The 2022 offseason isn’t going in the way of Tennessee Titans QB1 Ryan Tannehill. At first, he was deprived of his favorite target wide receiver AJ Brown. Then the Titans drafted Malik Willis, the QB star from Liberty, who has the potential to make the QB1 spot.
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Tannehill was not happy with the Titans’ front office for not discussing their desire to draft a QB this season. However, now that they have, the veteran isn’t going to make it easy for Willis to take his role as a QB1. In a press conference on Tuesday, Tannehill addressed the current QB scenario but ended up making it more awkward.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 28, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Liberty quarterback Malik Willis on the red carpet at the Fountains of Bellagio before the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports/REUTERS
“That’s part of being in a quarterback room, in the same room — we’re competing against each other, we’re watching the same tape, we’re doing the same drills,” Tannehill said. “I don’t think it’s my job to mentor him. But if he learns from me along the way, then that’s a great thing.”
QB tensions in the Tennessee locker room after comments by Ryan Tannehill
That being said, the Tennessee locker room might just be a very competitive place for any QB to be this season. Although the stance taken by Tannehill is understandable since he is paid to play as a QB1. And he would want to compete with anyone who comes in between him and his role as a leader. However, fellow NFL players react differently to it. Some believe him not to be a team player, while others support his stance.
Tannehill’s former teammate AJ Brown had just two words for the latest drama. “Philly lit”, Brown tweeted. Clearly, the veteran receiver wants to reunite with his Titans QB in Philadelphia. But since Tannehill remains the QB1 for the Titans, that move seems to be far-fetched.
Philly lit 🔥
— AJ Brown (@1kalwaysopen_) May 3, 2022
While the reaction from other NFL players, sparked a debate about Tannehill not being a good teammate.
You have always been there to help me when I have asked. Thank you! https://t.co/8OSBRmw9Y9
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) May 3, 2022
This what yall fake mad about today? 😂
Tannehill is 100% right here. He has ONE job. Be the starting QB for the Titans. If he chooses to mentor Malik Willis along the way that’s good on him; but by no means an obligation. 🤷🏿♂️ https://t.co/4vPMqxJTsI
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) May 3, 2022
Sheesh😳Somebody did you like that?? https://t.co/72nL2iFdSt
— Kyle Pitts👑 (@kylepitts__) May 3, 2022
Don’t be this guy vets help other players especially rookies it’s enough for us all to eat! https://t.co/cblKgzcV4Q
— T.Bill$ (@_TBJXIII) May 3, 2022
Man pass the game down to the next. Anyone of my teammates cornerbacks. Would tell you I helped everybody def not a obligation but because I didn’t care I thought none of them would take my job because I’m him. So I’ll pass this knowledge down I got!!
— Casey Hayward (@show_case29) May 3, 2022
I see Ryan Tannehill is on his “Not my job to mentor” energy. It’s not, but man it makes you a good teammate. You can win without your QB being a good teammate but better for the team if he is. What a leader! Guess the Steelers’ DBs had it all wrong taking time w/ rookies & 💩
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) May 3, 2022
It's not Ryan Tannehill's job to mentor Malik Willis. It wasn't Joe Flacco's job to mentor Lamar Jackson. Tom Brady actively undermined Jimmy G. Please ask Aaron Rodgers how supportive Brett Farvre was
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) May 3, 2022
The Tennessee Titans need Ryan Tannehill to do what Alex Smith did for Patrick Mahomes. Play well, lead and be a resource for Malik Willis. Then turn things over to Willis after a year if he develops.#NFLDraft
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 30, 2022
Man pass the game down to the next. Anyone of my teammates cornerbacks. Would tell you I helped everybody def not a obligation but because I didn’t care I thought none of them would take my job because I’m him. So I’ll pass this knowledge down I got!!
— Casey Hayward (@show_case29) May 3, 2022
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You should be willing to give your knowledge to the younger players but insecurity is why he won’t help Malik! I learned from my older players but that was a different time in the league! You can’t win a championship with selfishness! #GoMalik https://t.co/lP7ZWrJtCR
— Rod Woodson (@RodWoodson26) May 4, 2022
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Was the comment made by Ryan Tannehill justified? Should he guide Willis through his training with the franchise?
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