Manning's Teammate Advice Benefits the Tennessee Titans GM

For Tennessee Titans General Manager Ran Carthon, navigating the challenges of an NFL rebuild requires more than just scouting reports and salary-cap math—it demands perspective from someone who’s lived the franchise’s highs and lows. That’s where Peyton Manning comes in. As a former Titans teammate (and franchise icon), Manning offers Carthon a unique lens: not just that of a Hall of Fame quarterback, but of someone who understands what makes a team click from the locker room out. His advice—focused on building trust, prioritizing “teammate-first” players, and aligning roster moves with team culture—has become a valuable tool for Carthon as he works to return the Titans to contention. Manning's Teammate Advice Benefits the Tennessee Titans GM explores how these insights have shaped Carthon’s key decisions, from draft picks to free-agent signings, and why Manning’s “teammate perspective” is irreplaceable.

Manning's Teammate Advice Benefits the Tennessee Titans GM begins with the most critical lesson: evaluating players for “teammate fit” beyond just talent. Manning, who played with dozens of teammates across 18 NFL seasons, has long emphasized that locker room chemistry wins championships as much as athletic ability. He regularly shares stories with Carthon about players he’s played with—those who stayed late to help rookies, who took accountability for losses, who put the team above personal stats—and how those traits correlated with success. “Peyton always says, ‘You can teach route-running, but you can’t teach a player to care about his teammates,’” Carthon recalled in a recent interview. This advice guided the Titans’ 2025 draft, where they selected defensive tackle Elijah Garcia in the seventh round. Garcia, a small-school prospect with modest combine numbers, was chosen not just for his hustle on the field but for his reputation as a team leader—he’d organized voluntary workouts for his college teammates and mentored younger players. “Peyton looked at his film and said, ‘This kid plays like someone who doesn’t want to let his teammates down,’” Carthon said. Garcia went on to record 3 sacks as a rookie, becoming a fan favorite for his selfless play.

Manning's Teammate Advice Benefits the Tennessee Titans GM delves into Manning’s guidance on balancing short-term wins with long-term sustainability—a challenge every rebuild faces. When the Titans debated whether to re-sign veteran running back Derrick Henry (a pending free agent in 2026), Carthon turned to Manning for input. Manning, who’d seen teams prioritize short-term success at the cost of future flexibility, urged Carthon to weigh Henry’s on-field value against the team’s need to develop young talent. “Peyton told me, ‘Derrick is a franchise legend, but you have to ask: Does keeping him help you build something that lasts after he’s gone?’” Carthon said. Manning suggested a middle ground: a two-year contract extension for Henry that included a reduced cap hit in the second year, freeing up space to draft his eventual replacement (Tyjae Spears, a second-year back who’s since emerged as a reliable backup). The move paid off: Henry rushed for 1,200 yards in 2025, while Spears averaged 6.1 yards per carry, giving the Titans a seamless transition plan. “Peyton gets that you don’t have to choose between honoring your veterans and building for the future,” Carthon added. “He teaches you to do both.”

Manning's Teammate Advice Benefits the Tennessee Titans GM examines how Manning’s experience with team culture helps Carthon navigate coaching changes. When the Titans parted ways with head coach Mike Vrabel in 2025, Carthon leaned on Manning to identify what the next coach needed to bring to the locker room. Manning, who’d played for legendary coaches like Tony Dungy and John Fox, emphasized the importance of a leader who could connect with players—not just as athletes, but as people. “Peyton said, ‘The best coaches I played for didn’t just call plays—they knew when a teammate was struggling, when to push and when to listen,’” Carthon said. This advice shaped the Titans’ coaching search, leading them to hire Brian Callahan (then the Bengals’ offensive coordinator), who was known for his ability to build relationships with quarterbacks (like Joe Burrow) and foster a collaborative culture. Callahan has since implemented “player-led” film sessions—an idea Manning suggested—to encourage teammates to hold each other accountable. For the Tennessee Titans, this focus on culture has translated to better on-field communication: the team reduced its penalty yards by 25% in 2025, and player interviews regularly highlight a “closer locker room” than in previous seasons.

Manning's Teammate Advice Benefits the Tennessee Titans GM explores how Manning helps Carthon avoid past franchise mistakes. As a former Titan, Manning witnessed firsthand the pitfalls of quick fixes—like overspending on free agents who didn’t fit the team’s scheme or drafting players based on hype rather than fit. He often shares cautionary tales with Carthon, such as the Titans’ 2019 signing of a high-priced wide receiver who clashed with teammates and was cut after one season. “Peyton says, ‘Every mistake is a lesson—you just have to make sure you learn from it,’” Carthon said. This guidance has made Carthon more deliberate in free agency: instead of chasing big names, he’s targeted “value signings” like veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson, who agreed to a one-year deal in 2025 and quickly became a mentor to young defensive backs. Peterson’s leadership helped the Titans’ secondary improve from 26th to 18th in passing yards allowed. “Peyton taught me to ask, ‘Will this player make his teammates better?’ before signing the check,” Carthon said. For the Tennessee Titans, this careful approach has prevented costly missteps, keeping the salary cap flexible and the roster focused on long-term goals.

Manning's Teammate Advice Benefits the Tennessee Titans GM wraps up with the lasting impact of their partnership—how Manning’s “teammate perspective” has turned Carthon from a capable GM to a leader who understands what builds a sustainable franchise. Beyond draft picks and contracts, Manning has taught Carthon to prioritize the human element of football: the trust between teammates, the pride in representing the franchise, and the commitment to growing together. “Peyton doesn’t just give advice—he gives you a way to see the team through the eyes of the people who play for it,” Carthon said. This was evident in the Titans’ 2026 offseason, when they re-signed tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo to a four-year deal— a move Manning endorsed because Okonkwo had become a “locker room glue guy” (often hosting teammates for dinners and organizing community service trips). As the Titans continue their rebuild, Carthon knows he can always turn to Manning for guidance—not just as a Hall of Famer, but as a former teammate who wants nothing more than to see the franchise succeed. For the Tennessee Titans, this partnership is more than just advice—it’s a bridge between the team’s storied past and its hopeful future.