Titans OL Anthony McKinney talks to Broadway Sports about decision to opt out of 2020 season

Earlier today, we learned that undrafted free agent Anthony McKinney is the first Titans player to opt out of the 2020 season due to health concerns with COVID-19. You can follow along with our Titans opt-out tracker here.

McKinney played offensive line at TCU, starting 11 games at left tackle for the Horned Frogs.

McKinney spoke with Broadway Sports today regarding his decision. Here’s what he had to say:

“It was very difficult coming to this decision but I made it for the higher risk members of my family. This virus is no joke. My family was exposed to it in the early stages of the pandemic and it almost cost us. With another wave expected to hit this fall, I simply wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if something happened and I wasn’t there.”

It’s hard to argue with that. I got to know McKinney in recent months after the Titans signed him at the conclusion of the 2020 NFL Draft. The coaching staff at TCU raved about his character, and I’ve enjoyed my conversations with him. He’s a good person who is doing what he feels he needs to do in order to keep his family safe.

This was surely a tough decision for McKinney, as part of the NFL and NFLPA’s opt out agreement included the stipulation that undrafted rookies who take the voluntary opt-out will not be eligible for the $150,000 salary advance.

Broadway Sports wishes McKinney the best of luck!

Author: Justin MeloSenior Writer, Interviewer and Podcaster for Broadway Sports covering the Tennessee Titans and NFL draft. For more than five years, Justin Melo has professionally covered all things NFL draft and Titans for The Draft Network, SB Nation and USA Today. Best known for his Interview Series with NFL draft prospects, Justin has interviewed more than 500 NFL players. Co-host of the Music City Audible podcast alongside Justin Graver (@titansfilmroom).

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