At 2-11, the Tennessee Titans’ season hasn’t offered much for fans to rally around. It’s been a tough year in Nashville - one marked by inconsistency, injuries, and a search for identity.
But even in a season like this, there are still stories worth telling. And right now, one of those stories is Corey Levin.
Levin isn’t a household name. He’s not the star of your fantasy team or the face of a franchise. But he’s the kind of player every locker room needs - a grinder, a survivor, and, lately, a spark.
Originally drafted by the Titans in the sixth round back in 2017, Levin’s NFL journey has been anything but linear. He’s bounced around the league, had stints with multiple teams, and spent more time as a backup than a starter.
But in 2021, he found his way back to Tennessee. And this season, when the Titans needed someone to step up, Levin answered the call.
When starting center Lloyd Cushenberry went down with a foot injury against Seattle, it was Levin who stepped in. And here’s the twist - ever since, Tennessee’s run game has shown signs of life.
In fact, Tony Pollard just posted a career-high 161 yards in the Titans’ win over the Browns. That’s not a coincidence.
Now, Levin’s not the type to make it about himself. He’s quick to deflect praise and emphasize the collective effort of the offensive line.
“I just think we’re understanding schemes and we’re working well together,” Levin said. “It’s not like I just got out there by myself and made the thing come to life. It was all five of us working together.”
That’s the kind of answer you expect from a veteran who’s had to fight for every snap. Levin’s never had the luxury of job security. He’s started just seven games in his 84-game career, and if he gets the nod again this Sunday in San Francisco, it would mark his third start of the season - tying a personal best.
But what’s changed for Levin isn’t just the opportunity. It’s the confidence that comes with it.
“I haven’t gotten a lot of starts. I haven’t gotten a lot of opportunities to put film out there, so every time I do, I feel like I just build a little bit more confidence,” he said. “I’m able to be a little more comfortable and play the game how I want to play out there.”
That comfort didn’t come easy. Levin’s path nearly ended more than once. Back in 2020, while on the Patriots’ practice squad, he stepped away from the game entirely.
“I decided I didn’t even want to play football anymore,” he said. “So I went home and took the rest of the year off.”
By the spring of 2021, he gave it another shot. He didn’t stick with the Jets, and for a moment, it looked like the journey might be over. But then came a familiar call - the Titans claimed him, and he’s been back in Nashville ever since.
Interim head coach Mike McCoy isn’t surprised by what Levin’s been able to do.
“It’s not shocking at all with what Corey has done,” McCoy said. “The great thing is that all the reps he took during the offseason program and through training camp - we haven’t skipped a beat with him in there.
He’s done a great job running the show. I think the inside three have done a really nice job the last two weeks with him in there.”
And it’s not just coaches taking notice. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward sees the impact, too.
“Every rep is full speed for Corey,” Ward said. “With Cush going out, Corey’s the perfect backup to step in, take control of the offensive line with the mike points, and he’s been a real blessing for us.
He’s not a huge rah-rah guy. When Corey speaks, everyone listens.”
That kind of leadership doesn’t show up in the box score, but it matters - especially for a young QB trying to find his footing in a tough season.
Levin’s approach is simple: always be ready. That mindset comes from years of backing up guys like Ben Jones and Aaron Brewer - players who’ve gone on to have success elsewhere.
Levin knows the role. He’s lived it.
And he understands how fleeting opportunities can be in a league that doesn’t wait for anyone.
“I’ve been behind a lot of guys that have been really good,” he said. “That’s just kind of where I’ve found myself in my career - not having a lot of film. So when you find yourself with a lot of turnover with coaches and front offices and what not, they can’t quite see the film to see should we give this guy a chance to start or not.”
So now, with the door cracked open, Levin’s doing what he’s always done - showing up, staying ready, and making the most of the moment.
In a season short on bright spots, Corey Levin is giving the Titans - and their fans - something to appreciate: a reminder that persistence still matters, and that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that take a little longer to write.