NASHVILLE – When the Titans signed linebacker Otis Reese IV last May, his first priority was to make the team.
The undrafted free agent did that and more in his rookie NFL season, a year when he built confidence, and improved as a player.
"I think I learned a lot," Reese said at season's end. "Being able to play in the (seven) games I played in, special teams and the games I played on defense, getting that experience meant a lot.
"Games started slowing down for me a little bit. So, I want to take that into the offseason and build on that and just get better."
Reese, who played in college at Mississippi, started the final three games of the season in 2023 while playing in the seven games total. Reese tallied 16 tackles, including nine in a game against the Texans.
Reese spent a good chunk of the year on the team's practice squad, but injuries at the position opened the door for him to get playing time.
"I always knew I could play football at any level," Reese said. "It's just about having pride and having courage and believing in yourself, and executing at the highest level."
Reese's mission now is to build on the success, while getting bigger, and stronger.
Reese said he planned to go back home to Georgia to train during the offseason, but he's spent part of the offseason at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park as well.
Reese, who is 6-foot-3, said he planned to put on some weight as well. Reese, who played at 222 pounds in 2023, said he hopes to be at 227 pounds in 2024. He plans to eat better, and be more consistent with his diet this offseason.
After playing at 210 pounds his final year in college, he feels like the extra size helped him.
Now, he wants to help the Titans even more moving forward.
"It's always a blessing to walk in the door in the NFL," Reese said. "Every day I walk in here, I am grateful for the opportunity to be here. It's just a blessing to play this game. It was a roller coaster (rookie year), some ups and downs, but that comes with the game is part of the business."
