NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Robert Spillane intercepted a pass on Saturday in Pittsburgh, and the look on his face was priceless.
The Titans rookie linebacker had a huge smile as he clutched the football. As he headed to the sideline, he was swarmed by his teammates, who clearly love a good underdog story.
"Running off the field with that ball," Spillane said with a smile, "is one of the greatest feelings you could ever ask for."
Spillane has proven to be a baller since making the team's 90-man roster on a tryout basis earlier this offseason. He leads the team in tackles during the preseason with 18, and he's consistently been around the football. Spillane nearly recorded an interception earlier in the preseason, and Titans coach Mike Vrabel said he kidded Spillane about the missed opportunity.
Vrabel said Spillane jokingly told him he'd get one in Pittsburgh to make up for it, which he did, of course.
"He is out there all the time, and he is into it," Vrabel said. "He loves football. … He continues to show up, and we'll continue to coach him."
Spillane, who starred at Western Michigan, is having a blast.
"Football is more fun now than it's ever been for me," Spillane said. "A lot of people say it's most fun when you first start playing, and it gets worse in time. Not me. I've had a newfound love for football, coming here to the Titans and working with (inside linebackers) coach (Tyrone) McKenzie. Really, all the linebackers in the room, they're such great personalities, and they've brought me in as part of the team and made me feel like this is home already, even though I am an undrafted guy out of nowhere. It feels really good to be in the situation I'm in."
Spillane, who recorded 312 tackles, 32.5 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in an incredibly production college career, is popular with coaches and his teammates.
The grandson of 1953 Heisman Trophy winner John Lattner, Spillane takes a no-nonsense approach his teammates love. After the game, he refused to take credit for the pick, instead pointing to the defensive back who was in coverage on the play, Kenneth Durden.
Titans veteran linebacker Wesley Woodyard singled out Spillane on a Snapchat story over the weekend, posting a picture of Spillane with a caption that read: "Love seeing undrafted guys ball out!"
Spillane said the veterans in the locker room have embraced him, and he appreciates it.
"There's so much room to grow," Spillane said. "It may seem like I am productive out there, but there's still plays to be made. I had a few missed tackles that need to be made. No matter how good you do, you are never as good as you think you are or as bad as you think you are if you perform poorly. Even on good plays you might make, you still have to learn from the starters and learn how to grow."
At the end of this week, the Titans have some tough decisions to make across the roster as the team trims the count from 90 to 53.
Spillane said he's not going to spend much time worrying about his fate.
He plans on just continuing to play football, and having fun doing it.
"I just try and control what I can control," he said. "I know at the end of the day it is up to coach Vrabel and (GM) Jon Robinson to make the decisions on who they think are the best 53 players, and that is not up to me. All I can do is go out there and prepare the way I do, 100 percent all through practices and through the games.
"I am going to do whatever I can to be a part of this team."
The Tennessee Titans take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3 of the preseason on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 at Heinz Field. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Joe Haden (23) and linebacker Anthony Chickillo, left, pursue in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Justin Hunter (11) makes a catch for a touchdown as Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game, , Dec. 31, 2099, in Pittsburgh. The play was originally ruled as incomplete, but was overturned, and ruled a touchdown on review. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Justin Hunter (11) makes a catch for a touchdown as Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game, , Dec. 31, 2099, in Pittsburgh. The play was originally ruled as incomplete, but was overturned, and ruled a touchdown on review. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) runs past Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (99) in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) makes a catch past Tennessee Titans defensive back Kenny Vaccaro (30) in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel works the sideline in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) makes a catch as Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) defends in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Vince Williams (98) and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (79) in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks tp handoff against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half ofan NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Joe Haden (23) defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Joe Haden (23) defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) hands the ball to running back Dion Lewis (33) in the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers , Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) makes a catch in front of Tennessee Titans defensive back Kevin Byard (31) in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) gets a pass away as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns (25) rushes him in the first half ofan NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Luke Falk (11) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ola Adeniyi during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans offensive guard Kevin Pamphile (66) celebrates as tight end Anthony Firkser (86) makes a touchdown catch while being tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) in the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Julius Warmsley, left, and defensive tackle Matt Dickerson (92) sack Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Matthew Thomas (46) tackles Tennessee Titans wide receiver Deontay Burnett (80) after a catch during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner (30) is hit by Tennessee Titans defensive end Julius Warmsley in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Firkser (86) celebrates with teammates after making a touchdown catch as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Malik Golden (39) walks nearby during the second half of an an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) on the bench during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks tp handoff against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half ofan NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) calls signals in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Joe Haden (23) defends in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) hands the ball to running back Dion Lewis (33) in the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers , Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Robert Spillane (42) intercepts a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Justin Hunter (11) as linebacker Daren Bates (53) and defensive back Kenneth Durden (38) defend in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans running back Dalyn Dawkins (39) warms up before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) scrambles as he plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6.(AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) scrambles as he plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6.(AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Artie Burns (25) pursues in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans running back Dalyn Dawkins (39) warms up before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel walks off the field before an NFL preseason football game a, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh.(AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel walks off the field before an NFL preseason football game a, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh.(AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans linebacker Robert Spillane (42) intercepts a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Justin Hunter (11) as linebacker Daren Bates (53) and defensive back Kenneth Durden (38) defend in the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Firkser (86) makes a touchdown catch while being tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) in the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel works the sideline during an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) greets fans after an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel walks through the team as the warm up before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walsk off the field after an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Matthew Thomas (46) tackles Tennessee Titans wide receiver Deontay Burnett (80) after a catch in th second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6.(AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis (33) off the field after an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans tight end Anthony Firkser (86) makes a touchdown catch while being tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) in the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) greets fans after an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel works the sideline during an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Roosevelt Nix-Jones (45) lunges forward as he is tackled by Tennessee Titans linebacker Robert Spillane (42) in the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, left, is greeted by Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlinan NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel takes questions after the team's NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, left, is greeted by Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin after an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Matthew Thomas (46) tackles Tennessee Titans wide receiver Deontay Burnett (80) after a catch during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) scrambles as he plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6.(AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Julius Warmsley, left, and defensive tackle Matt Dickerson (92) sack Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6. (AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) scrambles as he plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 16-6.(AP Photo/Fred Vuich)
