Ryan Tannehill's journey in professional football began when he was selected by the Miami Dolphins as the eighth overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. A quarterback from Texas A&M University, Tannehill entered the league with high expectations. His college career had been marked by a transition from wide receiver to quarterback, showcasing his athleticism and adaptability.
In his rookie season with the Dolphins, Tannehill started all 16 games, a rare feat for a first-year quarterback. He threw for 3,294 yards and 12 touchdowns, setting a solid foundation for his professional career. Over the next few years, Tannehill continued to develop as the Dolphins' starting quarterback. His performance was characterized by steady improvement, with notable increases in passing yards and touchdowns each season.
The 2014 season was a turning point for Tannehill, as he threw for over 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, demonstrating his potential as a franchise quarterback. Despite his individual achievements, the Dolphins struggled to find consistent success as a team, often finishing with mediocre records and missing the playoffs.
In 2016, Tannehill led the Dolphins to a 10-6 record, earning a playoff berth for the first time in his career. Unfortunately, a knee injury late in the season prevented him from participating in the postseason. This injury marked the beginning of a challenging period for Tannehill, as he missed the entire 2017 season due to a torn ACL.
Returning in 2018, Tannehill faced an uphill battle to regain his form. Although he showed flashes of his previous capabilities, the Dolphins decided to move in a different direction, trading him to the Tennessee Titans in 2019.
The move to Tennessee proved to be a turning point for Tannehill. Initially serving as a backup to Marcus Mariota, he took over as the starting quarterback midway through the 2019 season. Tannehill's performance was instrumental in revitalizing the Titans' offense, leading them to a 7-3 record in his starts and securing a playoff spot.
In the postseason, Tannehill helped guide the Titans to the AFC Championship Game, defeating the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens along the way. His efficient play and leadership were crucial to the team's unexpected playoff run.
The 2020 season saw Tannehill continue his strong play, as he threw for 3,819 yards and 33 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection. Under his leadership, the Titans won the AFC South division title, though they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
Tannehill's tenure with the Titans solidified his reputation as a reliable and effective quarterback. His ability to manage the game, combined with his athleticism and improved decision-making, contributed to the Titans' competitive standing in the league.
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