As Cameron Batson steps into Saint Thomas Sports Park for his third professional training camp, he’s thankful for a new beginning. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Titans back in 2018, Batson has had his fair share of ups and downs.
Batson was a surprise inclusion on the 53-man roster in 2018 and saw his hard work earn him an opportunity on the field. Batson made eight catches while playing in 11 games as a rookie.
He was primed to take a step forward in 2019, but his season ended before it even started when he landed awkwardly on his shoulder during the last play of a late July practice. Batson remembers the play vividly.
Despite missing the entire 2019 season, the Titans signed Batson to a one-year contract extension in February of this year. It was proof that the Titans still believe in him and are anxious to see what he has to offer.
Throughout the highs and lows, Batson has found a way to remain level-headed while focusing on the task in front of him. He knows that nothing will be handed to him over the next few weeks.
Batson plans to approach this training camp like the ones before it: Take every day as a chance to make a positive impression. He is healthy and believes that his work ethic will once again speak for itself.
Batson recently spoke exclusively with Broadway Sports about his rookie season, the road to recovery and the opportunity he has in front of him.
JM: You made the Titans roster as an undrafted free agent in 2018. That process can be an uphill battle. What do you most recall from that experience?
CB: I recall so much about the opportunity. You don’t get a lot of hype coming out of Texas Tech. I was just so thankful to receive an opportunity with a professional team. I went in with a mindset that I was going to give it my all and let God deal with the outcome. It was a very fun year for me. I had my ups and downs. I ran into my roadblocks. I learned a lot of tough lessons as a rookie in 2018.
The most important lesson I learned during that time was that you can’t control everything. You can only control what you can control. Everything else will take care of itself.
JM: You had a lot of fun in 2018. Do you have a fondest memory from your rookie season?
CB: Making the final roster was obviously a huge accomplishment for me. I just appreciated the opportunity go out there and do battle with the guys in my position room. It’s always a blessing to stand next to the group of guys we have at the receiver position. This organization gave me a chance to continue playing the game that I love. I’ve had a lot of fun doing it so far.
The most fun that I’ve had was just the relationships I’ve been able to build. I’ve met some guys that I was watching when I was still in middle school. To stand next to guys that have been in the league for a few years is such a blessing to me. It’s the ultimate realization that my dream came true. It doesn’t stop here, though. I have to keep putting in the work if I want to become one of the more successful players in this league.
I learned how far hard work can take you in 2018. I did my best to stay grounded and humble. Everything will take care of itself.
JM: I thought that 2019 was going to be an interesting season for you. Unfortunately, you suffered a season-ending injury before things kicked off. What was your mindset like when the injury first occurred?
CB: Man. A lot of thoughts raced through my mind. The play where it happened still plays so vividly in my head. I was running a crossing route on the last play of practice. I had played well that week, and I was running with the first-team offense. [Marcus] Mariota who was the starting quarterback at the time threw me a crossing route. I jumped up, caught the ball and landed awkwardly on my shoulder. That was it.
It goes back to what I was saying earlier. You can only control what you can control. Injuries are a part of the game. It’s one of those things you can’t control. You can try to prevent the soft tissue stuff, but some events are just unfortunate. It was one of those unlucky deals for me.
I used that time to grow both as a man and as a player. I had a lot of time on my hands to hit the film room. I learned a lot about the game as a whole as I sat on the sidelines. I wanted to see what I could do to make my game better, especially in the areas that I still need to improve in. It felt like an extra off-season for me.
COVID-19 happened, and that was like having another off-season. It’s definitely been a long 2019 and 2020 for me. I’m just looking forward to displaying all of the hard work I’ve been putting in. I’m filled with so much hunger and aggression right now. It’s been a long time since I’ve officially been on that field. I’m excited to be back out here so that I could prove to myself that I’m really that guy.
JM: It really has been an interesting journey for you. What was the recovery process like?
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