Cortland Finnegan, known for his tenacity and aggressive style of play, made a name for himself in the National Football League (NFL) as a cornerback. Born on February 2, 1984, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Finnegan's journey to professional football began at Samford University, where he played college football. Despite coming from a smaller school, his performance on the field caught the attention of NFL scouts.
In the 2006 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans selected Finnegan in the seventh round. His selection at 215th overall was a testament to his potential and the Titans' belief in his abilities. Finnegan quickly proved that he was more than just a late-round pick. During his rookie season, he played in all 16 games, starting in two, and made an immediate impact on special teams and defense. His speed and tackling ability were evident, and he finished the season with 57 tackles and one interception.
Finnegan's role with the Titans expanded in the following years. By the 2008 season, he had established himself as a starting cornerback. That year, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection, recording five interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. His aggressive playing style often put him in the spotlight, both for his on-field performances and his fiery temperament. Finnegan was known for his physical play and was not afraid to engage in verbal and physical confrontations with opposing players.
One of the most memorable incidents in Finnegan's career occurred in 2010 during a game against the Houston Texans. A highly publicized altercation with Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson resulted in both players being ejected from the game. The scuffle highlighted Finnegan's reputation as a player who played with an edge, sometimes pushing the boundaries of sportsmanship.
After six seasons with the Titans, Finnegan signed with the St. Louis Rams in 2012. His tenure with the Rams began with a strong performance, as he recorded an interception return for a touchdown in his first game with the team. Finnegan's experience and leadership were valuable assets to the Rams' secondary, although his time in St. Louis was marred by injuries that limited his effectiveness on the field.
In 2014, Finnegan joined the Miami Dolphins, where he played for one season. His stint with the Dolphins was short-lived, and he briefly retired from professional football in March 2015. However, later that year, he returned to the NFL, signing with the Carolina Panthers in November. Finnegan contributed to the Panthers' defense during their playoff run, which culminated in an appearance in Super Bowl 50. Although the Panthers were defeated by the Denver Broncos, Finnegan's return to the league and participation in the Super Bowl was a notable chapter in his career.
Following the 2015 season, Finnegan retired from the NFL for the second time. Over the course of his career, he played in 135 regular-season games, amassing 663 tackles, 18 interceptions, and 7.5 sacks. Finnegan's career was characterized by his aggressive play and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. While his style of play sometimes drew criticism, it also earned him respect as a competitor who left everything on the field.
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