Chance Warmack hobbled over to his locker on Thursday night after the Tennessee Titans’ 30-27 loss to the Colts.
The former All-American Alabama guard plopped down on a stool and began tearing away at the tape on his ankles as he pondered his first 10 games at the NFL level.
“Had some ups, had some downs. Had some good times, had some bad times,” Warmack said. “It’s a roller coaster ride, but I love it. Love this game. I’m blessed to be here. I’m just taking every second and enjoying it.”
Warmack was selected 10th overall by the Titans in the 2013 draft and was a key player in an offseason plan to beef up Tennessee’s offensive line. The Titans also brought in high-priced free agent Andy Levitre and drafted center Brian Schwenke in the fourth round.
The results have been mixed. Tennessee ranks 12th in the league in rushing and 15th in sacks allowed.
But for Warmack, it’s been a year of learning and adjustment.
“He’s definitely learned a lot as the season’s gone by,” Levitre said. “He still has a lot more to learn in terms of growing as a player. He’s still figuring things out, but he’s still got great talent and ability and size. I think he’s going to be a great player.”
Warmack has the advantage of working with two hall-of-famers at his position. Tennessee coach Mike Munchak was a 2001 inductee, and offensive line coach Bruce Matthews was inducted in 2007.
“Down-to-earth guys. They tell me the ins and outs of the offensive line,” Warmack said. “They played the position I play now. I have a good time. It’s a great time. Not only am I learning, but I’m having fun at the same time.”
Warmack has taken his lumps in the NFL, and his lowest moment may have come in last week’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. With the Titans backed up near their own goal line, Warmack was called for holding in the end zone, which resulted in a safety. Tennessee lost the game by 2 points.
“I get wake-up calls every game,” Warmack said. “You think you have it figured out and then next thing you know, something comes that you’ve never experienced before in your life, and it’s a new experience, and you learn from it whether it’s good or bad.”
Thursday night was a reunion of sorts for a couple of former Alabama players. Warmack routinely lined up across from former Alabama defensive tackle Josh Chapman. Former running back and Heisman trophy finalist Trent Richardson was running the ball for the Colts.
Warmack said he and Richardson had a long talk afterward on the field.
“He’s doing his thing out there. He understands the game,” Warmack said. “He understands he’s got to get better just like I’ve got to get better. You always want to get better; that’s what being a professional is all about.
“It’s not always going to be easy. The NFL and playing at Alabama is totally different. It’s not going to be a blowout game. It’s always going to be a tight game like it was today. You’ve just got to push yourself and make big plays when it’s called.”
