Back in May 2018, the Tennessee Titans made a bold move by bringing in 24 undrafted free agents, one of whom was safety Joshua Kalu. As a rookie, Kalu had high hopes of earning a spot on the Titans’ roster if he worked hard enough. However, his journey with the team was short-lived as he was released just three months later. In a recent interview, Kalu opened up about his experience as an undrafted free agent and the harsh reality that led to his release.
Kalu’s journey to the NFL was not an easy one. He played college football at the University of Nebraska, where he was a standout player. Despite his impressive performance, he went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. But that did not deter him from pursuing his dream of playing in the NFL. He signed with the Titans as an undrafted free agent and was determined to prove himself.
However, the reality of being an undrafted free agent hit Kalu hard during his first few months with the Titans. He described those months as “hell” and revealed that he had to face many challenges both on and off the field. One of the biggest challenges for him was the constant pressure to perform and stand out among the other rookies and veterans.
Kalu also shared that he had to adjust to a completely different lifestyle as an undrafted free agent. Unlike the drafted players who received a signing bonus and a guaranteed spot on the roster, Kalu had to fight for his place every day. He had to live on a tight budget and make sacrifices to make ends meet. He even had to share a room with another undrafted free agent, which was a far cry from the luxurious lifestyle he had imagined as an NFL player.
But the biggest blow for Kalu came when he was released by the Titans. He was cut from the team during a team meeting, and it was a devastating moment for him. He had put in so much hard work and dedication, only to be let go in a matter of minutes. Kalu admitted that it was a tough pill to swallow, but he did not let it break him.
Instead, Kalu used this setback as motivation to work even harder. He knew that he had the talent and determination to make it in the NFL, and he was not going to give up. He continued to train and improve his skills, hoping for another opportunity to prove himself.
And that opportunity came when the Titans re-signed Kalu to their practice squad later that year. He spent the entire 2018 season on the practice squad, working tirelessly to impress the coaches and earn a spot on the active roster. His hard work paid off when he was promoted to the active roster in 2019, and he finally got the chance to play in the NFL.
Kalu’s perseverance and determination paid off, and he proved that being an undrafted free agent does not define a player’s potential. He went on to play in 12 games for the Titans in the 2019 season, recording 13 tackles and one interception. He also played a crucial role in the team’s playoff run, showcasing his talent and proving that he belonged in the NFL.
Today, Kalu is a free agent, but he is not giving up on his NFL dream. He continues to train and stay in shape, waiting for another opportunity to showcase his skills on the field. He has learned from his experience as an undrafted free agent and has become a stronger and more resilient player because of it.
Kalu’s story is a reminder that the road to success is not always easy, and setbacks are a part of the journey. But it is how we respond to those setbacks that define us. Kalu’s determination and never-give-up attitude are an inspiration to all aspiring NFL players, and his story serves as a reminder that hard work and perseverance can lead to success.
In conclusion, Joshua Kalu’s experience as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans may have been tough, but it has made him a stronger and more determined player. He has shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. And as he continues to chase his NFL dream, he serves as an inspiration to all those who face challenges and setbacks in their own journeys.