Tennessee Titans Throwback: The Freak, Jevon Kearse

The Tennessee Titans have seen many stars and elite talents pass through their ranks, but there’s only ever been one Freak: Jevon Kearse.

Defensive end Jevon Kearse was the 16th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, selected by the Tennessee Titans out of the University of Florida. Kearse looked the part of his nickname, “The Freak”, as his 7-3 wingspan made him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles.

He made an immediate impact as the first-round pick recorded 14.5 sacks in his rookie season and was named the 1999 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Kearse’s ability to chase down quarterbacks and ball-carriers with his length and speed was rare and on display right away. In addition to his physical prowess, the Titans also made life exceptionally difficult for opposing offenses moving Kearse between left and right end throughout games.

Kearse was a seminal figure in the early history of the Titans after their move to Tennessee.  He was a member of the AFC Championship team that lost in the Super Bowl to the Greatest Show on Turf Rams. He also recorded 74 career sacks and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, spending seven seasons with the Titans and four with the Philadelphia Eagles.

What stands out about Kearse years after his career has concluded is his amazing first step at the snap. It was explosive enough that most offensive tackles were dead in the water right from the get-go. And if they still had a chance, The Freak’s spin and swim moves were second to none.

Even after more than a decade, offensive tackles likely still have nightmares about the No. 90 jersey punishing them, blowing by them and then dishing out more punishment to whoever had the ball. But when Kearse was on the field, they weren’t bad dreams — they were real:

If Jevon Kearse had been able to spend a few more seasons in the NFL, either with the Titans or otherwise, and remained productive as he was throughout his 11-year career, he would undoubtedly be a Hall-of-Famer. Regardless of that, he’s one of the best defensive ends in franchise history still.

Regardless of his absence from Canton, though, while good players come and go, the great ones leave their mark on the league, on the opponents they faced and on a franchise. Without question, The Freak did just that.