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- The Tennessee Titans drafted quarterback Malik Willis in the 3rd round of the NFL Draft.
- Current starting QB Ryan Tannehill was recently asked if he’ll help mentor the rookie.
- Tannehill’s response is dividing opinions in the NFL world.
I cannot pretend to have the mindset of an elite athlete as I, quite clearly, am not one. I maybe could’ve played college soccer but I unfortunately assigned myself the role of team clown until it was far too late. Now, here I am writing about sports instead of playing them. Karma, I believe they call it.
Speaking of karma, enter Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who has found himself in the crosshairs of public opinion due to his recent comments about it “not being his job” to mentor rookie quarterback Malik Willis. The Titans drafted the 22-year-old former Liberty quarterback in the third round (86th overall pick) of the 2022 NFL Draft.
When asked about helping Willis learn his craft, Tannehill, perhaps controversially, said that it’s “not his job” to mentor the young signal-caller.
“I don’t think it’s my job to mentor him,” Tannehill said. “But if he learns from me along the way, that’s a great thing.”
"I don't think it's my job to mentor him."
Ryan Tannehill on mentoring Malik Willis š³ @brgridiron
(via @PaulKuharskyNFL)pic.twitter.com/uyAFhtmoDs
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 3, 2022
Following Tannehill’s comments, the NFL world seemed to be pretty divided on his opinion as some people believe a good leader should help his teammates, while others agree that his job is to play quarterback and win games for the Titans:
Some fans question Ryan Tannehill’s leadership skills
Ryan Tannehill a bitch bro š
— MikaToKreids (@MikaToKreids) May 3, 2022
Pretty disappointing take from Ryan Tannehill on not wanting to mentor Malik Willis. I get you donāt want to lose your job to a rookie, and thatās a good thing.
But, Malikās also your teammate now. Helping advance the game by teaching the younger generation is also a good thing! pic.twitter.com/ISQKJ1swQu
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 3, 2022
The Titans will need someone to mentor Malik Willis through his development.
Ryan Tannehill: pic.twitter.com/YLjfbhVzJ8
— Eric Robinson (@_Eric_Robinson) May 3, 2022
I see Ryan Tannehill is on his āNot my job to mentorā energy. Itās not, but man it makes you a good teammate. You can win without your QB being a good teammate but better for the team if he is. What a leader! Guess the Steelersā DBs had it all wrong taking time w/ rookies & š©
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) May 3, 2022
https://twitter.com/ChiefsAholic/status/1521574170408148992
I would not want Ryan Tannehill as the leader of my team with that type of mentality
— DeMoe š¬ (@DeMoeRoberson) May 3, 2022
Ryan Tannehill put himself in a bad spot with his comments. He didn't have to play that card. Now, after that playoff performance, he has to play well or those fans will turn on him quick.
— Disco (@discoque5) May 4, 2022
https://twitter.com/ChiefsAholic/status/1521575798637015043
https://twitter.com/realprinceblue/status/1521623763556741125
While other fans agree that it’s not his job to mentor Willis
The second part of Tannehillās quote is ābut if he learns from me along the way then thatās a great thingā.
Ryan is a good teammate and this isnāt his first rodeo. Heāll do right by Malik. https://t.co/DCyei1GLMt
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) May 4, 2022
This what yall fake mad about today? š
Tannehill is 100% right here. He has ONE job. Be the starting QB for the Titans. If he chooses to mentor Malik Willis along the way thatās good on him; but by no means an obligation. š¤·šæāāļø https://t.co/4vPMqxJTsI
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) May 3, 2022
It's not Ryan Tannehill's job to mentor Malik Willis. It wasn't Joe Flacco's job to mentor Lamar Jackson. Tom Brady actively undermined Jimmy G. Please ask Aaron Rodgers how supportive Brett Farvre was
— Buck Reising (@BuckReising) May 3, 2022
Itās not what you say but how you say it. Ryan Tannehill wasnāt wrong.
— Crant (@CrantGohn) May 3, 2022
What did you think Tannehill was gonna say? He's being paid to be QB1, and should have the mindset of one. He's 33, not 37-38 on his way out. It's his job to lose not just hand it over. #Titans front office didn't really think this through.. pic.twitter.com/5PxlInJ0vn
— Dave Myers BIB (@DaveMyersBIB) May 4, 2022
What yāall mad at Tannehill for? Willis better keep up wit the clipboard and footnotes, gotta show out when he gets an opportunity
— Diddy Simpson (@Diddy_247) May 3, 2022
During his career as the Titans’ starting QB, Tannehill has posted a regular-season record of 30-12, while passing for 76 passing touchdowns and 27 interceptions, and running for another 18 touchdowns. The former Texas A&M product has a 2-3 record in the postseason with Tennessee, though.