Heads continue to roll in Nashville as GM Jon Robinson and the Tennessee Titans braintrust shockingly decided to release former first round pick, CB Adoree Jackson, and stalwart of the offensive line, Dennis Kelly earlier this evening. The moves will free up about $15M in cap space, according to Paul Kuharsky – undoubtedly the motive for a regime that appears dead set on blowing up the defense. The Titans are now in dire need of a starting caliber cornerback. Even though they signed former Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Kendall Lamm to a much cheaper deal, it’s unreasonable to expect him to seamlessly step into the “sixth man” role and replace Kelly, given Kelly’s combination of versatility and experience. This, of course, is amplified by the organization’s complete failure with Isaiah Wilson. Kelly has been as steady as they come for five seasons with the Titans.
He came here as a depth guy in 2016, when he was traded for Dorial Green-Beckham, which in hindsight, looks like highway robbery. He played in all 16 games that season, as it was evident that the Titans liked throwing him in there as a 6th blocker and just mowing people down. Lest we forget, DeMarco Murray led the AFC in rushing that year, and the Titans made a push at a playoff spot. I’m not going to lump it all on Kelly’s shoulders, but is it a coincidence that the Titans really turned their franchise around when they traded for him? Is it? They went from 3-13 in 2015, one of the worst Titans teams I’ve ever seen, to a 9-7 playoff contender in 2016…I’m just saying. And, I’ve always been of the opinion that that 2016 Titans team could’ve made some real noise had they gotten into the playoffs.
He has served as the reserve for two Pro Bowl guys in Taylor Lewan (multiple times – Lewan probably owes this man a steak dinner for holding it down in his stead so many times) and Jack Conklin (he even replaced BOTH in a game in 2018), holding his water so that the production didn’t dip off tremendously in each guy’s absence. He’s blocked for the AFC’s leading rusher in 2016, the AFC’s Offensive Player of the Month (Derrick Henry) in December of 2018, two rushing titles including a 2,000+-yard season in 2020. AND, as a right damn tackle in the NFL, has caught two touchdowns (one in an AFC Championship game, no less). To this day, Kelly holds the NFL record as the heaviest player to ever catch a touchdown in a game (321 pounds).
In 2020, Kelly finally got the chance to be “the guy” at right tackle. The Titans are incredibly fortunate to have had him because, let me tell you guys, Isaiah Wilson sure as shit wasn’t it. They were able to withstand and navigate that terrible decision, and even excel on the right side of the line, mainly because of Kelly’s readiness to handle the situation, which he did admirably. It’s an example of what true professionalism and team-first attitudes really look like.
This man had every reason to sour on management. After years of being one of the best “sixth men” in the league, it finally looked like it was his time to shine, and then the Titans go and draft a right tackle in the first round. But, instead of focusing on that, Kelly went to work, earned the right to start, and never let go. Big time lunch pail guy energy. His skillset, versatility, and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team translates well to any team. He is a pro’s pro. And, of course, after his career is all said and done, don’t be surprised to see him giving Jeff Jarrett a jackknife powerbomb in the Municipal Auditorium some time.
On a personal note, we’ve all had a lot of fun with Kelly – from him being the official favorite Titan of the SoBros Network, the Dennis Kelly Touchdown Tracker on Twitter (sorry we couldn’t get the “Touchdown” Dennis Kelly nickname to stick – people just love The Undertaker), whether or not he could beat The Undertaker in a match, and then actually catching a touchdown, Kelly has been a great sport. If you’re interested in some more Dennis Kelly content, check out the interview I did with him a little over a year ago – he walked me through catching that touchdown pass in the AFC Championship and then we dove into how he became such a huge professional wrestling fan and who some of his favorites are.
Listen to “Ep. 57: Dennis Kelly” on Spreaker.All these years for fuckin’ DGB, who by the way, has had just as many receiving touchdowns as Kelly. Folks, in case you missed it, Dennis Kelly is not a wide receiver. Not only will he go down as one of the greatest values this franchise has ever gotten – he’s an example of what it means to be a consummate professional. Guys like him don’t grow on trees.
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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