In an article naming every team’s “unsung hero” from the 2023 campaign, running back Tyjae Spears was the pick for the Tennessee Titans.
The article comes from Kevin Patra of NFL.com. Here’s what he had to say about the 2023 third-round pick:
Tyjae Spears proved to be a dynamic change-of-pace back alongside Derrick Henry, showing electric burst and Austin Ekeler-type ability in the passing game. Able to find slivers in the defense, Spears earned 4.5 yards per carry on just 100 totes. He added 385 receiving yards, second-most among rookie running backs, despite playing far fewer snaps than fellow rookies Bijan Robinson (487 receiving yards) or Jahmyr Gibbs (316). Spears shined down the stretch, generating 72 receiving yards over expected in the final five weeks, fourth-most among all RBs, per Next Gen Stats. With Henry likely moving on from Tennessee, the Titans appear to have found a dual-threat back to feature in 2024.
Spears was phenomenal during his rookie campaign, with the Tulane product tallying 838 yards from scrimmage, the 10th-most among all rookies and the fourth-most among first-year backs.
And, truth be told, he could’ve had a lot more if not for the terrible offensive line in front of him. Spears also split work with Derrick Henry, further limiting his opportunities and production.
Spears definitely didn’t get the kind of shine quarterback Will Levis received, but that’s to be expected with how much signal-callers are valued in today’s NFL. Even still, Titans fans know just how damn good he is.
Looking ahead to 2024, it remains to be seen if the Titans will re-sign Henry, but regardless of what happens with the franchise great, Spears has earned himself a bigger role.
