–Veteran linebacker Wesley Woodyard was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his 12-tackle, 1.5 sack effort in the Titans’ win over the Patriots. Woodyard, 32, is playing perhaps better now than he did when he first joined the Titans as a free agent five years ago.
He was asked on Wednesday if he had found the fountain of youth, and joked, “I have, but I can’t tell you where it’s at.”
Woodyard has been one of the Titans’ leading advocates of a plant-based, vegan style diet, but that is only one element of keeping himself playing at a high level.
The veteran linebacker said that coming into the league 11 years ago as an undrafted rookie still motivates him and taught him early on never to take anything for granted or think that anything would be given to him in the NFL.
–Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota was asked about going the extra mile and taking time to patiently sign for young fans who want autographs. Mariota said he remembered the feeling it gave him as a kid in Hawaii when he would have NFL stars at the Pro Bowl accommodate his request for a signature.
“Well, growing up in Hawaii, it was a privilege – we had the Pro Bowl year in and year out. When I was a kid, I’d go down to the NFL Experience,” Mariota said. “Whether it was Hines Ward, or just numerous players, Emmitt Smith, and guys just hanging around – I was one of those kids that was there. Sometimes I’d get something signed, or I’d wait in line to get a mini helmet signed. I just remember those things. For me, it’s the least I could do to show a little love for the kids that show support to us. I was just one of those guys. It’s kind of cool to be able to do that.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 4 – The number of touchdown passes for Marcus Mariota during the Titans’ two-game winning streak, giving him seven for the year. More important, Mariota as not thrown an interception in the past two games.
