Tennessee Titans Coach Robert Saleh Defends Released Defensive Tackle Jordan Elliott After Firearm Incident

Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh came to the defense of former defensive tackle Jordan Elliott, describing the alarming practice incident that led to the player’s release as more of a cry for help than a criminal act. The Titans cut ties with Elliott on Tuesday following an October 15 altercation at the team’s practice facility.

According to reports surrounding the event, Elliott became involved in an on-field argument with offensive lineman JC Latham before being escorted away from practice. Following the confrontation, Elliott went to the players’ parking lot to retrieve a firearm. Fellow defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers intervened in the parking lot and successfully de-escalated the situation before it escalated further.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday for the first time since the player’s release, Saleh commended both the National Football League and the Titans organization for taking time to investigate the root causes behind the incident rather than reacting with an immediate, purely punitive dismissal. Saleh pointed to the pressures players face, noting that Elliott has no prior disciplinary history, is a father, and maintains a reputation as a hard worker and respected locker room presence.

Saleh questioned why a reliable player would experience such a severe disruption, framing the behavior as an indicator of deeper personal struggles. He referenced two recent suicides among NFL players over the past year to emphasize the hidden mental health challenges athletes can navigate away from the field. While clarifying that he was not suggesting Elliott was suicidal, Saleh argued that personnel often deal with overwhelming pressures that teammates and coaches fail to recognize.

According to Saleh, the franchise spent time ensuring Elliott received appropriate support before finalizing his release, though leadership ultimately concluded that bringing a firearm onto team property crossed a line the organization could not ignore.

Despite supporting Elliott’s departure from Tennessee due to the severity of the protocol violation, Saleh expressed strong confidence that the defensive tackle’s professional career should continue elsewhere. He vouched for Elliott’s overall character and issued a direct message to the rest of the league advocating for the player’s abilities as a run-stopping defensive lineman who could contribute to a playoff contender.