Cortland Finnegan: Looking Back At A Notable NFL Career

It's interesting, isn't it, how certain athletes really leave a lasting mark, not just with their statistics, but with their whole approach to the game? Cortland Finnegan, as a cornerback, played a position where individual matchups often decide big plays. He was known for his tenacity and, in some respects, his fiery demeanor, which, you know, sometimes led to unforgettable interactions on the field. This article gathers information about his journey, offering a pretty complete picture of his time in football and beyond.

We'll explore his beginnings, his rise through the college ranks, and then his long stretch in the National Football League. We will also touch upon some of the more talked-about moments from his playing days, and, in a way, get a sense of his life now. It's quite a story for someone who made such a strong impression during his active years, and we'll try to present it all clearly for you.

Table of Contents

• Who is Cortland Finnegan?
  • Early Life and Beginnings
• Cortland Finnegan: Quick Facts
• College Football Journey
• A Standout NFL Career
  • Tennessee Titans Years
  • Moving to the St. Louis Rams
  • Later Stops with the Dolphins and Panthers
  • Key Career Statistics
• Memorable Moments and Rivalries
  • The Andre Johnson Incident
• Life Beyond the Field
• Cortland: The Place, Not the Player
• Frequently Asked Questions About Cortland Finnegan

Who is Cortland Finnegan?

Cortland Temujin Finnegan, a name that resonates with many football enthusiasts, was a professional football player. He was a cornerback in the National Football League, a position that requires quickness, sharp instincts, and a willingness to engage in one-on-one battles with some of the league's best pass-catchers. He played for several teams during his career, leaving his mark wherever he went. His path to the NFL was, you know, a testament to hard work and persistence, a common thread among many successful athletes.

Early Life and Beginnings

Cortland Finnegan was born on February 2, 1984. His birthplace was Fayetteville, North Carolina, which is a city known for its military connections. He was given the full name Cortland Temujin Finnegan at birth. As a young person, he grew up with his family in Florida, which is a state that produces many talented football players. His schooling took place at Milton School, where he likely began to show his athletic abilities. These early years, you know, often set the stage for a person's future endeavors, and for Cortland, it was clearly leading towards football.

Cortland Finnegan: Quick Facts

College Football Journey

Before making it to the professional level, Cortland Finnegan played his college football at Samford University. This is a university that competes in the Southern Conference, a part of NCAA Division I. During his time there, he showed significant promise and, you know, really developed his skills as a defensive player. He was a standout, particularly in his sophomore year. That year, he was named the Ohio Valley Conference’s defensive player of the year, which is a pretty big honor for a young player.

Playing college football is a crucial step for many who aim for the NFL. It's where players refine their techniques, gain experience against strong competition, and get noticed by professional scouts. Finnegan's performance at Samford was clearly enough to catch the eye of NFL teams. His dedication during those college years, it seems, laid the groundwork for his future success. The recognition he received, like that defensive player of the year award, just goes to show how much of an impact he was already making at that level, very much setting him apart.

A Standout NFL Career

Cortland Finnegan's professional football career began in 2006. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. This is often seen as a later round pick, but Finnegan certainly proved that where you are drafted doesn't always dictate your success. He went on to play nine seasons in the NFL, appearing for four different teams. His career was, you know, quite a journey across the league, marked by consistent play and a fiery presence on the field.

Tennessee Titans Years

His professional career really took off with the Tennessee Titans. He spent several seasons there, becoming a key part of their defensive unit. As a cornerback, his job was to cover opposing wide receivers, a challenging role that requires both physical ability and mental toughness. He made a name for himself during his time with the Titans, often being matched up against some of the league's top offensive players. His performances with the Titans, in a way, established him as a legitimate NFL talent, someone to watch.

Moving to the St. Louis Rams

After his time with the Titans, Cortland Finnegan moved on to play for the St. Louis Rams. This move brought him to a new team and a new environment, but his playing style remained consistent. He continued to be a feisty and effective cornerback, contributing to the Rams' defense. Changing teams in the NFL is a pretty common occurrence for players, and Finnegan adapted well to his new surroundings. He was, you know, a player who always gave his all, no matter what uniform he was wearing.

Later Stops with the Dolphins and Panthers

Following his tenure with the Rams, Finnegan's career included stops with the Miami Dolphins and the Carolina Panthers. He played for both of these teams, continuing to offer his defensive skills and experience. Even as his career progressed, he remained a player who was willing to mix it up on the field. His time with these teams, in some respects, showed his durability and his continued desire to play the game at a high level. He was, you know, someone who loved to compete.

His final professional stop was briefly with the New Orleans Saints. While he didn't play extensively there, it marked the very end of his professional journey. Cortland Finnegan announced his retirement after nine NFL seasons, making the announcement on Instagram. This signaled the conclusion of a career that, you know, certainly had its share of memorable moments and strong performances. He had played for a total of four teams during his professional run, which is quite a few for a player in his position.

Key Career Statistics

Throughout his nine seasons in the NFL, Cortland Finnegan compiled some impressive statistics. He had a total of 541 solo tackles, which shows his willingness to get involved in stopping ball carriers. Additionally, he recorded 121 assists, further highlighting his contribution to the team's defensive efforts. He also managed to get 7.0 sacks, which is a good number for a cornerback, as their primary role is not usually rushing the passer. He recovered 5 fumbles, showing his ability to be in the right place at the right time. Perhaps most importantly for a cornerback, he snagged 18 interceptions, turning the ball over to his team on many occasions. These numbers, you know, paint a clear picture of a very productive career on defense. You can view the most current football statistics for Cortland Finnegan, defensive back, for the Tennessee Titans, St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers at a site like Pro-Football-Reference.com, which is a pretty comprehensive resource for football data.

Memorable Moments and Rivalries

Every professional athlete has moments that stand out, and for Cortland Finnegan, some of those moments were quite intense. He was known for his passionate style of play, which, you know, sometimes led to heated exchanges on the field. These interactions, while sometimes controversial, often added to his reputation as a player who was not afraid to challenge anyone. He was, in a way, a player who thrived on the competitive nature of the game, and this led to some truly unforgettable scenes.

The Andre Johnson Incident

One of the most widely remembered incidents involving Cortland Finnegan happened during a game in 2010. This was a physical altercation with legendary Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson. The beef between Johnson and Finnegan, it seems, had been building for years, making this particular moment almost inevitable. Johnson famously, you know, got into a fight with Finnegan during that NFL game. It was a moment that many fans recall vividly, showing the raw emotion that can surface in professional sports.

What's interesting is that this rivalry wasn't just limited to the game itself. There were reports that they almost went at it in the offseason too, which really emphasizes the depth of their disagreement. Johnson later spoke about the incident on a podcast, mentioning that he had warned Finnegan during the game that he was wearing a microphone for NFL Films, and that Finnegan was "going to get yourself into something." This little detail, you know, adds another layer to the story, showing how much was happening behind the scenes. Finnegan, for his part, even took a parting shot at Johnson when he announced his retirement, showing that the rivalry, in some respects, stayed with him for a long time.

Life Beyond the Field

After a demanding career in professional football, many players transition to a different kind of life. For Cortland Finnegan, it appears he has found happiness in his post-NFL years. The former football player, Cortland Finnegan, lives happily with his wife, Lacey Finnegan. The pair got married in 2010, which means they have been together since then, building a life away from the intense spotlight of professional sports. This aspect of his life, you know, gives us a glimpse into his personal world, showing that there's more to him than just his on-field persona.

It's always interesting to see what athletes do once their playing days are over. For Finnegan, finding happiness in his family life seems to be a key part of his current situation. His love for his wife, Lacey, has been a consistent part of his story since their marriage. This chapter of his life, you know, is a quieter one, but no less important than his time on the football field. It's a reminder that even the most competitive athletes eventually move on to different priorities, finding joy in personal connections.

Cortland: The Place, Not the Player

It's worth noting that the name "Cortland" appears in other contexts, quite separate from the former NFL player, Cortland Finnegan. For instance, there's a city named Cortland, located in central New York state. This city, according to the United States Census Bureau, has an area of 3.92 square miles (10.14 square kilometers). It lies between Syracuse and Binghamton, making it a pretty central spot in that region. The city is also surrounded by the town of Cortlandville, which is, you know, a common arrangement for municipalities.

This area, Cortland County, is part of the glaciated Appalachian Plateau area of central New York State. It's a predominantly rural county, and you can, you know, find many outdoor recreation opportunities there. The spirit of Cortland, the place, is often felt during a weekday campus tour of SUNY Cortland, where the intercollegiate athletics program has, apparently, had its best year ever in competition against fellow SUNY schools. There's a lot of momentum everywhere on the SUNY Cortland campus, with an active student body involved in research projects, clubs, and organizations. This is, you know, a very different kind of Cortland than the football player.

Downtown Cortland is also changing lanes, with new developments and activities. If you're looking for a Finger Lakes getaway, you can experience Cortland County, exploring outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, local flavors, and charming communities in this vibrant region. There are resources like "Experience Cortland" to help plan the perfect trip. So, it's clear that while the name is the same, the context is entirely different. You can live in an apartment, or you can live at Cortland, referring to a specific type of housing, but also to the place itself. There's also an independent source of journalism, launched in 2015, that is, you know, free and independent, which might also be associated with the area. It’s important to distinguish the person from the place, as they are completely separate entities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cortland Finnegan

What teams did Cortland Finnegan play for during his NFL career?

Cortland Finnegan played for a few different teams throughout his nine seasons in the National Football League. He started his professional journey with the Tennessee Titans, where he spent a significant portion of his career. After that, he moved on to play for the St. Louis Rams. Later in his career, he also had stints with the Miami Dolphins and the Carolina Panthers. He even had a brief appearance with the New Orleans Saints towards the very end of his playing days. So, you know, he certainly got around the league a bit.

What was Cortland Finnegan known for on the field?

Cortland Finnegan was pretty well known for his very competitive and, you know, fiery style of play as a cornerback. He was a tenacious defender who wasn't afraid to get physical with opposing wide receivers. He often engaged in intense matchups and was known for his strong personality on the field. This sometimes led to memorable, and at times controversial, interactions with other players. His passion for the game, you know, was always evident in his performance.

Is Cortland Finnegan still involved in football today?

Cortland Finnegan announced his retirement from the NFL after nine seasons. His announcement came via Instagram, marking the end of his professional playing career. While many former players stay involved in football through coaching, broadcasting, or other roles, the information available suggests that Cortland Finnegan is, you know, currently living happily with his wife, Lacey Finnegan, focusing on his life beyond the game. It seems he's enjoying a more private existence after his time in the spotlight.

We hope this look back at Cortland Finnegan's career and life has been interesting for you. His time in the NFL was certainly marked by memorable plays and a distinctive presence. If you're interested in more stories from the world of professional sports, you can always learn more about former athletes on our site, or perhaps link to this page for more detailed sports biographies. We're always sharing more insights and stories from the athletic world.