The Tennessee Titans had an absolutely dismal season in 2024. The team had a 3-14 record, which was its worst in nearly a decade. Despite this, signs of hope have emerged with a promising head coach, Brian Callahan, and a top draft pick in quarterback Cam Ward. Adding to the renewed optimism, the Titans also recently unleashed their new secret weapon: Jelly Roll.
That's right. The "Dreams Don't Die" singer hasn't given up on his beloved football team, either. Before the Titans embarked on a two-week road trip, the singer (real name Jason DeFord) visited the team to share some words of wisdom. The Titans shared it yesterday on social media.
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Jelly Roll Has Been a Titan Fan Since the Beginning
DeFord began his speech by mentioning how Nashville has changed since the Titans arrived in 1998.
"The biggest acquisition we ever made as a city was the Tennessee Titans," he said. "It was the first time our city ever felt like a city. We were a town before the Titans came here, you know?
While one would expect DeFord to talk about his rough road to stardom, he instead focused on the opportunities he found to connect with others while touring.
"See what was happening on that road between me and the boys started translating to the stage," the Grammy nominee said. "And all that connection we were looking for on that stage, that we could never find, because we were only trying to find it in that hour, we thought we were going to connect for this 60 or 90 minutes, and we were going to change the world every night at every little local bar across the world.
"And then we learned that it was the 23 hours we weren't on the stage that we were building our connection. Finding a partner, finding a friend, building a relationship, building strength. Building community. That stuff will transfer to the field."
Jelly Roll Thinks His Songwriting Improved Because He Became a "Better Human" First
DeFord went on to say that the Titans' 10-day road trip was a chance to bond. Players had to "double-down" on the culture the team is trying to build.
"I started becoming a better songwriter when I started becoming a better husband," he said. "I started becoming a better performer when I started becoming a better human. I started becoming a better son. I started prioritizing my momma's calls...
"This is the time more than ever to get to know each other's grannies. That's when you start getting real tight, when you start walking in here and asking somebody about their granny.
"Think about the relationships outside of here, man. It's funny how just being a good husband will change your entire day on the field."
Could Jelly Roll Suit Up As A Titan?
Near the end of his speech, DeFord discussed his aspirations as a football player.
"I lost 200 pounds," he said. "Coach, I'm getting a contract if I lose another 50."
We confess that we'd love to see Jelly Roll suit up for the Titans. Until then, he'll have to settle for motivating them.
The entire speech is below.
