Titans' Willis on Tannehill: 'Everything is cool'

Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Titans' Malik Willis on Ryan Tannehill: 'Everything is cool'

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/13/22

Some within the football community were surprised and even disappointed when Tennessee Titans veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill said earlier this month he was "competing against" rookie teammate Malik Willis and then somewhat defiantly added it's not his "job" to mentor the third-round draft pick.

Willis did what he could to pour cold water over any supposed controversy ahead of the weekend.

According to Turron Davenport of ESPN, Willis spoke with reporters Friday and insisted there are no problems inside the locker room.

"It was never anything negative," Willis remarked. "Ryan's a good dude. Everything is cool. He had us over the house the other day and gave us a little bit of game regarding what comes with this process."

The Tannehills had the offensive rookies to their home. #Titans pic.twitter.com/3hTII9PF4f
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) May 13, 2022

Head coach Mike Vrabel also had Tannehill's back.

"I thought Ryan handled that very well," Vrabel said of the situation. "He was genuine, he was authentic.

"Everybody here knows he's a great teammate. That (mentoring) is not his job. His job is to prepare to help us win a bunch of games and be a great teammate and help out. That was not any sort of an issue for me."

Somewhat overlooked amid Tannehill's original comments is that he also said it would be "a great thing" if Willis learned from him "along the way."

Days ago, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid generated headlines when he explained how Alex Smith proved to be "the greatest thing that ever happened to Patrick Mahomes." Tannehill and Willis don't necessarily need to have a similar relationship for the latter to become an elite player at the sport's most important position.

More must-reads: