Marcus Mariota and Derrick Henry were overjoyed to see one another on the field after Sunday’s NFL game between the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens. Tennessee Titans fans were left to reminisce over what could’ve been.
It was a bittersweet sight for a franchise that has struggled to find an identity thus far into 2024.
Mariota, the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner, was drafted No. 2 overall by the Titans that following April. He immediately replaced Zach Mettenberger as the starting quarterback during his rookie season. Tennessee showed promise at various points throughout 2015, including a Mariota’s historic debut, but it won only three games.
This Day In History: @Titans rookie QB Marcus Mariota had a HISTORIC @NFL debut.
— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) September 13, 2018
He had 4 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and a 158.3 passer rating. Mariota became the 1st QB in the modern era to post a perfect passer rating in his first career start. #TDIH (Sept. 2015) pic.twitter.com/VmAOrVUWJw
Even though Mariota’s first year in the NFL was frustrating at times, he led the Titans to a winning record in 2016 and then the playoffs in 2017. The former Oregon star completed more than 60% of his passes during that stretch. He averaged 3,300 passing yards and 5.4 yards per carry.
Mariota went 29-32 over the course of five years with Tennessee. His time with the team that drafted quickly soured near the end. Ryan Tannehill took over in 2019 and the organization never looked back.
And then there’s Henry, one of the greatest running backs of all-time. He was drafted by the Titans in 2016 and ran for more than 10,000 yards and 100 touchdowns in eight years.
Unfortunately, despite Henry’s desire to stay, Tennessee allowed him to walk during free agency. The 30-year-old ball-carrier has not missed a step during his first season with the Ravens.
"@Titans fans… Thank you for the greatest 8 years of my life." 👑💙 @KingHenry_2 pic.twitter.com/3CpEHq4PiC
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024
Both Derrick Henry and Marcus Mariota brought so much hope to Nashville when they were there. Neither player is still there.
Marcus Mariota threw a pass to himself for a TD and had a huge block for Derrick Henry on 3rd down to cap off a @Titans 21-3 comeback in the 2017 AFC Wild Card 🔥 pic.twitter.com/yer29t6Cqi
— NFL (@NFL) July 15, 2023
They reunited on the field on Sunday. It was emotional, especially for Tennessee fans.
.@KingHenry_2 and Marcus Mariota is the friendship you never knew you needed ❤️🥹 pic.twitter.com/uWRjlzgzXm
— NFL (@NFL) October 15, 2024
They were supposed to lead the Titans to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1999. That never happened. Both players are now elsewhere. Oh, what could’ve been!