MOBILE, Ala. – Perry Carter had a flashback this week.
As the Titans assistant coached special teams for the National Team on Wednesday, he thought back to just over 30 years ago when he played in the Senior Bowl himself.
Things were much different, he explained with a smile.
"It was 1994, and it was at Ladd-Peebles Stadium back then," Carter said. "And, it was called Delchamps Senior Bowl at that time. Back in 1994, it was a bloodbath, because every practice, it was full pads, you'd hit, and you took guys to the ground. So, it was something serious.
"A lot has obviously changed, with the rules. And, the exposure is something else – all the GMs are here, the head coaches, coordinators. Just look around, they are swarming everywhere around here.
"I'm just thankful I've been able to experience all of it, as a player and now a coach."
Carter, who just finished his first season with the Titans and his 11th season coaching in the NFL after a four-year playing career, is one of two Titans assistants coaching NFL prospects here at Hancock Whitney Stadium, site of the Senior Bowl these days.
In addition to Carter, Titans assistant offensive line coach Scott Fuchs is also coaching offensive linemen for the National team.
Fuchs also just finished his first season with the Titans, working under veteran offensive line coach Bill Callahan, after spending 30 seasons coaching at the collegiate level.
"I didn't know what to expect, but this has been a fantastic event," said Fuchs, who has coached offensive lines every year since 2000, including stints at Kansas (2021-23), Buffalo (2019-2020), Wyoming (2014-18), North Dakota State (2009-13), Southern Illinois (2008), Grand Valley State (2007), Nebraska-Omaha (2003-06), and Minnesota Crookston (2000-02). "The group of guys we're working with, they are hard-working guys, and they want to get better.
"We're teaching a lot, and guys are eager to learn. … And, I'm taking notes every day."
Coach Brian Callahan said the experience is beneficial for a number of reasons. The coaches get experience, and as Fuchs noted, they also get valuable intel to share on prospects leading up to the NFL Draft.
At the East-West Shrine Bowl, Titans assistant Payton McCollum worked as a quarterbacks coach.
"It's great to see those guys out here," Callahan said. "Those are guys that we think are good coaches, and Scott in particular it is a big opportunity for him to be involved with the o-line guys, and get his hands on some guys that are pretty good players. And it's a chance for Scott to show himself as a coach.
"And Perry, coaching special teams, it's not really what he does. But to show something different and show some versatility, I think it's outstanding."
Carter, a three-year letterwinner who intercepted 11 passes as Southern Mississippi, was drafted by the Cardinals in the fourth round (107th pick overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft. He played in 28 games as a cornerback with the Chiefs (1994-95) and Raiders (1996-98) before playing four seasons with the Canadian Football League's Edmonton Eskimos, Montreal Alouettes and BC Lions.
Carter initially joined as part of the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellow program. Callahan liked him, and kept him as a defensive assistant, and he worked mainly with the team's defensive backs during the season.
Carter also served as a fellowship coach with the Jets in 2022 and assisted with defensive backs and special teams for the Texans from 2006-13, in addition to time spent coaching in high school and college.
Carter said he's having a blast this week, maybe even more than the players.
"When I got the opportunity to come here, I was elated," Carter said. "I was like: 'That's the same bowl game I played in. It's been awesome, a ball of fun. And I know what these guys are going through and I know the anxiety they are feeling. But I also know the great opportunity that they have. So, I was excited just to come back and be on the other end of it, the coaching side of it. It's a blast, but it is full circle.
"And, to be able to come down here to represent the Titans, it's an honor, because they chose me to do that. I don't take any of it for granted. I just told coach Callahan a few minutes ago when I saw him: Coach, I appreciate the opportunity.' I'm loving it."
