Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill drew much flak by saying that it’s not his job to mentor rookie Malik Willis.
His comment drew so much attention that Hall of Famer Kurt Warner took a sideswipe on his statement.
The team drafted the former Liberty play-caller in the third round to beef up their quarterback depth chart.
Tannehill is still the projected starter in Week 1 of the 2022 season.
But that possibility could change if Willis ends up having a strong training camp.
For full context regarding Tannehill’s thoughts, he said to the media, “I don’t think it’s my job to mentor him. If he learns from me along the way, that’s a great thing.”
Therefore, he wasn’t being rude regarding his answer.
Tannehill was pointing out the fact that their quarterback coach and trainer are responsible for Willis’ development.
He’s not being insecure by trying to defend his starting job.
To drive his point further, here’s a great take from Titans reporter Buck Reising.
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
Reising tweeted, “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.”
Quarterbacks Are Paid To Win Games
He did make some solid arguments, especially with the situation between Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo.
For Brady, he felt that drafting Garoppolo meant that the New England Patriots didn’t trust him anymore.
Eventually, he left the Patriots and won another Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Likewise, Favre never placed Rodgers in high regard even if he was the chosen successor.
Their relationship further soured when Favre tried to make a comeback after announcing his retirement.
Tannehill is merely speaking the truth because he’s in Tennessee to hopefully win games and championships.
He can impart some wisdom to Willis, but the coaches are there to guide him further.
NEXT: Ryan Tannehill Needs To Step Up In The Postseason To Keep His Job