Tennessee Titans QB Ryan Tannehill Seeks Therapy After Losing Playoffs, Says It’s Not His Duty To Mentor rookie Malik Willis
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Titans well aware of the opportunity they had to pay in the previous 19-16 loss Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL knockouts. Thrown three interceptions in that game, Ryan Tannehill may have felt it the most.
“It was a deep scar,” Tannehill said of the loss. “Every time I close my eyes, I watch the game again. I couldn’t sleep for weeks. I was in a dark place, and it took me a while, a lot of work to get out of it. .
“I got through it, but therapy, talking to people, time helped. It took a lot of work to get over it.”
Tannehill said he has had a lot of therapy sessions and can now look back on the game and learn from the process of moving on to the next step. The veteran quarterback had to be treated briefly, but the injury from the playoff loss brought a new level of pain.
“This is the first time I really need it [therapy] to pull me out of the dark,” said Tannehill.
Tannehill says the loss is a scar he will carry with him for the rest of his life but it could be the impetus for him to work hard to get ready for the 2022 season with “aspiration to win like he’s never had before.”
Returning to the Titans facility to work with teammates has helped Tannehill shift his focus away from the abrupt end to the 2021 season. He will also soon have a new full-back he will be working with. together.
The Titans rookies are yet to be reported, but when they do, the quarterback Malik Willisselection in the third round last week’s draftwill be among the first year players.
Tannehill said the Titans didn’t notify him they were picking Willis with pick number 86, though he said he texted Willis shortly after the team made the pick. The veteran quarterback said he understands how the league works and welcomes the competition.
“I don’t think it’s my job to mentor him. But if he learns from me along the way, that’s a great thing.”
Ryan Tannehill, in Titans sketch Malik Willis
“I don’t think it’s my job to advise him,” Tannehill said. “But if he learns from me along the way, that’s a great thing.”
Tuesday also marked Tannehill’s first opportunity to publicly react to the Titans night-time sale sent to his #1 wide receiver, AJ Brownarrive Philadelphia Eagles. The Titans used the first pick they received in the trade to choose an all-rookie recipient Treylon Burks.
Tannehill said of the Brown transaction: “I was shocked.” And then I talked to AJ and found out it was true. I slept terribly that night and thought it was just a bad dream, but that’s where we are.”
Tannehill is not participating in the volunteer portion of offseason team activities because he needs to finish remodeling his home in Florida and wants to spend a little more time with his family. However, the Titans select recipient went to South Florida to work with Tannehill during the off-season.