NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mike Vrabel exits the door from the Titans’ training room, crosses the media patio and moves onto the practice field. A cart dressed up like a giant speaker is to his right. Inside is an iPhone that controls the music, and one of the actual speakers from which blares the early part of the team’s practice soundtrack: Alabama’s “Down Home.”
“That’s terrible, Stretch,” Vrabel shouts.
He sticks his head inside, finds the controls and changes the song to “Last Time That I Checc’d” by Nipsey Hussle featuring YG.
Happy players explode, thrilled with the change. It’s as if Stretch set the coach up to be a hero.
Stretch is 29-year-old John Streicher (pronounced Striker). By title, he’s assistant to head coach. In practice – as well as at practice -- he’s much more.
“He’s like Keyser Soze,” Arthur Smith said. “You don’t want to cross Stretch. It’s been bad for a lot of people. Please quote me on that.”
