NASHVILLE – Kevin Zeitler is headed into his 14th NFL season.
In recent years, the veteran guard has been faced with questions about why he's still playing.
The answer, per Zeitler, is simple.
"A lot of people say: What the heck are you still doing (playing)?," Zeitler said. "I love ball. Ball is going to go away some day, but not yet. I am going to go as long as I can do it well."
The Titans signed Zeitler, the starting right guard for the Detroit Lions last season, earlier this offseason as part of the team's efforts to revamp the offensive line.
Since entering the NFL in 2012, Zeitler has played more offensive snaps (12,443) than any other offensive lineman in the league. Zeitler has starts at both right guard (182) and left guard (15) during his NFL career. Last year, he was a 16-game starter at right guard for the Lions.
He's expected to play right guard in Tennessee, where he's liking what he's seeing so far this offseason.
"Just getting here the last couple of weeks, the competitiveness is obvious," he said. "There's a real drive in the building right now to get things going, and I'm excited to be a part of it.
"The things I've seen over the years, the things are happening here already. Watching the guys out at practice, what they're doing, that edge, that grit, that attention to detail, it is getting instilled and pushed right now. People are ready to get things going."
A first-round pick of the Bengals in the 2012 NFL Draft, Zeitler started 47 games with the Ravens from 2021-2023 before joining the Lions.
In his playing career with the Bengals (2012-2016), Browns (2017-2018), Giants (2019-2020), Ravens (2021-2023) and Lions (2024), Zeitler has started in 15 games or more in 11 of 13 seasons.
Zeitler was a Pro Bowler in 2023 in Baltimore, and he was Pro Bowl alternate in 2024 when he was regarded as one of the most consistent blockers on Detroit's offensive line.
Zeitler signed with the Titans because he thought it was a great fit.
"It just felt like the right decision for me and the family overall," he said. "I am excited to work with (o-line) coach Bill Callahan and try to be a part of trying to turn this around. I have known of coach Callahan for years … everyone knows he is considered one of the best, if not the best, in the league and a chance to work with him, learn his things, why not?"
Zeitler practiced in Tuesday's minicamp after working and rehabbing inside in recent weeks.
Zeitler said he's been training, lifting, and getting in shape.
His offseason mindset: "Basically don't do anything stupid now."
As for the key to his longevity, and durability.
"I am just very regimented," he said. "I've been blessed with great body teams and people that have helped keep me going everywhere I've went. … And obviously some great dumb luck also."
