Sunday, January 06, 2002
Titans' Matthews coy about retirement
The Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The man who has played more NFL games than any non-kicker knows exactly how he would like to end his career — by simply not showing up the next season.
No farewell news conference. No parades. Not even a standing ovation at his final game. Instead, Tennessee lineman Bruce Matthews would prefer to just quietly slip away to his Texas home.
“That'd be perfect for me, because I don't want any big deal,” the 40-year-old Matthews said.
Titans left tackle Brad Hopkins said no matter how Matthews decides to leave, his departure won't go unnoticed.
“He's going to leave a big enough hole for people to recognize the fact that he is gone,” Hopkins said.
Matthews, who has played 19 NFL seasons, may play his last game today in the Titans' season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals (5-10), but he won't say for sure.
“It's just I'm not willing to commit totally,” Matthews said. “But at the same time, I'm thinking things that I've never thought before, that it wouldn't be so bad not to play and coming out to watch instead of having to be out here.”
He has approached this season as if it would be his last, discussing the possibility of his final training camp and last practice, and encouraging family and friends to hurry to see him play in person.
He also has consulted his brother about what the future holds.
His brother's opinion matters not just because he is family. Clay Matthews Jr. knows from experience, leaving the NFL at the end of the 1996 season after 278 games over 19 seasons with Cleveland and Atlanta.
“He goes, Ù
"When you decide it's time, it'll be a very natural decision,' ” Matthews said.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher, a college teammate of Matthews at USC, said the decision is up to the veteran.
“We'd love to have him back,” Fisher said. “I'm sure Bruce is going to take some time to think about the decision with Carrie and his family, and hopefully we'll hear from Bruce one way or another as soon as possible.”
Bengals coach Dick LeBeau, who played 14 seasons in the NFL, said anyone who has ever played in the league has the utmost admiration for Matthews.
“He certainly has to be a bionic man,” LeBeau said.
Matthews has never missed a game to injury. Only a contract holdout in 1987 cost him eight games, and he will play in his 296th game Sunday. Only defensive end Jim Marshall is close with his 282 games between 1960 and 1979.
But age is catching up to the 6-foot-5, 305-pound lineman who likely earned his 14th Pro Bowl slot last week more on reputation than play. Still, he has plenty of respect.
“He's been banged up, but he's still better than a lot of guys out there,” Cincinnati linebacker Brian Simmons said.
Cincinnati lineman Oliver Gibson recalled playing against Matthews as a rookie in 1985 while with Pittsburgh.
“I'm mouthing off, doing all kinds of things. The worst thing that he ever said to me was, "C'mon, 98, that's unprofessional.' I was like, "The hell with you,' but then I thought about it. He is the elder statesman of the NFL,” Gibson said.
Matthews didn't expect to be playing this long.
Relocating from Houston to Nashville with the then-Oilers in 1997 was almost too much. His wife and family remained in Texas for that first year, leaving him alone through the week. His family finally joined him in the second season; he and his wife have six children including two teen-age sons.
“There's a lot of raising to be done there, and I'm excited to do just that — spend time with the family,” Matthews said.
His teammates sense the end is near, although they also admit they wouldn't be surprised to see him show up for a 20th season.
Running back Eddie George, the fifth Heisman Trophy winner Matthews has blocked for, talks with him daily. Hopkins asked him if he was considering a coaching job with the expansion Houston Texans. Matthews said no.
As much as the Titans (7-8) would miss his presence on the offensive line, Hopkins said the loss of his humor and levity in the locker room will hurt even more. Several teammates said the biggest lesson Matthews taught was remembering to enjoy playing the game.
“He's a legend,” George said. “He's definitely a Hall of Famer, and it was an honor to play with him.”
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Titans' Matthews coy about retirement 
