NASHVILLE – As the months passed, and safety Kenny Vaccaro remained without a team all of last offseason, he found himself thinking back to his humble upbringings.
Vaccaro, a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, had played four solid seasons with the New Orleans Saints. But when his contract expired in March of 2018, he remained unsigned for five months -- until the Titans signed him in August 2018 after Johnathan Cyprien went down.
"What I went through last year, it was tough," Vaccaro said after signing a contract extension last week. "I was thinking: 'I know I am a starter. I know I should be on a team, but I am not.' It was tough for me, but I think it made me better not only as a player, but as a man.
"It reminded me of growing up in my hometown of Brownwood, Texas, being dead poor, not thinking we're going to ever made it out of that city. It kind of brings you back. Then I go on to be a first-round pick. It kind of resets you. Not humble you, but resets you and takes you back to square one. I'm glad it all worked out here."
Yes, it all worked out.
In another span of five months -- August to December -- Vaccaro established himself on a defense that finished third in the NFL in points allowed, and eighth overall in yards allowed. Vaccaro started 13 games for the Titans, and he finished with 70 tackles, two sacks, and an interception.
Most important, he found himself as part of a team again, with teammates who made him better, he said.
Vaccaro praised fellow safety Kevin Byard, and the rest of his secondary mates, from Logan Ryan to Malcolm Butler to Adoree' Jackson.
"KB is the best safety in the league," Vaccaro said of Byard. "Logan is the best nickel in the league, and I have the two best corners in the league. So my job is pretty easy. They make me want to elevate my game.
"That's my biggest thing -- it is not just competing against my opponent. I want to make sure I don't let Kevin Byard down, Logan Ryan, Malcolm Butler, Adoree' Jackson (down). That's what drives me, not necessarily who we are going against. I am not going to let them down at any point in the game. That is where my passion comes from. Besides having my back against the wall, when I look to my left and right and you have that level of competition, not just the other team but within your room, that makes you elevate you game."
Looking ahead to 2019, Vaccaro has high hopes for a defense that will have even more chemistry.
Remember, Vaccaro just joined the group in August. He missed all of the offseason work as the rest of the team prepared for the season.
Vaccaro said he can be even better personally, following a year when he played the traditional safety position for the first time in the NFL. With the Saints, he played nickel, around the line of scrimmage, instead of being 10 yards off the ball.
He believes it's a position that fits his skill-set.
"I still think I have a lot of work to do," Vaccaro said. "I want to earn the team's respect with these workouts coming up, not just on the field but how hard I grind, my work ethic. ... You should see a big leap, as far as from myself, and for our secondary."
Plus, he expects a leap from a defense that's already added former Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake, who has 98 career sacks.
More additions could be coming in free agency and/or the NFL Draft.
"I am excited. More pass rush means more picks for us, it all works hand in hand," Vaccaro said when asked about Wake. "We cover and they can get to the quarterback, and if they get to the quarterback we don't have to cover as long. Rush and coverage, that's what makes a great defense and it's all about team.
"(As a defense) we could be great. I don't want to give out any predictions at all. We were the No.3 scoring defense last year. We are all coming back together, and that continuity is a big thing, especially in the secondary. … The sky is the limit. It is on paper right now, but we'll grind together in the summer and training camp and we'll see what happens."
TitansOnline.com looks back at veteran safety Kenny Vaccaro's 2018 season. (AP Photos)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018 in Nashville, TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) catches a pass as Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) defends during an NFL game, Saturday Aug. 25, 2018, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 16-1. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) reacts after a play against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) make a catch in front of -Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro, left, brings down New York Jets running back Trenton Cannon (40) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) tackles Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Deonte Thompson (15) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs a route against Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) in action during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) in action during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a pass white hit by Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (24) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Eagles 26-23 in overtime. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle (84) is tackled by Tennessee Titans' Kenny Vaccaro (24) and Kevin Byard (31) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
File-This Dec. 22, 2018, file photo shows Tennessee Titans free safety Kevin Byard (31) celebrating with Kenny Vaccaro (24) after Byard intercepted a pass against the Washington Redskins late in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney, File)
Tennessee Titans players, including Kenny Vaccaro (24), Brian Orakpo (98) and Jurrell Casey (99) take the field before an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (15) catches an 11-yard touchdown pass as he is hit by Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans' Kenny Vaccaro in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) scrambles as Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) reaches for him in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) tackles Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) for a loss during a 2018 NFL week 9 regular season game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (James D. Smith via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (24) walks out during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. (NFL Photos via AP)
Tennessee Titans' Kenny Vaccaro in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Tennessee Titans' Kenny Vaccaro in action during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) and inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 06, 2018 in Nashville,TN. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) make a catch in front of -Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) celebrates after a play against the New England Patriots in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) makes a move on the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 34-10. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Tennessee Titans strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) in action during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook (12) is tackled by Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro after catching a pass as linebacker Brian Orakpo (98), linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) and defensive back Logan Ryan, right, help during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) lines up in the secondary during a Week 9 NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys 28-14. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Keelan Cole (84) runs the ball against Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (24) during the first half of an NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) is stopped by Tennessee Titans defenders Kenny Vaccaro (24) and Wesley Woodyard (59) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) lines up in the secondary during a Week 9 NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys 28-14. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) tackles Dallas Cowboys receiver Deonte Thompson (15) after a catch during a 2018 NFL week 9 regular season game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (James D. Smith via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) makes a catch past Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (30)in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is tackled by Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) during a 2018 NFL week 9 regular season game, Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans defeated the Cowboys, 28-14. (James D. Smith via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon (24) is tackled by Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (24) and linebacker Wesley Woodyard after rushing for yardage during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Titans won 9-6. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook (12) is tackled by Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (24) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (24) on the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans defeated the Eagles 26-23 in overtime. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) makes a catch past Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (30) in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook (12) is stopped by Tennessee Titans defensive backs Kenny Vaccaro, left, and Logan Ryan after a reception during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (24) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sept. 9, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) closes to the ball in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (30) during an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won, 16-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dede Westbrook, right, tries to get past Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro, left, after a reception, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, center, is brought down by Tennessee Titans defensive back Kevin Byard as Logan Ryan (26) and Kenny Vaccaro (24) close in on the final play of the fourth quarter in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans stopped the drive to hold onto a 20-17 win. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (24) intercept a pass intended for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jakeem Grant (19), during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster (19) is tackled after a catch by Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro and cornerback Logan Ryan (26) in action Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage during an NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday Aug. 25, 2018, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 16-1. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage during an NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday Aug. 25, 2018, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 16-1. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday August 25, 2018 in Pittsburgh. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) drops into coverage during an NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday Aug. 25, 2018, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 16-1. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) catches a pass as Tennessee Titans safety Kenny Vaccaro (30) defends during an NFL game, Saturday Aug. 25, 2018, Pittsburgh. The Steelers defeated the Titans 16-1. (Al Tielemans via AP)
