HEADLINES

Titans Add Wrestler Adam Coon For OL Role

June 4th, 2021 at 7:43pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Titans made an unorthodox addition to their offensive line group Friday. They agreed to terms with Adam Coon, a Michigan alum who has not played football since high school.

Coon, however, established himself as one of the country’s top wrestlers. He was a three-time All-American heavyweight while at Michigan and recently participated in qualifying for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Coon did not end up qualifying for a spot on the U.S. squad and instead plans to try his hand in football.

While Coon enjoyed a decorated mat career with the Wolverines, going 116-15 at the Big Ten program, that success came a few years ago. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound aspiring blocker is now 26 and nine years removed from his most recent football season. Coon will likely compete for a guard spot, according to TennesseeTitans.com’s Jim Wyatt.

This certainly profiles as one of the more unusual UDFA signings in recent years, though select others have found recent success without their careers involving college football. Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata and Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox are two current players who carved out roles after playing other sports ahead of their respective NFL entrances. The Dolphins also signed college hoops standout Jibri Blount, son of Mel Blount, despite the younger Blount not playing college football. The NFL is expected to keep the 16-man practice squad setup from last year, opening the door for more developmental opportunities.

Tennessee used a second-round pick on Dillon Radunz and subsequently added two UDFA O-linemen this year. To make room for Coon on the roster, the Titans waived tackle Anthony McKinney with an injury designation.

View Comments (9)