Career Highlights and Achievements
Tannehill's most significant achievement came during his 2019 season with the Titans, when he led the team to the AFC Championship Game after being acquired midway through the season. He completed 70.3% of his passes and achieved a remarkable 117.5 quarterback rating, setting multiple franchise records. His performance earned him his first and only Pro Bowl selection and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, recognizing his transformation from a struggling Dolphins starter to a playoff-caliber quarterback.
During the 2020 season, Tannehill reached the peak of his career with the Titans, throwing for 3,819 yards and 33 touchdowns while leading Tennessee to an 11-5 record and the AFC's top seed. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Houston Texans in the regular-season finale, where he completed 23 of 32 passes for 287 yards and four touchdowns. The Titans also clinched back-to-back AFC South titles for the first time in franchise history during his tenure.
Miami Dolphins Era and Development
Tannehill began his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins in 2012, serving as the team's primary starter for seven consecutive seasons. During his first four seasons with Miami, he became the fourth quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 3,000 yards in each of his first four seasons. In 2015, he signed a six-year, $96 million contract extension through the 2020 season, reflecting the team's commitment to him as their franchise quarterback.
Despite showing promise and consistent statistical production with the Dolphins, Tannehill struggled to lead the team to playoff success, with Miami being eliminated from playoff contention for seven consecutive seasons during his tenure. His best season in Miami came in 2014 when he threw for 4,045 yards and 27 touchdowns. However, injuries and inconsistent team performance ultimately led to his trade to Tennessee in 2019, which would prove to be the catalyst for his career resurgence.
Legacy and Retirement
Tannehill's retirement marks the end of a career that exemplified perseverance and the possibility of redemption in professional sports. After years of criticism and underperformance in Miami, he found success in Tennessee and proved doubters wrong with his exceptional 2019 and 2020 seasons. His journey from a struggling young quarterback to a Pro Bowl performer serves as an inspiration for athletes facing adversity and career setbacks.
The veteran quarterback leaves behind a legacy of 34,881 passing yards and 216 touchdowns across 155 games played. While his final seasons were marked by injuries and reduced playing time, his impact on the Titans organization during his peak years was significant, helping establish the team as a consistent playoff contender in the AFC South. Tannehill's retirement concludes one of the NFL's most compelling comeback stories.