NASHVILLE – Titans receiver Robert Woods grew up in Los Angeles, and he knows the city like the palms of the hands he catches footballs with.
"Once I got my car," a smiling Woods said on Thursday, "I was all over the streets of L.A., in high school and college, doing everything."
Listen to Woods talk and you'd think he works for the city's Chamber of Commerce.
"They say it's one of the only cities where you could go surfing and skiing in the same day," Woods said. "Great weather, great food, tons of stuff to do, and a lot of different cultures.
"They say New York is the melting pot, but I feel like that about Los Angeles."
On Sunday, Woods will return home to play at SoFi Stadium against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The stadium, by the way, is located just down the street from where Woods went to church growing up -- Faithful Central Bible Church, on W Florence Avenue in Inglewood, California.
Woods, of course, played his home games at SoFi Stadium as a member of the Los Angeles Rams the past five seasons before he joined the Titans this offseason. Woods earned a Super Bowl ring with the Rams last season.
Playing NFL games in the city continues a dream come true for Woods, who played his high school ball at Serra High in Gardena, California, where he was born, and in college at the University of Southern California.
"It has always been a "home" feel whenever I play in L.A," Woods said. "Being able to play in SoFi Stadium on Sunday, being able to have family and friends go to the game, it's going to be special. And, to go out there to get a win in my hometown, now that would be great."
Woods, traded from the Rams to the Titans in the offseason, said he's enjoyed his year in Tennessee.
During his first season in Tennessee, Woods has continued to build a strong reputation for himself as a teammate, and player. His diligent work to recover from the ACL injury he suffered last season to put himself in a position to play this year contributed to him being selected as the team's Ed Block Courage Award winner for 2022, something Titans head coach Mike Vrabel recently announced to the team.
The award is an annual recognition for courageous play by an individual, and Woods is one of 32 National Football League players who earned the accolade. The players of each member club nominate an individual annually and those chosen are traditionally honored at a banquet in Baltimore
"Having my teammates vote me," Woods said, "it's the ultimate honor."
In 13 games for the Titans this season, Woods has tallied 38 catches for 406 yards and a touchdown. He's also been solid and dependable as a blocker, and he's also worked on special teams.
Woods, a 10-year veteran who spent his first four NFL seasons in Buffalo, said the team in Tennessee, with the Titans, has met his expectations, if not exceeded them.
He's hopeful this season ends on a high note, even if the temperature drops.
"It has been everything and more from a team aspect, as a player, and the staff," Woods said of the Titans. "And being able to go out and meet people in (Nashville), it's been a great experience. I did see where it is going to be freezing next week in the city – I did not know that was going to happen. But it is still cool to be here in Nashville."
