NASHVILLE – Titans tight end Anthony Firkser was awarded for his work during the offseason, named one of the team's top performers by head coach Mike Vrabel.
It came with a prime parking spot in the new parking garage at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
The good news is Firkser's parking spot is right next to Vrabel's white Nissan Titan truck.
The bad news is Firkser's parking spot is right next to Vrabel's white Nissan Titan truck.
Vrabel, of course, now knows Firkser's schedule especially well.
"I guess that's true," Firkser said after practice on Friday when reminded of the potential downside. "I have to try and get here before him, and leave after him, and that might be hard."
God forbid Firkser put a ding on the head coach's vehicle.
Rumor has it the passenger side wheels on Vrabel's truck were over the white line, and in Firkser's space, on Day 1 of training camp. Make no mistake: This tidbit didn't come from Firkser.
"That's a little nerve-wracking," Firkser said, smiling. "I have to stay away from his (truck)."
Firkser, for the record, said he was happy to be recognized alongside teammates Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Teair Tart and Larrell Murchison for the annual offseason award.
"(But) I don't think that I did anything extraordinary than any of the other guys who were working out this offseason," Firkser said. "Everyone was here, trying to help the team. But I was thankful for the award."
Coming off a year when he caught 39 passes for 387 yards and a touchdown in 2020, Firkser is in line to play a bigger role for the Titans this fall in his fifth NFL season.
In training camp, Firkser and fellow veteran Geoff Swaim are the leaders of the tight end group.
Safety Kevin Byard, for one, believes Firkser is in a prime spot.
"Firkser, he's a top-flight tight end in my opinion," Byard said on Friday. "I went against Delanie (Walker) my first couple of years, and then Jonnu (Smith) as well. I would definitely put Firkser right up there. Honestly, the dynamics of our offense right now, where you have Julio (Jones) and A.J. (Brown) and you have Derrick (Henry) – that is the main focal points.
"Working in the middle of the field, I think Firk is going to have a year. I am not making any predictions or anything he is going to do, but I am excited about what he is going to be able to do this year. I worked out a few times with him (this offseason), so I know the time he is putting in. I know he is super-excited to have the opportunity he is having this year with Jonnu departing."
Firkser said on Friday he's added roughly five pounds to his 6-foot-2 frame, which puts him right around 250 pounds. He feels stronger, and he believes the added bulk will help him.
Firkser, who played collegiately at Harvard, said he wants to be a bigger asset in the run game, so the extra size will help with his blocking. But he also wants to stay fast and keep his agility, which will help him as a receiving threat.
His plan in training camp, and this season, is simple.
"Just take advantage of the opportunities, and make sure every play you are doing your job and excelling at your job," he said. "You want to show you want to work hard and have effort and finish, which is what Vrabel stresses.
"I am just trying to see where I fit in this offense and see where I can add value."
