Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill ruffled some feathers on Tuesday when he was asked about incoming rookie Malik Willis.
The veteran quarterback feels it’s not his job to mentor his possible replacement.
“We’re competing against each other, we’re watching the same tape, we’re doing the same drills. I don’t think it’s my job to mentor him. If he learns from me along the way, that’s a great thing,” Tannehill explained.
Several former players came out to criticize these comments from Tannehill. Fox Sports analyst Colin Cowherd took the opposite approach.
During Wednesday’s episode of “The Herd,” Cowherd agreed with the veteran QB’s take.
“He is fighting for himself and fighting for his career. It’s not his job to develop his replacement,” Cowherd explained.
Cowherd also urged onlookers to examine the tone with which Tannehill shared these comments. By no means did the 34-year-old signal caller seem aggressive or mean-spirited when talking about Willis’ arrival.
Tannehill is expected to start the year as the Titans’ QB1 for the fourth straight season.