RESOLUTION NO. RS2002-1136

A resolution recognizing former Tennessee Titan Bruce Matthews on his retirement from the National Football League.

WHEREAS, on Monday, July 15, 2002, veteran offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, whose performance was matched only by his durability, officially announced his retirement; and

WHEREAS, Bruce Matthews retirement from the Tennessee Titans brings to a close an unprecedented era in the history of Tennessee professional football; and

WHEREAS, a star athlete who began his remarkable career in football playing at Arcadia High School in California, and excited fans at the University of Southern California, Bruce Matthews leaves the State of Tennessee and the Tennessee Titans a legacy of unparalleled determination and perseverance; and

WHEREAS, the future Hall of Fame inductee ended a 19-year affiliation with the Houston Oilers/Titans franchise, retiring with 296 professional games played, an NFL-record 229 consecutive starts and was selected as a 14 record-tying straight trips to the Pro Bowl; and

WHEREAS, having worn only one uniform, Houston Oilers/Titans, throughout his 19-year professional football career in the NFL, Bruce Matthews proved beyond a doubt that athletes can be heroes, amassing an impressive personal record as having the NFL’s longest active streak of consecutive games played with a club-record 184; and

WHEREAS, later on this year Bruce Matthews will have his number retired by the franchise; and

WHEREAS, it is indeed an honor for the Metropolitan Council to join citizens throughout the State of Tennessee in commending Bruce Matthews on his benevolence, his sportsmanship, and his ability to bring the Volunteer State to the forefront of professional football; and

WHEREAS, his dedication to the Tennessee Titans and the State of Tennessee is truly admirable and worthy of legislative recognition; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes Bruce Matthews on his exceptional football career and extend all best wishes for the future.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing former Tennessee Titan Bruce Matthews on his retirement from the National Football League.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Tennessee Titan Bruce Matthews.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Norma Hand, Saletta Holloway, Michael Kerstetter

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	September 3 , 2002
Adopted:	September 3, 2002
Approved:	September 4, 2002
By: