Titans’ Ryan Tannehill on moving to backup role: ‘Gotta swallow your pride a little bit’

When Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill was brought in back in 2019, he took on the backup role to Marcus Mariota before eventually getting an opportunity to start, which he certainly ran with.

But now Tannehill is back to being a backup after rookie quarterback Will Levis played well enough in his absence for the Titans to make a switch, something Tannehill previously admitted “hits hard.”

With the veteran signal-caller finally healthy, he’s set to be active for the first time as Levis’ backup. Tannehill says he’s doing what he can to be a good teammate, but he also admits he has to swallow his pride.

“It’s different, a different role,” Tannehill said, according to John Glennon of Nashville Post. “Gotta swallow your pride a little bit every day you walk in this building, which is not fun. But just trying to be the best teammate I can, help out where I can, whether it be with the quarterbacks or other position groups. Just speaking up when I see anything, trying to help out and find a way to win.”

Much like Tannehill has had to do in the past, Levis has to overcome poor pass protection, something that has been especially prevalent the last two weeks.

“[Levis is] going and he’s battling,” Tannehill said. “Like any player out there, he’s done some good things, things he’s going to learn from. That’s going to happen whether you’re a rookie or in Year 10. Obviously [I’m] trying to support him and let him do his thing.”

The Titans better step their game up along the offensive line if they want to keep Levis healthy. If not, it may not be long before we see Tannehill again.