LAS VEGAS – First time in Vegas. First time at the Super Bowl.
Following a season of firsts, it's all pretty eye-opening for Titans running back Tyjae Spears, who just completed his first NFL season.
"Just being here is great," Spears said on Friday from Super Bowl LVIII. "The atmosphere, the feeling. And (it gives) you the (motivation) you need going into next year. It's like, man, I want to be here. I want to be here doing the same thing, but I want to be playing (in the Super Bowl)."
Being at the Super Bowl next year would be storybook for Spears, of course, considering the game will be played in New Orleans, which is where the Ponchatoula, La., native was raised.
But that's a story for another day.
Right now, Spears is experiencing Vegas for the first time, with his dad.
"I'm not really like a party person," Spears said. "I don't really go out. But a lot of big buildings and stuff like that. It's really cool out here."
During a break in his day on Friday, Spears discussed the changes around the team, and what could be next for him heading into Year 2.
Spears said he's ready to work for new head coach Brian Callahan, who was hired after Mike Vrabel was dismissed.
"I let the front office do their job, and I'm going to do my job," said Spears, a third-round draft pick of the Titans out of Tulane, "and my job is to go in there and compete day in and day out. I'm not going to say it don't make a difference who is in there, but I am going to be the same person. I hate for things to happen like they happened, but everything happens for a reason."
Spears said he's looking forward to meeting Callahan.
"Everybody is saying he's a great guy, great coach," Spears said. "And, he has a great plan in store. So, we'll see."
Spears likes the team, and the draft class he came in with, lineman Peter Skoronski and quarterback Will Levis being the first two picks.
"I feel like we are in good hands," Spears said. "We are all going to come to work. We are going to hold each other accountable, and we're all going to come in and work toward the same goal. We are going to be just fine."
Spears said he's hoping running back Derrick Henry will be back in 2024.
"It was super-fun (being his teammate)," Spears said of Henry. "I felt like the times that we had, it was cool. Of course, me being a younger guy, I don't want him to go. But whatever is the best for his future, he has to do what he has to do."
In 2023, Spears ran for 453 yards and two touchdowns while also catching 52 passes for 385 yards and a touchdown.
Spears finished the season with 838 scrimmage yards, which ranked seventh in franchise history among rookie running backs. With 52 receptions, he became the franchise's first rookie running back with at least 50 receptions since Sid Blanks in 1964 (56).
Spears is already looking forward to what's next.
"Of course, as a rookie, you are not going to have everything down pat your first year," Spears said. "So a lot of learning experiences from the year, and the biggest thing going through my mind is details, details, details.
"Like right now, it hits me day in and day out: You are supposed to be here, so show not just yourself but the world you are supposed to be here. I am super-excited for what's next."
