Jan. 15, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
If you’re an NFL fan, there’s no denying the Tennessee Titans<\/a> proved extremely disappointing in 2025. You can argue that, record-wise, Tennessee was the NFL’s worst team.<\/p>\n The future in Nashville looks extremely bright, though, headlined by 2024 first overall pick Cam Ward. Defensively, there’s a former Tar Heel<\/a> leading the charge.<\/p>\n Cedric Gray<\/a>, a linebacker whom the Titans selected 106th (fourth round) overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, rose to stardom in just his second professional season. Gray finished his “sophomore season” with 97 solo tackles, second amongst all NFL players.<\/p>\n Gray finished just two tackles behind Miami Dolphins<\/a> linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who led the NFL with 99 solo tackles. Gray’s 164 total tackles put him fourth in the league, behind Brooks (183), Detroit Lions<\/a> linebacker Jack Campbell (176) and former LSU<\/a> standout Devin White (174).<\/p>\n Gray started his North Carolina career<\/a> in 2020, appearing mainly on special teams. Gray broke the starting linebacker rotation in 2021, finishing fourth in the ACC and lead the Tar Heels<\/a> with 100 tackles, while adding five TFLs, three pass breakups, 2.5 sacks, two hurries and interceptions apiece, plus one forced fumble and recovery each.<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n Gray continued his collegiate stardom in 2022 and 2023, finishing first-team All-ACC<\/a> in each season and ending his UNC career with 369 total tackles. Gray played sparingly in his rookie NFL campaign<\/a>, totaling 22 tackles in just seven appearances, but he’s a clear-cut part of Tennessee’s future now.<\/p>\n Will Gray continue his dominance in what the Titans hope is a much-improved, 2026 season? Regardless, Tennessee needs to do everything it can for Gray to remain in light blue.<\/p>\n Follow us @TarHeelsWire<\/a>\u00a0on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook<\/a>\u00a0to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels<\/a>\u00a0news, notes and opinions<\/p>\n