NASHVILLE – Tyjae Spears is heading into his fourth NFL season.
The Titans running back has been a part of coaching changes, roster changes, and even a logo change.
Through it all, his mindset has remained the same.
"In this league," Spears said, "you have to prove yourself each and every day, each and every year."
A third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Spears has played in 42 games over the past three seasons, with three starts. He's totaled 1,048 rushing yards and eight touchdowns over that time while also catching 127 passes for 873 yards and two more scores.
In June, Titans coach Robert Saleh called Spears one of the "bell cows" at the running back position, where Spears plays alongside veteran Tony Pollard.
Spears said he's evolving every day as a player, with something important to follow.
"Consistency overrules everything," he said. "I am trying to consistently improve … as a person and a player. And if I do that, everything is going to be good."
The Titans plan to use Pollard and Spears plenty in 2026, but what the division of carries and reps look like remains to be seen.
Spears said he's gotten close to Pollard, who has racked up over 1,000 yards over the past four seasons.
"That's my brother, man," Spears said of Pollard. "We text each other constantly, and always make sure each other is safe."
Following the acquisition of running back Nick Singleton in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Titans have more options at the running back position, with Michael Carter, Julius Chestnut and Kalel Mullings also in the mix.
But Saleh said the team plans to ride Pollard and Spears, and in time the team will determine how they'll be used.
"We'll decide that as time goes, but those two complement each other very, very well," Saleh said. "They're both really, really good third down backs. I remember studying last year, you're not beating Tony one-on-one in a protection system. The guy's an elite blocker, and he's also really good out of the backfield. And then Tyj, from a route-running ability, he's really good in that regard. They do a really nice job complementing one another. So, like I said, we'll figure all that out as time goes, but both are really good."
Spears, one of the offseason stars a year ago before a preseason injury resulted him starting the year on Injured Reserve, said he's focusing on the now again this offseason.
Spears said he's worked mentally and physically to prepare himself for the upcoming season.
He's hopeful for a change of fortunes for the team after a couple of tough seasons.
"I went through some (tough years) in college," said Spears, who played at Tulane. "So, my first few years in college were kind of rough, dealing with injuries, dealing with the record. Eventually, we keep on working hard and working together, something has to change, and this is the year to change.
"We have a new logo, and we have a lot of new things around here. So, we are going to have a winning record this year."
