Cortland Finnegan- A Look At A Football Life
When you think about players who truly left their mark on the football field, a name that often comes up is Cortland Finnegan. He was, you know, a player who brought a certain kind of energy to every single snap. From his early days to his time playing on some big teams, he really made an impression, and people still talk about the way he played the game.
His approach to football was, in some respects, quite distinctive. He wasn't just another player; he was someone who had a real knack for being where the action was, often right in the middle of it all. This former professional football player, a cornerback, made a name for himself in the National Football League, and his time there was, well, certainly eventful.
The story of Cortland Finnegan is, actually, one of determination and a playing style that was hard to ignore. We’ll take a closer look at his journey, from where he started to the big games he was a part of, and even some of the personal parts of his life. It’s a chance to get a better sense of a person who spent a good chunk of his life in the spotlight of professional sports.
Table of Contents
- The Story of Cortland Finnegan
- What Made Cortland Finnegan Stand Out on the Field?
- How Did Cortland Finnegan's Career Unfold?
- Was Cortland Finnegan Always a Titan?
- What About Life Beyond the Gridiron for Cortland Finnegan?
- What Are Some Noteworthy Moments for Cortland Finnegan?
- A Look Back at Cortland Finnegan's Contributions
The Story of Cortland Finnegan
The path to becoming a professional football player is, you know, not one that many people get to walk. Cortland Temujin Finnegan, a person who would go on to play in the National Football League as a cornerback, started his life in a place called Fayetteville, North Carolina. He came into the world on the second day of February, in 1984, which means he's a person who has seen quite a few changes over the years. His beginnings were, of course, like anyone else's, but his career would take him to some pretty high places in the world of sports. He was a player who, in a way, just kept pushing forward.
Before making it to the big leagues, Cortland Finnegan played his college football at Samford. This is where he really started to show what he could do on the field, catching the eye of professional teams. It’s a bit like a stepping stone, really, from college play to the pros. The Tennessee Titans, as a matter of fact, saw enough in him to select him in the seventh round of their draft, which is how his professional football journey officially got going. That pick set him on a path that would see him become a known figure in the game, someone people would talk about for years to come.
Personal Details for Cortland Finnegan
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cortland Temujin Finnegan |
| Date of Birth | February 2, 1984 |
| Place of Birth | Fayetteville, North Carolina |
| Father's Name | Robert Grant |
| College Attended | Samford University |
| Drafted By | Tennessee Titans (7th Round) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse's Name | Lacey Finnegan |
| Marriage Year | 2010 |
What Made Cortland Finnegan Stand Out on the Field?
So, what was it about Cortland Finnegan that made him such a memorable player? Well, if you talk to people who watched him play, they’ll often mention a couple of things. He was, for one, a person who played with a lot of spirit and, you know, a sort of fearless approach to everything he did out there. This wasn't just about making plays; it was about the way he carried himself, the energy he brought to every single down. It was, quite literally, a part of his game that made him distinct.
His playing style was, in a way, something you couldn't easily forget. He was known for being, let's say, a bit feisty, which meant he wasn't afraid to get into the thick of things. This kind of attitude, while sometimes leading to heated moments on the field, also meant he was someone who gave his all, every single time. It's that kind of drive that helps a player stay in the league for a good long while and make a real mark. He just had that way of making his presence felt, that's for sure.
The Ten-Year Run of Cortland Finnegan
Cortland Finnegan spent a good amount of time, ten seasons to be exact, playing professional football. That's a rather long stretch for anyone in such a physically demanding sport. During these years, he was a part of four different teams, which tells you a bit about his journey and how he moved around the league. His time on the field was marked by a consistent effort to make plays, and his statistics show just how involved he was in the defensive side of the game. He was, basically, a player who contributed in a big way.
Looking at his career numbers, it’s pretty clear he was someone who could make a difference. He managed to get 541 solo tackles, which means he was the one bringing down the ball carrier all by himself, a lot of times. On top of that, he had 121 assists, meaning he helped out on many other tackles. He also managed to get to the quarterback, recording 7.0 sacks, and showed a knack for getting the ball back for his team with 5 fumble recoveries. And, as a cornerback, getting interceptions is a big deal, and he had 18 of those, which is, well, a pretty good number for someone playing his position. These numbers, you know, tell a story of a player who was very active on the field.
How Did Cortland Finnegan's Career Unfold?
Cortland Finnegan’s professional football career had some interesting turns, almost like a story with different chapters. After being picked by the Tennessee Titans, he spent a significant part of his career there, establishing himself as a key player. But as is often the case in professional sports, players move around, and his journey included stops with other teams as well. It’s a process that many athletes go through, finding new places to play and contribute.
His time in the league wasn't always a straight line, as a matter of fact. There was a point where he decided to step away from the game, making an announcement in March of 2015 that he was retiring from professional football. However, that wasn't the end of his playing days. He later signed a contract with the Carolina Panthers in November of 2015, which meant he was back on the field. Then, in August of 2016, he signed another contract, this time with the New Orleans Saints, for one year at a little over a million dollars. So, his career had these moments of coming back, which is, you know, pretty interesting to see.
Playing Days for Cortland Finnegan
Over his ten seasons, Cortland Finnegan played for four different teams. His journey included time with the Tennessee Titans, where he made a significant name for himself. Later, he also suited up for the St. Louis Rams, the Carolina Panthers, and the New Orleans Saints. This means he got to experience different locker rooms, different coaching staffs, and different cities, which is, like, a big part of being a professional athlete. Each team offered a new challenge and a new opportunity to show what he could do on the field.
One of the more notable parts of his later career was when he found himself playing in Super Bowl 50 with the Carolina Panthers. After all those seasons, to be able to play in the biggest game of the year is, well, a pretty big achievement for any player. It just goes to show that even after a long time in the league, he was still playing at a level that could get him to the championship stage. That’s something that, you know, many players dream of but never quite reach.
Was Cortland Finnegan Always a Titan?
While many people remember Cortland Finnegan most strongly for his time with the Tennessee Titans, where he truly established himself as a prominent cornerback, he did indeed play for other teams during his professional career. It's a common thing in sports for players to move around, seeking new opportunities or fitting into different team needs. So, no, he wasn't always just a Titan, though that team certainly played a very big role in his football story.
His professional path saw him contribute to a few different organizations, bringing his distinctive style of play to each one. This movement between teams is, in a way, part of the life of a professional athlete, where new chances and new challenges come up. It's interesting to see how players adapt to these changes and continue to perform at a high level, even when they switch uniforms. He certainly managed to do that, moving from one team to the next and still making his mark.
Other Teams for Cortland Finnegan
Beyond his significant time with the Tennessee Titans, Cortland Finnegan also spent time playing for other National Football League teams. He played for the St. Louis Rams, which was another chapter in his career. Later on, he joined the Carolina Panthers, and as we know, that led him to play in a Super Bowl, which is, well, a huge moment for any player. His final stop in the league was with the New Orleans Saints, where he signed for a season. These different teams allowed him to showcase his skills in various defensive schemes and with different teammates, which is, like, a really interesting aspect of a long career.
Each team offered him a unique experience, allowing him to adapt and continue playing at a high level. It's pretty common for players to have multiple teams on their resume, and Finnegan’s list of teams shows a journey through different parts of the league. He was, basically, a player who could fit into different setups and still make an impact, which is a testament to his abilities on the field. He certainly made his presence known, no matter what uniform he was wearing.
What About Life Beyond the Gridiron for Cortland Finnegan?
While a lot of the focus on professional athletes is, naturally, on what they do during games and practices, there's always a life happening off the field too. Cortland Finnegan, like many others, has a personal life that includes family. It's often the part of a person's story that gives them strength and support, away from the public eye and the demands of their job. It's, you know, a very important part of who someone is.
For a person who spends so much time in the spotlight, having a stable and happy home life can be a real anchor. It’s the place where they can be themselves, away from all the pressure and expectations that come with being a well-known athlete. So, looking at what Cortland Finnegan has done outside of football gives a more complete picture of the person, not just the player. It shows that there's more to him than just the tackles and interceptions, which is, you know, something to appreciate.
Cortland Finnegan's Family Life
Cortland Finnegan is a person who shares his life with his wife, Lacey Finnegan. They got married in the year 2010, and they have been together ever since then. This kind of stability in one's personal life is, in some respects, a really good thing, especially when you have a career that involves so much travel and public attention. It’s a partnership that has lasted for many years, which is, well, something to be happy about.
Having a supportive family is often something that athletes talk about as being very important to their success and well-being. It’s where they find comfort and encouragement, and it’s a big part of their overall happiness. So, the fact that Cortland Finnegan lives happily with his wife, Lacey, is a nice detail to know about his life away from the football field. It shows a side of him that goes beyond the competitive player everyone saw on Sundays.
What Are Some Noteworthy Moments for Cortland Finnegan?
Every professional football player has moments that stand out, whether they are big plays, important games, or even, you know, some of the more intense interactions on the field. Cortland Finnegan, with his playing style and personality, certainly had his share of memorable events. These are the kinds of things that fans and commentators remember, often shaping the narrative around a player's career. It’s these moments that, in a way, really define how people think about him.
Some of these moments are about his performance, like reaching the Super Bowl, which is a huge deal. Others are about his personality, which was, well, quite fiery at times. These kinds of moments, whether they are positive or a bit controversial, contribute to the overall story of a player and how they are remembered in the history of the sport. It just goes to show that a player's impact isn't just about the numbers they put up, but also the moments they create.
Memorable Events with Cortland Finnegan
One of the moments that many people recall when thinking about Cortland Finnegan involves a specific incident on the field. There was, as a matter of fact, a skirmish during a game between the Tennessee Titans and the Houston Texans. This involved Finnegan and Andre Johnson, who was a wide receiver for the Texans and is now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. These kinds of heated exchanges, while not always pretty, often stick in people's minds and become part of a player's lore. It's something that, you know, gets talked about even years later.
Beyond those intense moments, Finnegan's career also included reaching the pinnacle of the sport by playing in Super Bowl 50. This happened when he was with the Carolina Panthers. To make it to the biggest game in football after playing for ten seasons is, well, a really big accomplishment. It speaks to his dedication and skill that he was still performing at such a high level late in his career. These events, both the fiery ones and the triumphant ones, paint a pretty full picture of Cortland Finnegan’s time in the National Football League.
A Look Back at Cortland Finnegan's Contributions
When you consider the full scope of Cortland Finnegan's career, it's clear he was a player who made a significant contribution to the teams he played for. He spent ten seasons in the National Football League, which is, you know, a considerable amount of time in a sport that can be very demanding on the body. His presence on the field was always felt, whether it was through his tackling, his ability to get interceptions, or just his overall spirit and drive. He was, basically, a person who left his mark.
His playing style, characterized by a certain feisty attitude and a fearless way of approaching every challenge, made him a unique figure in the league. This kind of approach, while sometimes leading to a few confrontations, also meant he was someone who would give everything he had for his team. It’s that kind of dedication that makes players memorable, and Cortland Finnegan certainly falls into that category. He was, really, a player who embodied a certain kind of toughness and competitive spirit.
The Impact of Cortland Finnegan
The impact of Cortland Finnegan on the football field goes beyond just his statistics. While his tackles, interceptions, and other defensive plays were certainly important, his presence and how he played the game left a lasting impression. He was a player who, you know, brought a certain level of intensity to every contest, and that kind of energy can be infectious for a team. It's not just about the physical plays, but also the mental game and the attitude he brought.
He will often be remembered for his distinctive approach to playing cornerback, a position that requires a lot of courage and quick thinking. His career, spanning multiple teams and including a Super Bowl appearance, shows a player who consistently performed at a high level. So, when people look back at Cortland Finnegan, they’ll see a player who was, quite honestly, a force to be reckoned with on the field, someone who played the game with a lot of heart and a truly fearless spirit.
Cortland Finnegan Wife Lacey Finnegan Is A Proud Mom Of Three - Players Bio
Cortland Finnegan Wife Lacey Finnegan Is A Proud Mom Of Three - Players Bio
Cortland Finnegan Stats 2015? | NFL Career, Season, and Playoff Statistics
