NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans wide receiver Mason Kinsey has been grinding for an opportunity since he first entered the league in 2020.

Only a few players around the league hail from a Division III football program. Kinsey is the only alumni in Berry College history to play in the NFL. As he likes to say, he isn’t supposed to be here…and yet he is.

Five years into his career and Kinsey continues to be the guy you just can’t kill. Every year he gets better and adds something to his toolbelt that keeps the door open for him. Every year he finds a way to help the Titans organization.

Kinsey's gritty career path has endeared him to the Titans fanbase, and over the years, Kinsey has become a fan favorite in Nashville while biding his time for an opportunity. That opportunity might be here.

With Tennessee trading star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs this week and Treylon Burks placed on Injured Reserve, Kinsey's time is now. 

Kinsey is being elevated from the Titans’ practice squad and will suit up for the team on Sunday against Detroit. But unlike his previous call-ups (8 career regular season games played), this one could come with some offensive opportunities. He’s been signed to the active roster, as well, which means he’ll accrue at least three NFL game day checks.

"It's the next man up mentality. That's how this business works. When one guy goes down, or one guy leaves or gets traded, you're looking for other guys to fill that spot," Kinsey told me in the locker room on Friday afternoon. "I'm trying to come in and keep learning and make sure I'm versatile enough to play all three positions (X, Y, Z), try and contribute on special teams and give myself an opportunity to be on this team."

In my eyes, it was clear Kinsey put together the best training camp of his NFL career with the Titans this fall. Not only was he making plays from all three wide receiver spots, he developed a noticeable chemistry with quarterback Mason Rudolph and was a standout in kick coverage. That speaks to his point about staying versatile. Kinsey will always have his abilities as a punt returner in his bag, but finding others ways to contribute are key to getting elevations like this one. 

"I thought this year was my best training camp. I got to show my ability to play all three positions and gain the trust of my coaches to do that. So if that opportunity presents itself, I'm obviously going to be super excited," said Kinsey.

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