NASHVILLE – We're now nearing the midway point of July, and we're closing in on Titans training camp.
I hope everyone is having a great summer.
I've been on the move, but I stopped to answer some questions for this weekend's mailbag.
Thanks to all those who keep the inbox hopping on a regular basis.
Let's do this …
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
Will Turner from Lebanon, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim, this question isn't a Titans specific question, but it's something I wonder about every time I hear people talk about players – especially high draft picks or big name trades, etc. There is an often-repeated refrain; some variation of "he's a hard worker, always in the building, eager to learn everything." My question is: Are there players in the NFL who aren't hard workers/always in the building/eager to learn? Have you met players that "coast?"
In my mind, just to make it into and stay in the league, guys have to always be "on" and giving it 110% non-stop.
(This might be a dumb question, but I always wonder.)
Jim: Hey Will. This is actually a really good question. You'd think commitment and effort would be givens, but they're not. I'm not going to name names in here, but there have been guys over the years who have fallen short on the commitment part. To this day, I still think back on certain guys and wonder how good they might've been if they'd committed themselves more. These guys are small in number, and most of them don't stick around very long. The majority of the guys I've run across since I started covering the team in 1999 have been hungry, driven, and all about football. But yes, there have been others who lacked the necessary drive at the time, and I can't help but wonder if these guys have regrets.
Johnny Long from Bowling Green, Kentucky
Question: Hey Jim. Thanks for keeping us updated throughout the offseason. Hope everyone had a great July 4th.
My family will be attending the Blue and White Scrimmage at Nissan Stadium. Will the starters be playing, and will there be an opportunity for my kids to get any autographs? Thanks!
Jim: Hey Johnny. I haven't see the run of show yet for the August 7 Blue and White scrimmage you're referring to, but I'm anticipating it will be like the other scrimmages at the stadium. All the players – unless they're injured – will participate. And there is usually an opportunity for autographs either before or after the scrimmage. But stay tuned on this, because more information should be available in the coming weeks.
Blake George from Columbus, Ohio
Question: Which assistant coach seems to have had the biggest impact so far?
Jim: Hey Blake. I probably should wait until the pads come on before I answer this, but I'm going to throw one guy's name out there based on the effort and approach from his position group this offseason. I'm going to say d-line coach Aaron Whitecotton. I like his style and teaching methods, and his players seem to have really bought in based off what I've seen this offseason.
Don R from Marysville, Ohio
Question: Jim. First time writing in , love the reading the column/ mailbag ….
I wanna start by saying I've been a fan since Earl Campbell via ( Archive footage, wasn't born then till after he retired. But counts right , haha ) and Steve "Air " McNair & Eddie George .
I want to send my thoughts and prayers to CJ2K , heartbreaking .
My question: What team do you want & think we will see for rivalry uniforms, and do you think there will be some homage to the oilers?
Jim: Hey Don. I suspect the Rivalry uniforms will be worn in the second half of the season. I don't think it will include an homage to the Oilers.
Stacey George from Fayetteville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. Id just like to comment on our Titan Big Jeffery Simmons and that Big Payday he deserves it Jeff is a fine young man an a Big time Leader he loves football Hall Fame player .
Also on our Quarterbacks Cam an Will I keep hearing everyone make excuses for Cam's play last year and its true he didn't have the players around him to make him look good true. My point Will Levis had even less o-line play also i know he made bone headed plays a few times but to me he was always trying to get the wins for our team and he was always thinking he could make that play. Anyway, I believe Will Levis will also make some team a great Quarterback if gets to a team that can protect him. Thanks Jim for you being you & Titan up for Superbowl 2028
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Stacey.
Eli Patnesky from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Question: Hey Jim. I might be late in this but I hope all is well for C.J. ALS is tough to have so I just hope he has a good rest of his life fighting this sickness.
Jim: Hey Eli. You're never too late on this. I'm sure C.J. appreciates all the thoughts, prayers and well wishes he receives. I hope you're having a great summer.
Barbara Merz from Mount Juliet, Tennessee
Question: No question but a THANK YOU.
I had Titans tickets for many years from day one until I and my husband had to give them up due to health reasons and age.
He turned 88 June 12th and I turned 84 June 29th.
That day I turned on my computer and e-mails and one was from the Titans
It was Happy Birthday e-mail.
I hope you can get to the Titans and even the players who we still love. And watch every game (and share) a big Thank You for me.
Jim: I love hearing this, Barbara. And I hope you and your husband had great birthdays!
Mike Gambini from Georgia
Question: Hey I am a Falcons fan but was always a Chris Johnson fan please tell me that they're going to put him in the Ring of Honor sometime this year. If not, can you please let me know if there is an initiative to do so.
Jim: I've heard from a lot of fans hoping this will happen.
Darren Bennett from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Question: Dear Jim, I have not asked this before, but it has occurred to me while watching these World Cup games. Will the new Nissan Stadium be grass or turf? Ps. I hope it's grass.
Jim: Hi Darren. The playing surface will be an artificial turf in the new Titans stadium, although the specific type of artificial turf has not yet been revealed. From what I've been told, the new turf will be the best, technologically advanced field surface available when the stadium is ready.
Have a great weekend everyone!
