Tennessee Titans wide receiver Mason Kinsey is still embracing the underdog mentality entering his fifth year in the league.
The former undrafted free agent has had an uphill climb since being signed out of Division III Berry College in 2020. But that is also what continues to motivate him.
“I’m not supposed to be here, which I like,” Kinsey said via Jim Wyatt of Titans Online. “That’s why I come out here every day, and I’m fired up, and I got a lot of juice. I’m going to show you why I belong out here.”
The 25-year-old has not had much of a chance to prove himself through his first five years in the National Football League. Kinsey did not see the field until his second year, and he did not record a reception until his third. In all, the Demorest, Georgia, native has just two career catches for nine yards.
Kinsey has been used more and more frequently in the punt return game. Last year, he tallied career highs in games played (6), returns (11) and return yards (100).
However, with a change in coaching staff, the wide receiver is out to prove that he can handle a larger role in the 2024 NFL season, despite the Titans adding wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd in free agency.
“I felt like it was an opportunity for me to set my own agenda,” Kinsey said. “They don’t care what you did last year, the year before that, or the year before that. They’re going to base you off of what they see every day when you come out here and play.”
That’s why he has been working so hard in training camp.
Kinsey has been one of the more vocal leaders in practice, something that Titans head coach Brian Callahan likes about the young receiver.
In addition to his punt return duties, Kinsey is among the several players looking to work their way up the depth chart, specifically for the slot wide receiver position. He’s had a strong camp thus far, highlighted by a touchdown from quarterback Mason Rudolph during Sunday’s practice.
While his role could ultimately be defined as the preseason schedule unfolds, Kinsey will continue to chirp players in practice because he knows that his vocal leadership brings out the best in his teammates.
“They know that every day I’m going to come out here and compete and work my tail off,” Kinsey said. “That’s what I think helps the offense and the defense as a team in general: getting guys fired up, you bring other people up with you.
“It’s not about me. It’s energy for the offense, and then if the offense is going to bring it, then the energy of the defense they’re going to bring it.”
