NASHVILLE, TN, Dec.12, 2008 — The Tennessee Titans wrapped up their final installment of Titans Tuesdays this week with a visit to Saint Thomas Hospital. Since early September, each week, players have spent their lone day off each week alternating between Baptist and Saint Thomas visiting with patients and also students at local school. Young and old, shy and energetic, the Titans touched them all.
Tuesday, linebackers Ryan Fowler and Josh Stamer spent over two hours going room to room talking, taking pictures and interacting with patients. Spending most of their time on the orthopedic wing where patients mainly are rehabilitating from joint replacements, the players visited with Murfreesboro Siegel High School running backs coach Hal Pass.!
Linebackers Ryan Fowler (L) and Josh Stamer were named two of Saint Thomas Hospital's best visitors after their appearance Tuesday.
"The first thing I thought when I laid eyes on Fowler and Stamer was wow," said Pass. "Aside from being these big, strong, highly-trained athletes, they totally changed my thinking on how down to earth and nice some professional athletes are.
"It was a real treat to meet them today."
| ! **From L to R: Fowler, Stamer, Coach Hal Pass and his father Red Pass.** |
Smiling and happy to have visitors, Siegel told how he landed at Saint Thomas after breaking his hip a short time ago.
"It was just from all of the wear and tear, working out and coaching that led to me breaking my hip," explained Pass. "The players gave a little added motivation to hurry up and get out of here so I can possibly be able to root them on in their playoff game this year."
And that's the sentiment that has been surrounding the players each week they are out in the community. Loads of support, encouragement, thank yous and a few "that-a-boys." When reminded how appreciative the patients were for their visits, Fowler replied simply, "it was fun for me too."
