Nashville, TN – May 31, 2025 — Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis is still reeling from the team’s decision to select Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a move that effectively signaled the end of Levis’ hopes as the long-term starter in Nashville. But in a moment of raw honesty, Levis opened up to reporters this week, offering a two-word admission that captured the emotional weight of the situation:
“It hurts.”
In what many are calling a heartbreaking and reflective media session, Levis not only acknowledged the pain of being pushed to the sidelines but also drew a powerful parallel to the recent departure of wide receiver Treylon Burks, another once-promising first-round pick whose Titans career fell short of expectations.
💬 “It Hurts” — Levis Speaks From the Heart
Levis, 25, spoke slowly and emotionally during his post-practice interview, addressing the media for the first time since rookie sensation Cam Ward was handed the keys to the Titans’ offense.
“I’m not going to pretend I’m okay with it,” Levis said. “It hurts. Anyone who’s ever put everything they have into something, just to see it taken away, would understand that. I gave this team everything I had. And it still wasn’t enough.”
But what truly stood out in Levis’ comments was his reference to Treylon Burks, who recently parted ways with the Titans after a disappointing three-year run marred by injuries and inconsistency.
🤝 Levis on Burks: “I Know That Feeling”
Levis said watching Burks leave the organization was a sobering reminder of how quickly the NFL can turn on young talent.
“Treylon didn’t ask to be compared to A.J. Brown. I didn’t ask to be compared to whoever’s next,” Levis said.
“But that’s the business. You get labeled as the guy who didn’t live up to something. I know what that feels like now. I really do.”
The shared experience between Levis and Burks — both high draft picks, both brought in under immense expectations, and both replaced by newer, shinier options — has become symbolic of the Titans’ recent identity crisis. Both players were once viewed as cornerstones of the franchise’s future. Now, one is gone, and the other is holding on.
🌀 A Franchise in Transition
The Titans, under new head coach Brian Callahan, have been aggressive in reshaping the roster. The drafting of Cam Ward marks a dramatic shift toward youth and mobility at quarterback, while the team continues to overhaul a depth chart full of past disappointments.
Treylon Burks, drafted 18th overall in 2022 to replace A.J. Brown, played just 27 games and logged 53 catches for 699 yards and one touchdown before being released earlier this offseason.
“He never had a real chance to stay healthy and show what he could be,” Levis said of Burks.
“And now, I kind of feel like I’m in that same boat — trying to prove myself, but already labeled as someone who didn’t pan out.”
📉 Uncertain Future
While Levis remains on the Titans roster for now, trade rumors continue to swirl, with several quarterback-needy teams reportedly monitoring the situation. Still, Levis insists he’s focused on showing up, improving daily, and being a professional — even if the team has clearly moved on.
“I can’t control the past. I can’t control who they drafted. But I can control how I show up every day,” he said.
“I’ll be here, working, supporting Cam, and staying ready. Because this isn’t over for me.”
🔮 What Comes Next?
Whether Levis remains in Tennessee as a backup or seeks a fresh start elsewhere remains to be seen. But his emotional admission and reflection on Treylon Burks’ journey serve as a powerful reminder: behind the depth charts, stats, and draft boards, these are young men fighting for dreams that can be taken away in an instant.
