NASHVILLE – Cordell Volson is living proof the NFL dream is possible, no matter where it starts.
Heading into Year 5, Volson is far from satisfied, however.
And in his first year with the Titans, the veteran guard is looking to establish himself in Tennessee while being part of a franchise turnaround.
"It's been quite the journey," Volson said, "and to be here and be a part of this is really exciting."
Volson, signed this offseason after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Bengals, is in the mix to become the starting right guard with the Titans. To win it, he'll have to do what he's done since he first started playing football – earn it with resiliency, and grit.
Volson has no problem putting in the work – his parents own and operate an excavating company back home in North Dakota.
"Growing up in a small town and seeing how hard my parents worked their whole life, and how they continue to do, that work ethic was passed down," Volson said. "So, I just want to show up every day and improve.
"My mindset is to show up, lead by example, and be the same guy every day. I'm going to compete my ass off and make the guys around me better."
Volson is from the tiny town of Balfour, North Dakota, which has a population of 27. He went to high school at Drake-Anamoose (N.D.) and was part of a graduating class of 13. Gracee, his wife of two years, was also one of the 13. These days, the two run a foundation called "Small Town, Big Dreams," which helps provide opportunities for other kids in rural communities.
Growing up, Volson played AAU basketball, and that allowed him to see life outside North Dakota. But most of his youth was spent working at the excavating company run by his parents, and eventually bulking up his body to play football, and reach his dream of playing in the NFL. It's something his older brother, Tanner, was able to do, at least for a short time, with the Chargers.
"There weren't a lot of strength programs growing up," Volson said. "I remember my brother took me to the weight room as a seventh grader and dropped the bar on me and said, "Lift it up."
In high school, Volson played offensive line, defensive line, tight end, fullback, linebacker, punter and kicker, while also playing basketball. He eventually settled in as a football player, and earned a scholarship to North Dakota State, where he showed up weighing 250 pounds.
Volson put on 50 pounds as a freshman, and he ended up developing into a first-team FCS All-America performer. He was teammates, and roommates, three years with former Titans lineman Dillon Radunz. Volson said Radunz gave him some tips on Nashville when he signed back in March.
After the Bengals drafted him in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Volson quickly established himself.
Volson started all 16 games at left guard as a rookie in 2022 (one game was canceled) before starting 17 games at left guard in 2023. In 2024, Volson started 15 of 17 games at left guard.
How did he do it?
"I think the big thing for me is first off, I love football," Volson said. "That is something that drives me. To get the opportunity to play a kids game and make money doing it is just the cherry on top. When football is over, it is over. It is not like you get to play pick-up football like you do basketball or play softball. Every opportunity I get I want to take advantage of it and enjoy the moment. And then work really hard."
Volson was sidelined in 2025 with the Bengals because of a shoulder injury that forced him to spend the entire season on Injured Reserve. Volson said he's healthy now, and hungrier, because of the time away.
"It gave me a different perspective on things," Volson said. "It was very challenging."
In his first training camp in Tennessee, Volson is among several players competing for the starting right guard spot.
Earlier this offseason, assistant GM Dave Ziegler discussed the addition of Volson in Tennessee.
"He has a lot of experience, started for three years in Cincinnati before having an injury," Ziegler said. "We like the experience that he brings. We like his size. We like his toughness."
Volson, of course, will have to earn it, but he plans to help others along the way.
It's what he's done his entire life.
"I'm going to show up every day and work to improve," Volson said. "I have started (51) games in this league and hopefully I can share some of the things I've learned with the young guys, too, and move this thing forward.
"I am fired up to be here, and feel like there's a good buzz, energy, around this team. I'm excited to be a part of trying to turn this thing around."
