If you ask the average Titans fan who is old enough to remember the team initially coming to Nashville who the greatest cornerback in Titans history is, you’re likely going to hear “Samari Rolle” in return. You won’t hear much debate from me, though the Titans do have some talented corners littered throughout their franchise history. But, above them all – #21 was special.
Growing up in the hyper competitive football scene in Miami, Rolle elected Florida State for college. There, he intercepted 12 passes en route to first team All-ACC honors his senior season. The Titans selected him in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He was known as a ball hawk, and it didn’t take him long to make an impact at the NFL level. In his sophomore season, he tallied three interceptions in a single game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been – I always take pleasure in throwing shade at the Jags whenever I can.
He played seven seasons in Tennessee, where he was a steady tackler, lock down cover guy, and a favorite among Titans fans.
But, believe it or not, he actually doesn’t have the franchise record for interceptions. You’d think the way fans speak of Rolle on an almost mythical level, that he would own that record far and away. But, that honor belongs to Michael Griffin (without factoring in Houston Oilers history). His 256 tackles are second all-time among Titans cornerbacks, behind only Cortland Finnegan (shocker). But, his 8.5 sacks set the franchise record among cornerbacks. He was productive and mighty fun to watch.
After 2004, Rolle would go on to play four more seasons for the Baltimore Ravens before hanging up the cleats. In November of 2017, he made it public that he had been undergoing treatment for epilepsy, a condition that seemingly led to his retirement. Nowadays, he spends his time coaching in the Miami area.
His career stat line reads:
1998 – one forced fumble, 22 tackles
1999 – four interceptions, 59 tackles
2000 – seven interceptions, one touchdown, 35 tackles
2001 – three interceptions, 51 tackles
2002 – two interceptions, 39 tackles
2003 – six interceptions, 23 tackles, one touchdown
2004 – one interception, one forced fumble, 22 tacklesCareer with TEN – 23 interceptions, 256 tackles, two touchdowns
Career – 31 interceptions, 383 tackles, two touchdowns
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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