The early portion of offseason training for NFL teams is optional, but most players show up and expect their teammates to do the same. Those who choose not to attend risk being accused of selfishness, as Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry could tell you.
Henry, who is entering his second NFL season, did not report to voluntary workouts on Monday. Titans Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jurrell Casey made it clear that he is not cool with that.
“It definitely puts that little check mark in the back of my mind and lets me know who I can count on, who I can’t count on,” Casey said, per Jason Wolfe of The Tennesseean. “To see your teammates show up is definitely great.”
It’s unclear why Henry didn’t show up, but he obviously didn’t provide an excuse. Titans coach Mike Mularkey said Henry is free to train however he sees fit, noting that he has heard positive things about the former Alabama star’s offseason routine.
“It’s their choice. Maybe I used to get disappointed. I have no control over it. It’s their option. It’s their choice,” Mularkey said. “It’s whatever they feel is best for them. I do know this – we’ve had coaches down at Tuscaloosa for the workout. I’ve seen some video of Derrick in the weight room. He’s absolutely working out, so I know he’s in great playing shape right now. I have no concerns about it, and won’t.”
Henry, who rushed for 490 yards and five touchdowns on 110 carries last season, will enter 2017 as the clear-cut backup behind DeMarco Murray. It’s unfair to criticize any player for not showing up to something that is voluntary, but we already saw one NFL star deal with the same type of muttering when he wasn’t present for the first day of OTAs with his team. Voluntary hardly means voluntary in the eyes of some players.
