NFL legend calls out Ryan Tannehill over Malik Willis comments
NFL veteran Kurt Warner offered his mentorship to incoming rookie Malik Willis after comments made by Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Titans moved up in the draft to select Willis in the third round, something that appears to have drawn the ire of their current quarterback who now might be competing for his job.
While speaking about the prospect of mentoring Willis as he enters the league, Tannehill stated “I don’t think it’s my job to mentor him.” NFL veterans around the league jumped to criticize his comments, including journeyman Kurt Warner.
Kurt Warner on Malik Willis
“I will never understand the ‘I’m not here to mentor the next guy’ mentality,” said Warner on social media. “So for all you young QBs that need a mentor, DM me & Ill be that guy, happy to help in any way I can!”
Warner’s comments are a direct response to Tannehill’s oddly defensive stance against the incoming Titans rookie. The NFL and its veterans frequently praise the strength of their “brotherhood” and how important veterans are to the development of rookies and the game itself.
While Warner’s career may not be similar to those drafted — as he himself was an undrafted free agent — his experience as a long-time veteran and Super Bowl winning quarterback would be invaluable to any rookie who reaches out to him.
However, Tannehill is coming off a disastrous end to last season as the Titans fell to the Bengals, 19-16, in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The Titans’ defense put forth an incredible effort by sacking quarterback Joe Burrow a record-tying nine times in the loss. Unfortunately, Tannehill completed just 15 of 24 passes for 220 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
After the game, many fans were critical of Tannehill and he took the majority of blame for his performance. Tannehill recently admitted that the loss forced him to seek therapy for help processing the end of the season. Now, with Tennessee drafting a high-ranked quarterback prospect behind him, it’s very likely that the move did not sit well with Tannehill as he attempts to lead the team this season.