Marcus Mariota

Charlie Whitehurst embraces being the oldest Tennessee Titan

Published Aug. 10, 2015 12:25 p.m. ET

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By normal standards, 33 is hardly old.

But for Tennessee Titans backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, it makes him the senior-most member of an otherwise young team.

Whitehurst, who celebrated his birthday Aug. 6, said he's learned to enjoy being the old guy on the roster.

“At first when I realized it, I didn’t know how I felt about it,’’ Whitehurst said, via the team's official website. “But the more I think about it, I am proud. I am proud of that. I guess some of the guys didn’t know I was that old, so I am proud of that.

“When I told them I was 33, there were a couple of shocked faces. So I am proud of that, too.”

For perspective, rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota was just 13 when Whitehurst entered the NFL as a third-round pick of the San Diego Chargers in 2006. 

In addition to embracing his age, Whitehurst said he's comfortable being back in his role as a reserve. After starting a career-high five games last season, Whitehurst will back up Mariota and Zach Mettenberger.

“I have been a back-up most my career, and I have approached it like you’re close to playing every year. That’s the simple way to do it, you have to go out there be prepared to play,’’ Whitehurst said.

“My approach is more or less the same. You try and go in there and do your best every day. Last year with the new offense I think I had some responsibilities with trying to teach and that’s not really the case as much this year…The most important thing is to take care of your business.”

While there may not be as much teaching involved this year, the veteran said he's ready to share what he's learned from a decade in the league with Mariota, Mettenberger and the team's other young quarterback, Alex Tanney.

“If I can offer something to them, great, but they have taken ownership of their own game, no doubt about it,’’ Whitehurst said. “Zach has done a good job the two years I’ve been around him and Marcus has come in and acted like you’re supposed to act. I have been impressed with his approach to the game, and Alex the same way. 

“At this point we are supporting Marcus but making sure we are all ready to play of our name is called.”

(h/t Tennessee Titans)

Photo credit: John Raoux/AP

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