NFL News: 37 Year Old Former Pro Bowl Quarterback Doesn’t Rule Out Return
Former first-round pick and NFL veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill has largely stepped away from the game, but in a recent interview, he didn’t completely shut the door on a potential return. While acknowledging that the “ship has probably sailed,” Tannehill left just enough room for speculation, reflecting on his career, his current life, and the state of his former teams.
NFL QB Ryan Tannehill: The Chapter Isn’t Entirely Closed
In an exclusive interview with The Escapist, Tannehill discussed his mindset after not playing last season. He revealed that he received calls from teams but that “nothing ever felt like the right opportunity.” He now considers that chapter of his life closed, but with a slight caveat.
“I think that ship has sailed for me,” Tannehill said, before adding, “Nothing’s ever set in stone.” His comments suggest that while he is not actively pursuing a comeback, a perfect situation could potentially lure him back. He admitted that a return would require some work, noting that while he stays in shape, he hasn’t been throwing regularly since last year. “It’d be a little bit of knocking some rust off to get the arm moving again,” he explained.
Reflections on His Former Teams
Tannehill, who spent the bulk of his career with the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans, also shared his thoughts on the Dolphins’ current season. He acknowledged their tough year but remained hopeful after their recent win against the Buffalo Bills. “Hopefully they can really build some momentum off of that and carry it forward,” he said, encouraging them to take it one week at a time.
When asked about current Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Tannehill was supportive. While he doesn’t have a direct relationship with him, he spoke positively about Tua’s reputation and growth. “I want the best for him. He’s grown a lot over the course of his career,” Tannehill stated. “Hopefully he can keep growing and getting better.”
An Unlikely but Intriguing Possibility
Tannehill’s comments paint a picture of a player who is content in his post-football life but still possesses the competitive fire that drove his long career. He seems at peace with the idea that his playing days are over, yet he hasn’t locked the door and thrown away the key. For fans, it’s an intriguing glimpse into the mind of a veteran quarterback weighing his future. While a comeback seems unlikely, his willingness to entertain the idea under the right circumstances shows that you can never say never in the world of professional sports.
