titans’ gem during an era when big finds were not a regular thing.
A five-time Pro Bowler was a consistent problem for opponents on the interior line and one of the best Titans in the community the franchise has ever had.
But the ending wasn’t pretty. It rarely is.
When the Titans shipped him to Denver for a seventh-rounder they actually assured him of an $11.4 million salary in 2020, when he wound suffering a season-ending biceps injury in his third game.
But he wanted desperately to finish his career playing only for the Titans and he was hurt, begging Jon Robinson not to make the move and decrying it once it was made.
He said on the McCourty twins podcast that the Titans threw him away “like a piece of trash.”
A little over 14 months later, however, he’s come to terms with things, as many players do when their careers come to a close. [Unlocked]
A few weeks ago, he met with Jon Robinson.
“I sat down and I talked to him and hashed out the differences that we had, or whatever,” Casey said at Nissan Stadium Thursday afternoon. “It really wasn’t much differences, more so my feelings and how I felt about the whole situation. They kept open arms, They said, ‘Case, don’t worry about none of that, Titan for life, you’re family, we love you over here,” and I definitely than God for that, that’s definitely a blessing.
“Because me and my wife, we sat and talked about that a lot, OK, what the hell did I do, what the heck is going on?”
Given time, good players usually end up in a good place with their long-time team – unless they are Calvin Johnson.
Casey was a defining player of his Titans’ generation, recording 51 sacks from the interior line in nine seasons as a poster boy for an unconventional body working just fine. He did not have all the measurables at 6-foot-1, 305 pounds. But he knew how to work blockers and win,
Robinson joked about scouting him at USC when he was with the Patriots in 2010.
On offense, the hot prospect was left tackle Tyron Smith, a “Greek God” of a left tackle.
On defense, the guy of interest was Casey, “a little short, squatty guy that makes all the plays.”
Casey pulled his car up to Robinson’s at the gas station near team headquarters, hopped out asked Robinson if he was the new GM and introduced himself.
“’I know who you are, I’m a fan, we’re going to win a lot of football games together’”,’ Robinson told him. “’I appreciate what you stand for.’”
.@dmorg91 and @KevinByard in the house for @Jurrellc retirement press conference. #Titans. pic.twitter.com/HRuNBH5O8j
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) September 2, 2021
Casey offered widespread thanks, to the team, to fans, to Project Return and charities he’s connected with to the media.
On the list were teammates Derrick Morgan and Kevin Byard, who both attended the press conference. Mike Vrabel surely gave Byard a slice of the afternoon off to attend.
If you're in the mood for a look back, here's some of what I wrote about Casey during his career.
He's one of the best combinations of productive players and likable guys we'll see pass through that locker room.
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March 18, 2020: With Jurrell Casey trade, Titans lose leader, gain money and get younger
Dec. 18, 2019: Jurrell Casey: Titans' defensive front needs to bring the heat, take some pressure off secondary
June 3, 2019: While adjusting diet, Jurrell Casey missing Charity Morgan
Aug. 12, 2018: Jurrell Casey is done bouncing around, now strictly a 3-technique
Dec. 22, 2017: Jurrell Casey gives Titans clues about Aaron Donald
Oct. 5, 2017: Jurrell Casey disrupting, but not getting numbers yet
Oct. 17, 2014: Bad-body Jurrell Casey moving around and continuing to produce
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