Will Levis explains tense moment with DeAndre Hopkins on sideline: 'Definitely would've handled it differently'
Titans quarterback Will Levis is learning how to be an NFL starting quarterback. It’s not only studying a playbook and reading defenses. It’s about your teammates, too. Don’t show them up, or at least keep it private.
Levis and receiver DeAndre Hopkins shared an animated conversation on the Titans sidelines Sunday afternoon during an eventual, 31-28 loss to the Colts. And since there are cameras everywhere, the exchange was shown to millions watching at home. Rookie chastising veteran is a reality-show kind of NFL moment.
This conversation happened in the first quarter after the Titans duo misconnected on a deep pass. If you missed the moment, take another look. Then read on for how Levis explained it.
Oops! Titans quarterback didn’t know cameras were around
Levis acknowledged he wasn’t aware of who was watching when he chatted with Hopkins, the former All-Pro who is in his first season with the Titans.
“Maybe I forgot I was on TV,” Levis said, via Jim Wyatt of the team’s website. “Just one of those things that just happened. If I would’ve gone back, I would’ve been more neutral about it, for sure. But that’s just part of the things about being an NFL quarterback and learning along the way of how to be a leader and how to get your guys going. Definitely would’ve handled it differently if I would’ve done it again.”
For what it’s worth, Hopkins wasn’t upset with Levis after the game. The two combined for a touchdown to tie the game at 25-25 in the fourth quarter. So they celebrated that play.
Reporters asked Hopkins about the exchange during Titans post-game. He didn’t appear bothered.
“He thought I was doing something, I thought he wanted me to do something else,” Hopkins said. “Obviously, we didn’t accomplish what we wanted to accomplish.”
Hopkins added: “I love his passion, love how he plays the game, wouldn’t tell him to be anything different, just be yourself.
Levis, the Titans second-round draft pick back in April, has started six games this season. He’s thrown for 1,266 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
He’s got another starting quarterback lesson to learn for his next game. The Titans are taking on the Dolphins for Monday Night Football. It’ll be Levis’s first MNF appearance. Miami is vying for the top seed in the AFC. No doubt, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receiver Tyreek Hill will be receiving all of the attention.
“Monday Night Football – it doesn’t get much better than that,” said the Titans rookie QB. “I’ve been watching it since I was a kid. Being able to go out there on that stage for the first time is going to be really special.”