Titans players, coaches praise David Quessenberry after 1st NFL start
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In Week 12, Tennessee Titans offensive lineman David Quessenberry was called upon to step into the void at starting left tackle after Ty Sambrailo suffered an injury in Week 11.
And, in his first NFL start, Quessenberry shined, both in pass protection and run-blocking, which drew praise from his teammates and coaches.
The veteran offensive lineman has had to navigate a tough road to get here. Not only has the 30-year-old had to work hard to stick on NFL rosters, but he’s also a cancer survivor, having overcome non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2014. His story is the definition of toughness and perseverance.
Shortly after the win over the Indianapolis Colts, fullback Khari Blasingame and left guard Rodger Saffold pointed to Quessenberry’s work ethic and preparedness, per Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.
“That dude, he comes to work every day,” Blasingame said. “He’s a hell of a dude.”
“When his number is called, he’s always ready to help us out,” said Saffold, who was lined up next to Quessenberry for his first start.
On Tuesday, Titans offensive line coach Keith Carter explained how much of an inspiration Quessenberry is and lauded him for his positive attitude.
“Quess is like the poster child for why you coach,” Carter said. “He’s been through so much, but his persistence and passion, it’s unmatched. As bad as your day is, you know when you get around Quess he is going to have a positive attitude and he is going to work his butt off. He is always that beacon of hope, and energy. Because his whole process, and the way he views life and attacks each day, is infectious.
“I am just so happy for him. It is just remarkable he has stuck with it as long as he has. … It was really neat to see him get his opportunity (on Sunday). … If David Quessenberry doesn’t inspire you and he is not a life lesson for you to be passionate about something and get knocked down and get back up … If you don’t see that and recognize that, you are not looking hard enough. He will go down in the history books of the great example of, ‘It doesn’t matter how you start, it’s how you finish.'”
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel said Quessenberry is “more than just a story” while appearing on his radio show on Tuesday night.
“David is more than just a story,” Vrabel said. “He lives and dies to be a great teammate, to be someone that supports his teammates, and he was prepared for this opportunity. He has earned the right to be in there. We’re lucky to have him. … His effort and his attitude and his toughness is something that we admire as a coaching staff, and as a team.”
Quessenberry has no doubt been through a lot to get here, but he never stopped believing in himself and is happy he could help his team out.
“You know, when you’re not a starter, you might be on practice squad, wherever you may be in this league – it’s a crazy league,” Quessenberry said. “I just held onto the belief that given the opportunity, I could step in and execute my job, do my assignment and, you know, help this team win and that opportunity came. I am just proud to be able to go out there and do my job.”
Quessenberry will look to build on his impressive starting debut when the Titans host the Cleveland Browns at noon CT in Week 13.
