In what came out of nowhere, Tennessee Titans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and outside linebacker Arden Key provided one of the funniest moments of training camp after practice on Tuesday.
During Key’s press conference, Al-Shaair snuck his way into the media area and waited patiently for his turn to ask a question. Once it was his turn, Al-Shaair used the opportunity to jokingly take a shot at Key.
The Florida Atlantic product essentially asked Key why he no longer has the love handles around his stomach.
While trying not to laugh, Key explained how it was mainly his offseason grind and dedication to the work he put in with his personal trainer that ultimately led to his noticeable physical transformation.
Azeez Al-Shaair with the guest interview questions for Arden Key. Joked about him being chubby IN San Francisco but skinny now. pic.twitter.com/bx8GWmsyue
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) August 1, 2023
It was cool to see Al-Shaair add a little levity to a post-practice presser, but we’d really be interested to see him do that during one of head coach Mike Vrabel’s.
As you may or may not recall, the Key and Al-Shaair were in San Francisco together back in 2021. During that time, Key admitted that he weighed around 280 pounds and was rather “fat” during his stint with the Niners.
Obviously, the two defenders have a strong relationship and Al-Shaair was just pulling Key‘s leg, but it’s probably not a coincidence that the Titans’ newest pass-rusher has started to perform at higher levels ever since taking his physical conditioning more seriously.
Over the last two years, Key has tallied a combined 90 pressures, 25 quarterback hits and 11 sacks, all while being limited to a rotational role.
Let’s hope Key‘s physical refinement continues to lead to improved production now that he’s taken his talents to Tennessee, where he’s expected to play the biggest role of his career.
