(This story originally ran on February 8, 2019. It's been posted again since Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk announced today the team plans to retire George's No.27 jersey).
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Another Hall of Fame class was elected over the weekend, and it included a player with a meaningful past with the Titans – offensive lineman Kevin Mawae.
Mawae played four seasons in Tennessee, and was named to two Pro Bowls as a Titan. He helped pave the way for running back Chris Johnson's 2,006-yard season.
Leading up to Super Bowl LIII, three Hall of Famers spoke up in favor of another important Titan getting into the Hall of Fame – running back Eddie George. All three players played in George's era, and agreed his impact on the game should put him in greater consideration for the game's greatest honor.
"The way I think about Hall of Fame players is being dominant in your generation, and you can't tell me Eddie George wasn't dominant in his generation – he was," Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson said. "Eddie was one of the best running backs of his generation. And so I do think he needs to have second consideration, because that stretch that he had, it was pretty phenomenal. Not many people can say they had a stretch like that."
Hall of Fame running back Terrell Davis and Hall of Fame defensive back Rod Woodson agreed.
In an earlier story by Titans Online, Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis also spoke up in favor of George, who is the Titans/Oilers record holder for career rushing yards (10,009), ahead of Hall of Famer Earl Campbell (9,407). George finished his career with 10,441 yards. George is the only running back in NFL history to record 300 or more carries for eight consecutive seasons.
During his playing days in Tennessee (1996-2003), George never missed a game – a span of 128 starts. He was a 1,000-yard rusher seven times, and a four-time Pro Bowler.
On a list of the NFL's all-time rushers, his average yards per season ranks an impressive 7th overall -- ahead of five running backs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was one of the most productive running backs of his era.
"Should he get consideration for the Hall?," said Woodson, who played against George as a member of the Steelers, Ravens and Raiders. "I think he should have consideration for the Hall. I think he played well enough, and he has really good numbers. The hard thing is, we don't get to vote. Guys that are in (the Hall of Fame), they don't get to vote. We can talk about them a little bit, but at the end of the day the voters have to figure out what the qualifications are for each position to get in. Hopefully he'll get some … momentum going for his name to get in.
"It is not about (the Titans) winning or losing (Super Bowls), it is about what he meant to the team. Was he considered one of the best backs of his era when he played? I would say yes. He was one of the top backs in the league in his prime. And those types of things put you in consideration for the Hall of Fame."
George was among the 102 modern-era nominees for the 2019 Hall of Fame class, but when the list of modern era finalists was trimmed to 25 in November, he didn't make the cut. The modern-era nominees was eventually reduced to 15, and a panel of sportswriters gathered in Atlanta to vote for the Class of 2019 during Super Bowl week.
George's case is one of availability, durability and production. While some other backs put up bigger numbers over more seasons, in George's era he was without question one of the most dependable and consistent running backs in the history of the NFL.
During his career, George racked up 36 100-yard games, and the Titans recorded a 30-6 record in those games. He did it while being the focal point of defenses, and while playing in a division that boasted some of the league's top defenses during most of his career, where he played Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, and Baltimore twice a season. In fact, during his career with the Titans, Pittsburgh fielded a top 10 defense four times, Baltimore three times, Jacksonville twice, Cincinnati once, and Indianapolis once.
George's finest season came in 2000, when he rushed for 1,509 yards, scored 16 total touchdowns, and six 100-yard performances for the 13-3 Titans. Playing alongside quarterback Steve McNair, George helped the Titans reach the playoffs four times in his eight years in Nashville, including a Super Bowl, and two AFC title games. George went over 1,300 yards in a season four times, and he racked up 12,668 all-purpose yards in his career.
"Absolutely Eddie deserves it," said Hall of Fame running back Terrell Davis, who ended his career with 7,607 rushing yards (nearly 3,000 fewer than George), but won two Super Bowl rings with the Broncos. "Numbers are tricky, and you can't look at just numbers. You have to look at that era, and when you watched him, what do you remember about that player? It shouldn't always be about the numbers, it should be about the impact a guy made on the game, and Eddie certainly deserves that.
"When Eddie came in, he was that pounder. And he was a back the Titans were riding a lot – he was leading them to a lot of wins, just a real, big, physical cat. I watched him coming out of Ohio State, and he went to Tennessee and did his thing. Eddie was an incredible back. I loved his running style. He was 6-4, probably 240 pounds coming downhill, and he never bowed down to anybody. He was a tough back."
Some of the evidence that backs George's case:
- On a list of the NFL's top running backs, George ranks 7th in average yards rushing per year. With a 1,160.1-yard average per season, he ranks behind only Hall of Famers Barry Sanders (1,526.9), Jim Brown (1,368.0), Walter Payton (1,286.6), Curtis Martin (1,281.9), LaDainian Tomlinson (1,244.0) and Emmitt Smith (1,223.7). On the list, George ranks ahead of Hall of Famers Eric Dickerson (1,104.9), Terrell Davis (1086.7), Tony Dorsett (1,061.6), Jerome Bettis (1,050.9) and Campbell (1,045.2). Some of the running backs on this list played 14-game seasons, but the majority played 16-game seasons, like George.
- At the time of his retirement, only Payton (170) had more consecutive starts than George (130). George is only the second NFL running back to rush for 10,000 yards while never missing a start, joining Brown.
- During his playing days in Tennessee, George trailed only Hall of Famers Faulk and Martin in top yards from scrimmage – Faulk racked up 13,022 yards and Martin 11,317, which bested George's 10,959. Smith (9,267) and Bettis (9,085) rounded out the top five.
George's detractors point to his average per carry (3.6) or the fact he never won a Super Bowl in his career.
But there's no denying that when George played in the NFL, he was one of the best to play his position, and his productivity ranks among other running backs who have made the Hall of Fame from his era.
Will he get more consideration moving forward?
Well, he'll have to wait almost another year to find out.
But clearly, those who played the game think he's worthy.
"Should he be (in the Hall of Fame)?," former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis said of George last year. "His body of work spoke for itself. I judge a man from the impact of making everybody else better around him. When you're carrying the ball, 400-plus times in one season, that's a problem.
"Eddie is at the top of all backs I've ever faced, I mean top, top. What a load. (When you faced the Titans the game plan) was simple: Slow down Eddie. … The No.1 objective on our board every week when facing the Titans was control 27."
A first-round pick (14th overall) by the Houston Oilers in the 1996 NFL Draft, Eddie George became only the second NFL running back to rush for 10,000 yards, while never missing a start, as Tennessee's starter through 2003. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 22: Running back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans runs against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at Alltel Stadium on December 22, 2002 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Titans defeated the Jaguars 26-10. (Photo By Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 21: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans signals a first down after he carried the ball for the first down against the New Orleans Saints on September 21, 2003 at The Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Saints 27-12. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Tennessee Titans' Eddie George, right, celebrates a 68-yard touchdown run with teammate Kevin Dyson, top, as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Tyrone Poole, left, walks away in the third quarter in Indianapolis Sunday, Jan. 16, 2000. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 21: Running back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball during the game against the Houston Texans on December 21, 2003 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Titans won 27-24. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 17: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans carries the ball during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at The Coliseum on November 17, 2002 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won the game 31-23. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 17: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans runs for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game at The Coliseum on November 17, 2002 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won the game 31-23. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 1: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans runs through a hole during a game against the New York Giants on December 1, 2002 at Giant Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Titans won 32-29. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 7: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans carries the ball against the Oakland Raiders on September 7, 2003 at the The Coloseum in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Raiders 25-20. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images).
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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Running Back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans moves the ball during the NFL game against the Houston Texans at The Coliseum on November 10, 2002 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Texans 17-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 28: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans takes the ball around Nate Webster #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 28, 2003 at The Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans beat the Buccaneers 33-13. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 10: Running back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans receives a hand-off from quarterback Steve McNair #9 in the second quarter during the AFC divisional playoffs against the New England Patriots on January 10, 2004 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 17: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans carries the ball during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at The Coliseum on November 17, 2002 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won the game 31-23. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
12 Oct 1997: Running back Eddie George of the Tennessee Oilers moves the ball during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee. The Oilers won the game, 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Craig Jones /Allsport
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 13: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans carries the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the NFL game at the Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee on October 13, 2002. The Titans won 23-14. (Photo by Jeff Gross /Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 5: Running back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 5, 2003 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots defeated the Titans 38-30. (Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 13: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans carries the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the NFL game at the Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee on October 13, 2002. The Titans won 23-14. (Photo by Jeff Gross /Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 19: Quarterback Steve McNair #9 of the Tennessee Titans motions for the handoff to runningback Eddie George #27 during the AFC Championship game against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum on January 19, 2003 in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Titans 41-24, sending them on to the NFL title game for the first time since 1984. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 27: Running Back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans stands on the field during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 27, 2002 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Titans defeated the Bengals 30-24. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
19 Sep 1999: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans runs down the field during a game against the Cleveland Browns at the Adelphia Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Browns 26-9. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr/Allsport
OAKLAND, CA -SEPTEMBER 29: Running back Eddie George #27 of the Tennesse Titans carries the ball during a NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on September 29, 2002 at the Network Associates Colesium in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Titans 52-25. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
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NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 11: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans carries the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Coliseum on January 11, 2003 in Nashville, Tennessee. TheTitans won in overtime 34-31 to advance to the AFC Championship game. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Ohio State Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George stands on the sideline before the No. 1 Ohio State plays No. 2 Texas in a football game in Austin, Texas Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 29: Running back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans battles for extra yards while challenged by Cornerback Aaron Glenn #31 of the Houston Texans during the NFL game at Reliant Stadium on December 29, 2002 in Houston, Texas. The Titans defeated the Texans 13-3. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 13: Running back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL game on October 13, 2002 at the Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won 23-14. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 7: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans runs with an American flag as he is introduced prior to the game against the Oakland Raiders on September 7, 2003 at the The Coloseum in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Raiders 25-20. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images).
HOUSTON - DECEMBER 29: Running back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans rushes for yards during the NFL game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on December 29, 2002 in Houston, Texas. The Titans defeated the Texans 13-3. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ohio State's Eddie George (27) pulls away from Iowa defender Bill Ennis-Inge (9) in the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 28, 1995, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Mark Hall)
26 Dec 1998: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Oilers runs during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The Vikings defeated the Oilers 26-10.
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 22: Running back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans runs against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at Alltel Stadium on December 22, 2002 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Titans defeated the Jaguars 26-10. (Photo By Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
31 Aug 1997: Running back Eddie George of the Tennessee Oilers celebrates after scoring a touch down on defensive back Albert Lewis of the Oakland Raiders during the Oilers 24-21 overtime win at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 16: Running back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball during the NFL game against the New England Patriots at the Coliseum on December 16, 2002 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won 37-24. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
31 Aug 1997: Running back Eddie George of the Tennessee Oilers celebrates during the Oilers 24-21 overtime win over the Oakland Raiders at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 13: Running back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball during their NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 13, 2002 at the Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won 23-14. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
1 Nov 1998: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Oilers grips the ball as he runs during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Oilers defeated the Steelers 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Tom Pidgeon /Allsport
7 Sep 1997: Running back Eddie George of the Tennessee Oilers looks on during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. The Dolphins won the game in overtime, 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport
23 Nov 1997: Running back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Oilers carries the football during the Oilers 31-14 win over the Buffalo Bills at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 16: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans outruns Jeff Burris #20 of the Indianapolis Colts for a 68-yard touchdown run during the AFC Divisional playoff at the RCA Dome on January 16, 2000 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Titans defeated the Colts 19-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
31 Aug 1997: Running back Eddie George of the Tennessee Oilers celebrates after scoring a touch down on defensive back Albert Lewis of the Oakland Raiders during the Oilers 24-21 overtime win at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George crosses the goal line on a 7-yard touchdown run in the second quarter during the Titan's 28-14 win over the New York Giants on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2000 in Nashville, Tenn. George led the Titans in rushing with 125 yards and one touchdown. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
28 Sep 1997: Running back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Oilers carries the football during the Oilers 37-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport
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Houston Oiler Eddie George answers questions during a news conference in this April 21, 1996 file photo in Houston. Houston Oilers coach Jeff Fisher is on the right. The Heisman Trophy winner agreed to a five-year contract with the Houston Oilers on Tuesday, July 16, 1996. (AP Photo/Donna Carson)
Ohio State's Eddie George can't handle a pass in the second quarter of the Citrus Bowl game against Tennessee Monday, Jan. 1, 1996, in Orlando. Heisman winner George rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown, but was upstaged by Tennessee's Jay Graham as Tennessee beat Ohio State 20-14. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 13: Running back Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL game on October 13, 2002 at the Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans won 23-14. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Ohio State quarterback Bobby Hoying (14) hands off to tailback Eddie George (27) during early first-half action on Monday, August 29, 1994, at the 5th annual Pigskin Classic in Anaheim, Calif. George scored two early touchdowns to give the Buckeyes a quick lead. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Ohio State running back Eddie George runs away from Pittsburgh defender Zatiti Moody (48) in second half game action in Pittsburgh in this Sept. 23, 1995 photo. With a month left in the regular season, the top contenders appear to be George and four quarterbacks, Danny Kanell of Florida State, Tommie Frazier of Nebraska, Danny Wuerffel of Florida and Peyton Manning of Tennessee. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
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Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George, left, outruns Indianapolis Colts defensive back Jeff Burris to score a 68-yard touchdown during their AFC divisional playoff game at Indianapolis on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2000. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Houston Oiler Eddie George answers questions during a news conference in this April 21, 1996 file photo in Houston. Houston Oilers coach Jeff Fisher is on the right. The Heisman Trophy winner agreed to a five-year contract with the Houston Oilers on Tuesday, July 16, 1996. (AP Photo/Donna Carson)
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 16: Eddie George #27 of the Tennessee Titans outruns Jeff Burris #20 of the Indianapolis Colts for a 68-yard touchdown run during the AFC Divisional playoff at the RCA Dome on January 16, 2000 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Titans defeated the Colts 19-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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