Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has never shied away from speaking honestly. The New Orleans native will, once again, make his return home when the Titans wrap up their preseason schedule against the Saints on Sunday.
Spears and the Titans visited Caesars Superdome in Week 1 last year, a game in which the Saints eked out a win. The second-year back, who understandably grew up a huge Saints fan, played collegiate football at nearby Tulane.
However, he indicated he was heartbroken that New Orleans passed on him in the 2023 NFL draft.
“I was so hurt that they didn’t draft me,” Spears said on Thursday via ESPN’s Turron Davenport. “Because they had like the (71st overall pick). I was so hurt. But I’m blessed. I’m in this position. I’m right where I need to be. My family inside the (Titans facility), my family at home–so, I’m good.”
Spears fell to the Titans in the third round, 81st overall, in last year’s draft. The Saints did take a running back in that round, but it was TCU’s Kendre Miller, who rushed for 156 yards in his rookie season.
Spears served in a backup capacity behind Derrick Henry, rushing for over 450 yards and adding nearly 400 passing yards out of the backfield. However, his numbers are expected to see an uptick now that he is entering a split-share starting role with free-agent signing Tony Pollard.
Many have pegged Spears as a potential breakout player for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. With how quick and shifty the second-year back is, it’s not hard to see why.