In the sweltering Nashville heat, a rookie’s mettle is tested. JC Latham, Titans’ prized draft pick, faces Bertha—a 380-pound behemoth. It’s a trial by fire, a clash of wills between man and steel.

During his final season with the Crimson Tide, Latham started all 13 games at right tackle, amassing an impressive 41 knockdown blocks across 813 snaps, averaging about 3.2 per contest, making him an undeniable asset. The Titans, recognizing his potential, have solidified their commitment to Latham with a substantial four-year, $26.04 million rookie contract.

Meanwhile, the practice field buzzed with anticipation as Latham approached Bertha. The initial encounter was humbling—Bertha stood unyielding. But Latham, with a resolve as steely as the sled itself, regrouped. “On my first rep… I shot out of my hips and got it straight up,” Latham recounted as reported by USA Today. “You’ve really got to gradually drive as you rise with your hips.”

Bill Callahan, the architect of this rite of passage, watched intently. His creation was not just a test of strength but of technique and heart. “He’s very, very educated with the detail of the work,” Latham said of Callahan, a coach known for his blunt assessments and high standards. “If you had a bad rep, he’ll just tell you your rep sucked.”

Latham’s perseverance paid off. With a crowd of onlookers and the weight of expectations upon him, he conquered Bertha. Talking about Bertha, the Titans head coach Brian Callahan observed, “It’s designed in a way to more accurately mimic what it feels like to have to clamp and brace on what a normal defender would feel like.”

As Latham addressed the media after the camp, his humility shone through. “There are lots of areas needing to improve,” he admitted, signaling not just his triumph over Bertha but his commitment to growth. The journey is long, but for JC Latham, it has begun with a push that moved more than just a sled—it moved the hearts of Titans fans everywhere. Showcasing his commitment to the team, Latham was even ready to step out of his comfort zone, slowly transitioning into a new role.

JC Latham changes positions for the Titans!

The Tennessee Titans’ journey has been marked by moments of brilliance and periods of rebuilding, much like the path of their recruit, JC Latham. The Titans’ legacy includes notable achievements such as an NFL-best 13–3 record in 2000 and their first division title. This history of striving for greatness mirrors Latham’s ascent from a high school standout at IMG Academy to a first-team All-SEC player at Alabama.

Under the tutelage of esteemed offensive line coach Bill Callahan, Latham is transitioning from a collegiate right tackle to a professional left tackle. Callahan, whose coaching pedigree includes guiding teams to the Super Bowl and nurturing top-tier talent, sees in Latham a rare blend of size and agility. “I think, number one, his athleticism,” Callahan stated to USA Today, underscoring the rookie’s physical capabilities

As Latham steps into the Titans’ world, he carries with him the legacy of those who have donned the navy blue and Columbia blue before him. His transition to the professional stage is reminiscent of the Titans’ evolution from their origins in Houston to their current home in Nashville. With each block, each game, and each season, Latham is poised to add his chapter to the Titans’ rich narrative.