NASHVILLE – Josh Gordon has another opportunity in Tennessee.
And the veteran receiver has been around long enough to know it's just that – an opportunity.
"No promises," Gordon said with a smile. "No promises – that's not how it usually works, man. You have to show improvement, so that's what I am expected to do. And, that's what I hope to do – to go out there and makes some plays, contribute, put my best foot forward and have a good time doing it."
Gordon, signed to the practice squad last week, practiced with the Titans for the first time on Monday.
Last week, the Chiefs released Gordon as they trimmed down to their initial 53-man roster.
The Titans snatched him up, and they're giving him a chance.
"I am excited about another opportunity, man," Gordon said. "Being in the NFL, it's a blessing. I am enjoying my time here and looking forward to contributing … and getting ready and making sure I am available if coach needs me.
"I am appreciative of the opportunity I am getting here, and hope to go out there and prove myself worthy to be a contributor to the team."
With a smile, Gordon said: "I think I might surprise a few people. I hope I do."
Gordon, who's 31, led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards in 2013, as a member of the Cleveland Browns. He was named a Pro Bowler that season.
In between the Browns and the Chiefs, Gordon (6-3, 225) also spent time with the Patriots and Seahawks. He also missed three NFL seasons while suspended.
In his NFL career, Gordon has 252 catches for 4,284 yards and 21 touchdowns while playing in 75 games, with 63 starts. Gordon played in 12 games for the Chiefs last season, when he had five catches for 32 yards and a touchdown.
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said Gordon has been a professional since arriving in town at the end of last week.
"Had some great interactions with him so far," Vrabel said. "He seems to be excited to be here and we'll see where he is as we get to the end of the week."
Veteran receiver Robert Woods said he's happy to have Gordon on board.
"I know him as a player, and I know he is really a great receiver – he led the league in yards," Woods said of Gordon. "He is a really, really exciting player to watch. I really want him to just come in here and be himself, and get comfortable to he can play his game where he doesn't think to much, because that would allow him to play fast and play like the Josh Gordon we know."
Gordon isn't sure what's in store.
In addition to Woods, the Titans also currently have Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Treylon Burks, Kyle Philips, and Cody Hollister on the team's 53-man roster. Dez Fitzpatrick and Mason Kinsey are on the practice squad with Gordon.
If Gordon impresses, he could be called up to the team's 53-man roster at some point.
The Titans kick off the regular season on Sunday against the New York Giants.
"Of course, I want to play – I'd love to play," Gordon said. "I am going to do everything I can to try and put myself in a position to contribute and to showcase what I can do.
"I feel like I'm in a great place," Gordon added. "The past few years have probably been rough on everybody. COVID, recession, whatever is going on … But I'm blessed to have my family supporting me and the team as well. Coach Vrabel, the general manager here, the rest of my teammates. My position coach here. The Titans (for) extending every resource to help me out. I definitely will take them up on that offer, but for now I'm doing great. I'm enjoying myself here."
