Kurt Warner has a very different perspective on mentoring than Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who said it’s not his job to mentor Malik Willis.
Ryan Tannehill might not have expected to cause a storm on Tuesday but he did thanks to his comments on new Titans quarterback Malik Willis.
Tennessee selected Willis in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, late enough that he won’t be considered an immediate threat to Tannehill’s starting job but early enough to suggest competition between the two will be in play eventually.
The drama started when Tannehill told reporters that “it’s not [his] job” to mentor the rookie quarterback.
Right away, people called attention to that statement, including Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner.
Kurt Warner claps back at Ryan Tannehill not wanting to mentor Malik Willis
“I will never understand the ‘I’m not here to mentor the next guy’ mentality… so for all you young QBs that need a mentor, DM me & Ill be that guy, happy to help in any way I can!” Warner tweeted.
I will never understand the “I’m not here to mentor the next guy” mentality… so for all you young QBs that need a mentor, DM me & Ill be that guy, happy to help in any way I can!
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) May 3, 2022
He then spent a while interacting with people who responded to his tweet.
“I spent timing coaching players and coaches, I spent time inviting and talking ppl through what helped me to be successful bc maybe it would help them the same way… I spent time helping my team, wherever I thought it could be helpful… but that’s just me!” Warner said.
Nope… I spent timing coaching players and coaches, I spent time inviting and talking ppl through what helped me to be successful bc maybe it would help them the same way… I spent time helping my team, wherever I thought it could be helpful… but that’s just me!
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) May 3, 2022
He addressed those who said Tannehill shouldn’t have to train up his replacement.
“It’s selfish to simply look at it as someone taking your job… look at it as that person helps make US better!! I want my team to be the best & if we are best with another guy, then I have to accept & still help us be great – that’s what competition is all about!” he said.
It’s selfish to simply look at it as someone taking your job… look at it as that person helps make US better!! I want my team to be the best & if we are best with another guy, then I have to accept & still help us be great – that’s what competition is all about!
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) May 3, 2022
Nope you don’t always “want” to do parts of your job – but you do them bc they are your job!!! You do them to help your team & others be better!! You do them bc they are the right thing to do!!! (Or that’s at least how I look at it)
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) May 3, 2022
Haha – different mentality – I never want to beat a guy out for job just bc the other guy isn’t at his best – I want him at his best and then the best man win… maybe I’m just wired differently!
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) May 3, 2022
My job as a member of any job, team, group is to help that org be it’s best… that’s what I signed up for (In My Mind)… not just when I have role I want… it’s what being a part of a team is all about! So my job is to help, even my replacement, be his best!! That’s my belief!
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) May 3, 2022
He also made it clear he’s not trying to cast shade on Tannehill specifically.
“Nope Ryan is a GREAT dude… I just wish more guys would embrace mentoring & simply “WANT” to help others be great, whether it’s their “job” or not!” he said.
Nope Ryan is a GREAT dude… I just wish more guys would embrace mentoring & simply “WANT” to help others be great, whether it’s their “job” or not!
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) May 3, 2022
This isn’t just about RT – love that dude – it’s simply about the mentality of it all… bc I hear the same thing all the time!!
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) May 3, 2022
He even faced off with someone who made a bagging groceries joke.
“Yep – even there, I’d be down to helping every grocery stocker/bagger be their best!!” he said.
Yep – even there, I’d be down to helping every grocery stocker/bagger be their best!!
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) May 3, 2022
Some may side with Tannehill. Others will nod along with Warner. It would be most interesting to hear which side Titans’ management sits on.
