Two new Tennessee Titans players already showing worth off the field

First-year Tennessee Titans players Logan Ryan and Taywan Taylor will not only make impacts on the field, but off the field as well.

Two of the Tennessee Titans’ biggest additions during the offseason come from different backgrounds but share some similarities. Cornerback Logan Ryan and wide receiver Taywan Taylor were both third round picks, with Taylor going at No. 72 and Ryan going at No. 83 (which would’ve been the Titans’ third round pick this year if not for a trade-up) to the New England Patriots.

Ryan is from New Jersey and went to school there at Rutgers. Taylor is from Kentucky and went to school there ate Western Kentucky. Both have defied their odds a bit, as Ryan is a two-time Super Bowl champion as starting third-rounder and Taylor put up massive numbers despite getting only one scholarship offer out of high school.

It’s tough to assume that a “chip on the shoulder” complex makes some players more humble than others, but Ryan and Taylor have their heads on right if their recent contributions off the field are any indication.

Earlier this week, Ryan gave his older brother one of the best presents anyone can ask for. Ryan’s brother had been in the process of paying off his student loans throughout the years, a struggle which many of us know all too well, and Ryan decided to take the burden off of his brother’s shoulders.

For his brother’s 29th birthday, Ryan blessed Jordan with an $82,000 check. A new big contract at the start of the offseason helped, but Ryan spent his new money the right way to start off his Titans career.

Not to be outdone, Taylor did a bit of family charity of his own. When rookies get their first contract, it’s not uncommon to see them take care of their families in some capacity. Taylor did so yesterday, buying his mother the first car she’s ever had. Kudos to Taywan and congratulations to Mrs. Taylor!

These are two more examples of the type of players general manager Jon Robinson has brought into the team to rebrand the franchise. Talent is crucial, but character and integrity is just as important for Robinson. The Titans as a whole are better for the change in philosophy.