The Holidays are a period to promote positivity and self reflection. There's no denying that the 3-12 Tennessee Titans have endured a difficult and frustrating campaign. That doesn't necessarily mean it's been all disappointment and negativity, however. Various Titans players have lived up to, or even surpassed expectations throughout 2024.
With our hearts filled with cheeriness, we've identified three Titans players we're especially thankful for this Holiday season.
Tony Pollard, RB
The offseason decision to essentially replace Derrick Henry with Tony Pollard wasn't a popular one. While Henry signed a two-year contract worth $16 million with the Baltimore Ravens, the Titans made an even more sizable commitment to Pollard, inking him to a three-year, $21.750 million deal. He's been outstanding for the Titans throughout 2024.
Pollard currently ranks 11th in the league in rushing yards (1,017). The former Memphis standout surpassed the 1,000 yard mark for the third consecutive season in Sunday's 38-30 defeat to the Indianapolis Colts. A lot has gone wrong with Brian Callahan's offense this season, but Pollard's effectiveness hasn't been among the persistent issues.
Amani Hooker, S
Safety Amani Hooker intercepted Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson during the first half on Sunday's defeat. The former Iowa standout now has a career-high five interceptions this season. The 2019 fourth-round pick has generated two turnovers in his previous four contests. Dennard Wilson's defense had previously been struggling to create takeaways. Hooker has addressed that issue in recent weeks.
Former general manager Jon Robinson signed Hooker to a three-year extension worth $33 million in 2022. Hooker will be scheduled to enter a contract year in 2025. Current GM Ran Carthon should strongly consider extending Hooker this offseason before he reaches the end of his contract.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE
The Titans decided to make a quarterback change ahead of Sunday, starting Mason Rudolph in place of the struggling Will Levis. While the Titans trailed 38-7 at one point, Rudolph began targeting his go-to tight end Chig Okonkwo with increased frequency. Okonkwo ended up taking advantage of those opportunities, recording career highs in receptions (nine), targets (11), and receiving yards (81).
Okonkwo has been outstanding and sure-handed in Tennessee's latest two outings. Offensive coordinator Nick Holz has seen his preferred tight end haul in 17 catches for 140 receiving yards. The former Maryland standout is establishing himself as a returning asset (alongside fellow tight end Josh Whyle) for Callahan going into the 2025 season.