Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Dennis Kelly had plenty of reasons to opt out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19, and it’s something he certainly considered doing.
Kelly, who is competing for the starting right tackle job with 2020 first-round pick Isaiah Wilson, welcomed a new child into the world this offseason, which is reason in and of itself to consider opting out.
However, Kelly also noted that he has multiple family members who are considered “high-risk” and has dealt with a mystery illness himself in the past. It was for these reasons that he thought about not playing in 2020.
.@DennisKelly67 said his mother-and-law and mom are both "high-risk." And he wants to keep family safe. Also dealt with a mysterious illness himself in past. Said he gave some thought to opting out.@Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 14, 2020
As we previously noted, Kelly is trying to win the starting job at right tackle that was vacated by Jack Conklin, who signed with the Cleveland Browns in free agency. For a player who has spent his career as a backup, this is obviously a big opportunity.
Even though he’s competing with Wilson, that won’t stop Kelly from lending a helping hand to the rookie whenever he has questions.
RT Dennis Kelly on complexity of taking Isaiah Wilson under his wing vs competing with Wilson for a starting role:
"There is a little bit of a challenge, just because those two things conflict …But I’m not going to push him away. If he has questions, I’m going to talk to him."
— Erik Bacharach (@ErikBacharach) August 14, 2020
When the Titans inked Kelly to a three-year deal this offseason, they told the veteran that the job was his. Despite that, Kelly says he was always prepared to have to earn it.
#Titans RT Dennis Kelly on the team selecting Isaiah Wilson in the 1st rnd:
It’s one of those things where I knew going into this I was still going to have to earn it. I’ve always prepared to be a starter and now I have a shot at it.— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 14, 2020
As far as teammate and right guard Nate Davis is concerned, Kelly says the 2019 third-round pick has brought a great attitude to camp and looks to be more confident.
.@DennisKelly67 on @Nate_Davis73: He has more confidence, and he's brought a great attitude to camp.@Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 14, 2020
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