Matthews has jersey retired by Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- For the record, retirement is just fine with Bruce Matthews.
Matthews played in 296 games, more than any non-kicker in NFL history, before ending his 19-year career in July at age 40. The Titans honored his achievements Sunday by retiring his No. 74 jersey and inducting him into their Hall of Fame during halftime of their game against Indianapolis.
Matthews said it felt strange being back in Nashville for the first time since last season ended.
"I think I'm getting a lot more comfortable about not playing," he said. "I've had my moments during the year."
He said he went through withdrawal during training camp. He watched the Titans' season opener against Philadelphia and missed not being on the field.
But he has been busy with his family and six children in Missouri City, Texas, coaching a pee wee football team, and working on their home. That has given him the opportunity to watch the NFL from a distance.
"I am having fun being a fan again," Matthews said.
Drafted in 1983
Matthews was drafted by the Houston Oilers out of USC in 1983 and started the final 15 games that season. He was selected to a record 14 consecutive Pro Bowls, a feat shared with Merlin Olsen.
Owner Bud Adams, moved the Oilers to Tennessee in 1997, said he was honored to retire Matthews' jersey.
"We look forward to his induction in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007," Adams said.
Matthews joined Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell (No. 34), Hall of Fame offensive lineman and current Titans assistant coach Mike Munchak (No. 63), defensive lineman Elvin Bethea (No. 65) and safety Jim Norton (No. 43) as the only players to have their numbers retired by the Houston/Tennessee franchise.
"The only way I can describe it is, it's very humbling to me. Because honestly, and I've said it a little bit, I've never felt like this was a job to me. I've never felt like this was work or I forced myself to do anything because I enjoyed it so much," Matthews said.
"To be honest, the fact that they paid me and paid me well was like this was the greatest scam going."