We all know those people and things that are staples at every Fourth of July cookout. They are traditions that are synonymous with the summer and quite frankly, the holiday just wouldn't feel complete without them. 

Well in the spirit of Independence Day, I decided to find the symbolism in a few of our favorite Fourth of July traditions and see who on the 2023 Tennessee Titans embodies them most.

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Ryan Tannehill as “The Grill Master”

Every good summer cookout has a grill master that’s in charge of cooking those burgers, hot dogs, and chicken breasts to perfection. Grill masters are usually very enthusiastic and passionate about their role and enjoy taking care of the people around them. Unfortunately for them, it’s one of the more overlooked and least glamorous jobs.

When there's an issue with the food, everyone is quick to pile on the person manning the grill. When the grill is firing on all cylinders and the food is tasting great, the compliments are still few and far between. That's Ryan Tannehill with the 2023 Titans.

Outside of his enthusiasm and suburban dad energy, Tannehill is the perfect grill master because he is extremely undervalued. Tannehill is a big reason the Titans have won so many games over the last four seasons and been able to build a run-first offense succesfully. He excels in play-action offense, he takes care of the football, and he is as tough as they come.

Tannehill is a grill master with a lot on his plate and not a ton of spices at his disposal. Mistakes are bound to happen, but I'd like to send some long overdue compliments to the chef.

Derrick Henry as “Fireworks”

When you think of Independence Day you probably picture fireworks exploding in the night sky in front of an attentive audience. When you think of Tennessee Titans football, you probably picture Derrick Henry exploding down the field for a big gain as the fans roar.

Just like fireworks, Derrick Henry erupts year after year but never seems to get old or wear down on people. No matter how many times you have seen him play or how many highlights you have watched, he will always find a way to surprise you. 

Henry is big, thunderous, and intimidating in stature, and just like fireworks on July 4th, he is the best way to finish things off. 

Jeffery Simmons as “Nice Weather”

Bad weather can put a damper on any outdoor games, prevent you from grilling, and even cancel July 4th firework shows. You never realize how important nice weather is for a cookout until you don’t have it.

It doesn't matter how much preparation you do, how many guests you invite, or how much food you buy…you're still keeping an eye on the weather and making sure it will permit for a full day of outdoor activities. The Titans are built around their defense, but Tennessee needs Jeffery Simmons for any of it to work.

When Simmons was playing through injury and operating at less than 100 percent last season, the entire Titans' defense suffered. It's hard to imagine what Tennessee would do if they had to go without Simmons for an extended period of time.

Luckily, after agreeing to a four-year contract extension with Simmons earlier this offseason, the forecast is still looking good.

Kevin Byard as “The Beer Cooler”

Everyone at a summer cookout loves the beer cooler and it’s not hard to see why. Beer coolers set the tone for the entire day, are consistent, and keep their cool no matter what is going on outside. In a world full of variables, beer coolers are reliable. 

Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard is the fan favorite that you can always count on. He is a leader, he is consistent in his preparation and performance, and he is an absolute professional at all times. It's impossible to not love KB, and if you didn't have him, something would just feel off.

On the field, Byard has always seemed to play his best in the biggest moments. He is cool under pressure and has ice in his veins.

Tyjae Spears as “Sparklers”

Tyjae Spears as sparklers is your smaller and faster alternative to Derrick Henry’s fireworks. Sparklers can play anywhere and anytime, but are especially fun when used as a warmup for the big firework show to follow.

While they may not pack the same punch, "spark" is in the name for a reason. The Titans used a third-round pick on Spears in the 2023 NFL Draft with hopes that he can be a spark for their offense and make plays in a variety of ways. Tennessee needs the pass-catching, route-running compliment to Henry in their backfield, and they've found that in the rookie out of Tulane.

Spears is going to not only make a name for himself this season, but also keep opposing defenses honest and set Henry up for some big runs. 

Treylon Burks & Chig Okonkwo as “The Cornhole Kings”

If you’ve ever been to a Fourth of July cookout that has cornhole set up in the backyard, you’re probably familiar with those two guys that run the boards all day. They’ve got a beer in one hand, and a bean bag in the other. They’re a dynamic duo that loves competition above all else. They challenge people to try and beat them, but nobody ever does.

At your cookout, it might be two brothers, or two neighbors, or that one uncle and his friend. But at the Titans' cookout, this is Treylon Burks and Chig Okonkwo.

These two compliment each other perfectly and have a lot of fun competing together. Making plays and winning games is priority number one. If they're firing on all cylinders, it's hard to see how anybody could stop them. They make it all look so effortless.

Mike Vrabel as “The Host”

Every cookout needs a host who picks the food, picks the games, and decides when everyone is eating and when it will be time for dessert. When you’re at a cookout, you always operate by house rules or you simply get kicked out. 

When Amy Adams Strunk fired Jon Robinson back in December and included Mike Vrabel in the search for and hiring of GM Ran Carthon, it showed the faith Titans ownership has in Vrabel to run things. Vrabel now has a bigger voice in personnel decisions and is working alongside Carthon to make sure Tennessee's roster fits his vision for the team.

Mike Vrabel decides who comes to the party, and if the host doesn't like you, you probably won't be invited next year.

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Titans players continue to do exactly what Mike Vrabel doesn’t want

Mike Vrabel has to be extremely disappointed by recent events in Nashville.