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Levis Unfazed: ‘Bring It On’ for Titans Backup QB War
Will Levis Returns to Titans with New Mindset: "I’m a Dang Good Quarterback"
The Big Picture
After missing an entire season due to injury, Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis is back at training camp with a completely different outlook on football and life. For the first time since second grade, Levis spent a full year away from the game—and he says it changed everything.
Important: This is Levis’s fourth NFL season, but his first full year off since childhood. He calls it a "reset" for his mind and body.
What Happened Last Season?
- Levis was placed on injured reserve before training camp in 2025
- He did not throw a single pass in a game all year
- The Titans finished 3-14, earning the #1 overall pick
- Tennessee used that pick to draft quarterback Cam Ward
Levis’s New Approach: Fun First, Pressure Second
Levis told reporters he’s done seeking approval from others. Now, his focus is simple:
- Have fun playing football
- Be the best version of himself
- Stay mentally healthy
Key Quote: "I needed that time, not just physically, but just mentally to calm the nervous system. Where I’m at mentally is in a much healthier place than it’s ever been." — Will Levis
The Quarterback Competition
The Titans have three quarterbacks fighting for spots:
| Quarterback | Role | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Cam Ward | Starter (rookie) | #1 overall pick in 2025 draft |
| Mitch Trubisky | Veteran backup | 8 NFL seasons, worked with OC Brian Daboll in Buffalo |
| Will Levis | Competing for backup | 3rd year pro, 2,091 yards, 13 TDs, 12 INTs in 2024 |
Current Practice Situation
- Trubisky gets most reps behind Ward during team drills
- Levis works with younger players fighting for roster spots
- Coach Robert Saleh says Levis "will get every opportunity to compete"
Levis by the Numbers (2024 Season)
- 2,091 passing yards
- 13 touchdowns
- 12 interceptions
- 12 games played
Levis admits he could have played better but insists he’s improved mentally despite zero game action in 2025.
The Mental Transformation
Levis explained how his mindset shifted during his year away:
Before: Suppressed emotions, played for others’ approval
Now: Addresses feelings head-on, works through challenges, leads from within
Important: Levis says he’s learned to "work through some things" he couldn’t process before. He believes this makes him better equipped for NFL quarterback pressures.
Levis’s Bold Confidence
Despite limited recent game tape, Levis hasn’t lost belief in his ability:
"I know I’ve put the tape out there already that I’m a dang good quarterback in this league and I’m even better than I ever have been. There are not 32 quarterbacks in this league better than me. I know that for sure."
What This Means for the Titans
- Depth at QB — Three capable quarterbacks create competition
- Mentorship opportunity — Levis helps younger players while staying ready
- Insurance policy — If Ward struggles or Trubisky gets hurt, Levis has starting experience
- Culture shift — A quarterback focused on mental health and joy could positively impact the locker room
Summary
Will Levis returns to the Tennessee Titans after a lost 2025 season with a refreshed mind and renewed confidence. While rookie Cam Ward holds the starting job and veteran Mitch Trubisky leads the backup competition, Levis isn’t discouraged. He’s embracing a "have fun, be your best self" philosophy that he says makes him a better quarterback—and a better leader—than ever before. Coach Robert Saleh promises fair competition, and Levis insists he’s ready whenever his number is called. One thing’s certain: he still believes he belongs among the NFL’s elite 32 starters.
FAQ
Q: Why did Will Levis miss the entire 2025 season?
A: He was placed on injured reserve before training camp due to an injury. The article doesn’t specify the exact injury, but it kept him out all year.
Q: Is Will Levis the starting quarterback for the Titans?
A: No. Rookie Cam Ward (the #1 overall pick in 2025) is the starter. Levis is competing with veteran Mitch Trubisky for the backup role.
Q: What were Levis’s stats the last time he played?
A: In 12 games during the 2024 season, he threw for 2,091 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Q: What does "injured reserve" mean?
A: It’s an NFL roster designation that allows a team to keep an injured player without counting them against the 53-man active roster. Players on IR typically miss at least four games (often the whole season).
Q: Why does Levis say he’s improved without playing?
A: He credits mental growth—learning to process emotions, stop seeking others’ approval, and focus on being his best self. He says this mental reset makes him better prepared for quarterback pressures.
