Tackle Leaders on Tennessee Titans Roster

In the NFL, tackle leaders aren’t just players who pile up statistics—they’re the backbone of a defense, responsible for stopping running backs in their tracks, limiting yards after contact, and setting the tone for physicality. For the Tennessee Titans, a franchise built on a legacy of tough, hard-nosed football, tackle leaders have long been iconic figures, from the Houston Oilers era to the current squad. These players combine brute strength with sharp football IQ, knowing when to shed blocks, read offensive formations, and make split-second decisions that turn momentum in the Titans’ favor. Whether it’s a middle linebacker cleaning up plays in the box or a safety coming down to stop a run, tackle leaders embody the “Titans Tough” culture that fans have cherished for decades. Exploring these standout performers is why Tackle Leaders on Tennessee Titans Roster is more than a list of stats—it’s a celebration of the players who have defined the Titans’ defense and kept opponents on their heels.

Tackle Leaders on Tennessee Titans Roster gains its first depth with the legacy of Keith Bulluck, a linebacker who dominated the position for the Titans from 2002 to 2010 and remains one of the franchise’s all-time tackle leaders. Bulluck, a first-round pick in 2002, wasn’t the biggest linebacker (6-foot-3, 235 pounds), but he made up for it with relentless effort and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Over his nine seasons with the Titans, he recorded 910 total tackles—including a career-high 150 in 2006—and added 21 sacks, 15 interceptions, and 11 forced fumbles, making him one of the most versatile defensive players in team history. What set Bulluck apart as a tackle leader was his consistency: he topped 100 tackles in seven straight seasons (2003–2009) and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2007. He was also a vocal leader, often calling out plays from the middle of the field and motivating his teammates with his work ethic. Bulluck’s legacy lives on in the Titans’ locker room, where current linebackers still reference his film to learn how to read offenses and make impactful tackles. His career is a masterclass in what it means to be a tackle leader—not just in stats, but in leadership and consistency.

A more recent standout in Tackle Leaders on Tennessee Titans Roster is Foyesade Oluokun, a middle linebacker who joined the Titans in 2023 and quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s top tackle machines. Oluokun, who signed a three-year contract after a breakout season with the Atlanta Falcons, brought immediate stability to the Titans’ defense, leading the team in tackles in both 2023 (152) and 2024 (148). What makes Oluokun a unique tackle leader is his combination of speed and power: he can cover tight ends in the passing game (recording 2 interceptions in 2024) and still deliver bone-crushing hits in the run game, often stopping running backs behind the line of scrimmage (8 tackles for loss in 2023). His signature play came in a 2024 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he chased down Jaguars running back Travis Etienne from behind—covering 40 yards in 5 seconds—to prevent a touchdown, a moment that went viral and solidified his status as a fan favorite. Oluokun isn’t just a stat-sheet stuffer; he’s a student of the game, spending hours each week studying film to anticipate offensive plays. This preparation, paired with his athleticism, has made him the face of the Titans’ defense in the post-Derrick Henry era and a model for what a modern tackle leader should be.

Tackle Leaders on Tennessee Titans Roster is particularly notable for the Tennessee Titans’ history of developing undrafted or late-round picks into elite tackle leaders—a testament to the team’s scouting and player development. One such success story is Avery Williamson, a fifth-round pick in 2014 who played for the Titans until 2018. Williamson, who was overlooked in the draft due to concerns about his speed, quickly proved himself in training camp with his physicality and football IQ. In his rookie season, he recorded 73 tackles, and by 2016, he had become a full-time starter, leading the team with 104 tackles. Williamson’s strength as a tackle leader was his ability to clog running lanes: he excelled at taking on offensive linemen, freeing up his teammates to make plays, and he was a reliable presence in short-yardage situations, often stopping runs for no gain. The Tennessee Titans’ faith in Williamson paid off, as he became a key part of their defense during a transitional period, and his success paved the way for other late-round picks (like Oluokun) to earn starting roles. For the Tennessee Titans, Williamson’s journey is a reminder that tackle leaders aren’t just found in the first round—they’re found in players who are willing to work harder than anyone else, a value that defines the franchise.

Another vital chapter in Tackle Leaders on Tennessee Titans Roster is the role of defensive linemen as “unsung tackle leaders”—players who don’t always top the team’s tackle list but are critical to stopping the run and creating opportunities for linebackers. Albert Haynesworth, a defensive tackle who played for the Titans from 2002 to 2008, is a prime example. While Haynesworth is best known for his pass-rushing skills (8.5 sacks in his Pro Bowl 2008 season), he was also a dominant run stopper, recording 41 tackles that year and often drawing double teams that left linebackers free to make plays. His ability to push offensive linemen back into the backfield disrupted running plays before they even started, and he was a key reason the Titans’ run defense ranked third in the NFL in 2008. The Tennessee Titans recognized Haynesworth’s impact beyond stats, naming him a team captain in 2007, and his presence on the defensive line made the entire unit better. Unlike linebackers who get credit for “clean” tackles, defensive linemen like Haynesworth do the dirty work—taking on blocks, absorbing punishment, and creating space for others. Their contributions are a reminder that tackle leadership is a team effort, and every position has a role to play in stopping the run.

Finally, Tackle Leaders on Tennessee Titans Roster looks to the future, as the Tennessee Titans continue to build a defense around young tackle leaders who can carry on the franchise’s legacy. Rookie linebacker Chad Muma, a third-round pick in 2025, has already shown promise, recording 45 tackles in his first six games and impressing coaches with his instincts and work ethic. Muma, who models his game after Bulluck and Oluokun, has quickly adapted to the NFL, using his speed to cover sideline-to-sideline and his strength to stop running backs in the box. The Titans’ plan for Muma includes pairing him with Oluokun for the next several seasons, creating a linebacker duo that can anchor the defense and lead the team in tackles for years to come. This focus on developing young tackle leaders aligns with the Titans’ long-term rebuild, ensuring that the defense remains competitive even as veteran players move on. Tackle Leaders on Tennessee Titans Roster isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about building a future where the Titans’ defense remains one of the NFL’s most physical and effective units. From Bulluck to Oluokun to Muma, these players have one thing in common: they embody the heart and soul of the Titans, proving that tackle leaders aren’t just defined by numbers—they’re defined by their commitment to winning, their love for the game, and their dedication to the franchise and its fans.