NASHVILLE, Tenn. – During his first three NFL seasons, it was easy to set a clock on Marcus Mariota's first entrance onto the playing field prior to kickoff.
The Titans quarterback regularly took the field – in uniform – roughly 50 minutes prior to games, and he'd take part in pregame drills with his teammates.
Prior to that, he prepared himself for games in the locker room, or out of sight, in the bowels of NFL stadiums.
But Mariota changed his pregame routine on Thursday night at Lambeau Field prior to the team's preseason opener against the Packers.
Several hours before kickoff, Mariota took the field in a t-shirt and shorts. He did a stretching routine while warming up, moving around on the field and stretching on a goalpost. He threw the football to his teammates.
After heading into the locker room, Mariota later returned in full uniform roughly 50 minutes before kickoff against the Packers. That's when the Titans began pregame work leading up to the contest.
Mariota said it's the start of something new.
"I think it will probably be the start of a new routine," Mariota said after the game. "It's something that I had worked on in the offseason. It felt good, and I felt like I was ready to go. So I felt like I might as well try and implement it throughout the year and it went well today."
Mariota played just one drive for the Titans, and he guided the team to a touchdown – a four-yard touchdown pass to receiver Darius Jennings.
Mariota finished the game 2-of-3 for 42 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for seven yards on his only carry of the night. His passer rating was 149.3.
Former Titans quarterbacks have approached pregame routines differently, going all the way back to Steve McNair. During his playing days, McNair usually took the field and warmed up with equipment manager Joey Barranco roughly three hours before a game, before going back to the locker room and taking a quick nap. He'd then return in uniform for pregame warmups closer to kickoffs.
Other Titans quarterbacks have warmed up on the field in t-shirts and shorts leading up to games, before making a return trip, in uniform, closer to kickoff.
"Part of it is loosening up, and also it is an opportunity to throw with the guys a little bit," Mariota said. "It is always good to just see the guys catch the ball, throw the ball, just little things like that I think psychologically help."
The Tennessee Titans open the 2018 preseason against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
Tennessee Titans' Darius Jennings (15) is congratulated by Nick Williams after his touchdown catch during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota drops back during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby kicks off during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota drops back during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Tennessee Titans' Nick Williams catches a pass in front of Green Bay Packers' Quinten Rollins during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' Cameron Batson catches a ball during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Marcus Mariota throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota scrambles during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans players line up for the national anthem before the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Tennessee Titans' Derrick Henry runs during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' Blaine Gabbert throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Blaine Gabbert throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers' Quinten Rollins fumbles a punt as he is hit by Tennessee Titans' LeShaun Sims during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' Blaine Gabbert drops back during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' David Fluellen runs during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' David Fluellen runs during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' Kalan Reed (24) is called for pass interference on a pass to Green Bay Packers' J'Mon Moore during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' Kalan Reed (24) is called for pass interference on a pass to Green Bay Packers' J'Mon Moore during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' David Fluellen runs during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' Blaine Gabbert throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Jayon Brown is congratulated by Kevin Byard (31) after intercepting a pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers is seen on the sideline during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' Blaine Gabbert throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Dane Cruikshank walks off the field after being hurt during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Blaine Gabbert drops back during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' Rico Gafford is called for pass interference on a pass intended for Green Bay Packers' J'Mon Moore during the second half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Damon Webb breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers' Emanuel Byrd during the second half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Luke Falk throws during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Green Bay Packers' DeShone Kizer throws during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' Kalan Reed breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers' J'Mon Moore during the second half of a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers' DeShone Kizer throws under pressure during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
The Titans prepare to take on the Green Bay Packers in the preseason opener for both teams Thursday night at Lambeau Field. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
Tennessee Titans' Marcus Mariota warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Marcus Mariota warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers talks to Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel before a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers talks to Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel before a preseason NFL football game Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Fans play a game outside Lambeau Field before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Fans pose for a picture outside Lambeau Field before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Lambeau Field is seen before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
A fan smiles as he tailgates outside Lambeau Field before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Fans line up outside Lambeau Field before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
A fan smiles as he tailgates outside Lambeau Field before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Lambeau Field is seen before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Lambeau Field is seen before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Fans line up outside Lambeau Field before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Fans make their way to Lambeau Field before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
A band plays outside Lambeau Field before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Justin Flock and daughter Brinley take a selfie outside Lambeau Field before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Lambeau Field is seen before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Lambeau Field is seen before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Lambeau Field is seen before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
A fan runs before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Lambeau Field is seen before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Fans pose for a picture outside Lambeau Field before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Fans make their way to Lambeau Field before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Lambeau Field is seen before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Lambeau Field is seen before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Fans make their way to Lambeau Field before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel watches his team warm up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Lambeau Field is seen before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Green Bay Packers' Tim Boyle warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Lambeau Field is seen before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' Marcus Mariota warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Rico Gafford warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel watches before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers watches warm ups before a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers watches warm ups before a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers watches warm ups before a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers watches warm ups before a preseason NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' Blaine Gabbert warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Marcus Mariota warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Lambeau Field is seen before a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Tennessee Titans' Marcus Mariota warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Malcolm Butler warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Marcus Mariota warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Austin Barnard warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Derrick Henry warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Malcolm Butler warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Dion Lewis warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Dion Lewis warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel watches before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Tennessee Titans' Dion Lewis warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
