When the Tennessee Titans made the switch at quarterback from Marcus Mariota to Ryan Tannehill, it marked the end of a four and a half year effort to make Mariota the franchise quarterback. He’s a divisive guy among Titans fans. Some wanted him gone last season. Some were married to the idea that he could be the guy. Regardless, the decision was made and the Titans moved on.
Hopefully, time will allow even the staunchest of Mariota haters to appreciate all the good he did with the Titans. He certainly had a hand in getting that team to the AFC Championship. But, while you may critique the man’s performance on the field, no one can dispute what a stand-up guy he is.
He had every right to just shut it down back in October. Instead, he remained steadfast of his support in his team. That has never been more evident than when Inside the NFL caught him consoling Tannehill after losing the AFC Championship.
The Titans’ miracle run was sparked when they benched Marcus Mariota for Ryan Tannehill.
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 22, 2020
Here’s what Mariota said to Tannehill after he came up one game short of the Super Bowl.
That’s real
(via @insidetheNFL)pic.twitter.com/6FLlGqhqnv
I’m sorry, Inside the NFL, are you trying to break our hearts? Are you trying to twist the knife into our bodies? WHY DO YOU WANT ME TO CRY AND WHY IS IT WORKING?!?!
One thing is for sure….if you’re trying to get all of Nashville to watch your show, congratulations. You just did it. I don’t have Showtime, but you get my larger point here.
Mariota tells a very downtrodden Tannehill, “it’s the start of something great” and “you’re going to be playing in a lot of these.” We’d all be so lucky to have someone like Mariota in our lives, gassing us up when we needed it most.
I’m of the opinion that the Titans window is opening. Hopefully, they can bring Tannehill back, as he’s been instrumental in getting the Titans to a championship level of football. But, we have to tip the cap to Mariota for being such a good dude and a professional. Guys like him are pretty rare in this day and age.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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