NASHVILLE – From this day forward, Carnell Tate and Keldric Faulk will forever be linked.
On Thursday night, the Ohio State receiver and the Auburn edge rusher were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.
On Friday morning, the two boarded a private jet in Pittsburgh and they traveled together to Nashville, where they were introduced to coaches, and some of their new teammates. Later, they toured the team's locker room, weight room and meeting rooms at the facility before being introduced to local media at a press conference at Vanderbilt Health Football Center.
They also visited Titans House, before making a stop by 104.5-FM for a radio interview.
It was all part of a marathon day that included conversations with quarterback Cam Ward, receiver Chimere Dike and other Titans who happened to be in the building.
"The last 24 hours, they've kind of been a little hectic," Faulk said. "Mostly exciting, though, just because I get to start a new part of my journey. It's really been exciting. Came in the building today to get to know some of the great people in this building, and I brought my family down here, so they get to witness it, as well. So, it's been great."
With a smile, Tate said he's enjoying the moments as well.
"Like Keldric said, it's been hectic the past 24 hours," he said. "But this is all we've ever worked for. We are very appreciative of the Titans organization for them believing in us, and also it wouldn't be without our parents and our family that got us this far. We appreciate them all and we appreciate the Titans organization for bringing us in."
The Titans picked Tate fourth overall because of his play-making ability as a receiver. At Ohio State, he was a game changer, and he's expected to do the same in Tennessee.
The Titans traded up into the back of the first round to select Faulk at 31st overall. The 6-5, 274-pound Faulk has been a beast of a player since he received his first scholarship offer as an eighth grader. In high school and in college, he continued to flash signs of greatness.
Having both players in the building on Friday brought smiles to the faces of General Manager Mike Borgonzi and Coach Robert Saleh.
"What's better than having one first-round pick than having two?," Borgonzi said. "We couldn't be more excited to welcome Carnell and Keldric to the Titans organization. Just two obviously outstanding football players. They are even better human beings. They embody everything we want this in this organization: Work ethic, resiliency, toughness, intelligence. They have it all, and that's why they are sitting up here today."
Saleh knows both players have room to grow, and expand their respective games in the NFL.
"These two young men are going to produce in this league," Saleh said. "The fact of the matter is these are two extremely talented young men, and they are going to be very, very productive in this league."
Tate, who grew up in Chicago, and Faulk, who is from the tiny town of Highland Home, Ala., are happy to be in it together. The two players were joined by family members on the plane ride to Nashville, when they got to know each other even better.
In the days, weeks, months and years to come, they'll look to establish themselves, and become leaders and big-time producers in the NFL, in Tennessee.
Their journey is now under way.
"It's exciting," Faulk said. "To have this kind of caliber player get drafted in the first round with me is a blessing in itself, and I can't wait to get to know him and get to be a teammate for him."
