NFL Players Debate Ryan Tannehill’s Viral Comment About Mentoring Malik Willis

Tannehill drew some ire when he said he didn’t think it was his job to mentor rookie quarterback Malik Willis.

Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill caused some furrowed brows across the NFL on Tuesday when he said it wasn’t his job to mentor Tennessee’s rookie quarterback Malik Willis. On Wednesday, players and veterans throughout the league weighed in on the matter.

“We’re competing against each other, we’re watching the same tape, we’re doing the same drills,” Tannehill said Tuesday. “I don’t think it’s my job to mentor him, but if he learns from me along the way, then that’s a great thing.”

Tannehill also said that he thought it would be “great” if Willis learned from him while working together along the way, but the sentiment that he was less than eager to take his rookie understudy under his wing struck a chord with other players.

Tannehill, who’s started under center for Tennessee the last three seasons, revealed during the same press conference that the Titans did not inform him that they planned to take Willis prior to making the pick. Despite being unaware of the franchise’s intentions, the veteran quarterback shared that he called the team’s new rookie immediately after the selection was announced.

Last season, Tannehill completed 67.2% of his passes for 3,734 yards, 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Check out some of the responses to the veteran quarterback’s comments below.

I don’t care what y’all say,
A veteran who still has a lot to prove is NOT going out of their way to help anyone! Argue wit ya grandma.

IF they do it will happen organically.

— Will Blackmon (@WillBlackmon) May 3, 2022

He scared and that’s it. He took it there for no reason

— Charles Woodson (@CharlesWoodson) May 4, 2022

That part! A true winner wants his backups to be good and have same knowledge and understanding as best they can because if you get hurt you still want to win. I want them to be able to step in and hold it down. Just different approaches https://t.co/NyhgyWPRkc

— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) May 4, 2022

Damn makes me appreciate my guys even more‼️ https://t.co/XuFdSUYI7x

— Greg Newsome II (@gnewsii) May 3, 2022

Sheesh😳Somebody did you like that?? https://t.co/72nL2iFdSt

— Kyle Pitts👑 (@kylepitts__) May 3, 2022

This what yall fake mad about today? 😂

Tannehill is 100% right here. He has ONE job. Be the starting QB for the Titans. If he chooses to mentor Malik Willis along the way that’s good on him; but by no means an obligation. 🤷🏿‍♂️ https://t.co/4vPMqxJTsI

— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) May 3, 2022