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Massachusetts Native Will Levis Shined In His NFL Debut

Author Jeff Gorra

Did you know Tennessee Titans quarterback, Will Levis is a Massachusetts native? In fact, this rookie has deep ties to New England, and yesterday, the football world saw him deliver a stellar first start of his NFL career.

Levis was named the starting quarterback vs. the Atlanta Falcons by head coach Mike Vrabel (also a New England football legend) after Ryan Tannehill was confirmed to be out with an injury. However, the expectation was that Levis would split time with fellow Titans quarterback Malik Wallis. Levis threw a wrench into those plans by dominating on the field. Vrabel then stuck with the hot hand.

In total Levis threw four touchdowns. This matched a record held by only Marcus Mariotta (who was also with the Titans at the time) and Fran Tarkenton, as the only rookies to throw for four or more touchdowns in their first game.

By The Numbers

Levis’ day resulted in an outstanding passer rating of 130.5. He was 19 of 29 passing for 238 yards and four touchdowns. The first of Levis’ career came towards the end of the first quarter when he hit receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a 47-yard touchdown. Hopkins would then have two more touchdowns off passes thrown by Levis. They were in the second and third quarters respectively. The fourth Levis touchdown pass was with just under seven minutes to go in the game when he hit Nick Westbrook for a 33-yard score. The Titans won the game 28-23.

New England Native

Will Levis was born in Newton, Massachusetts. He lived in North Attleboro until the age of six, when his family moved to Madison, Connecticut. Levis attended Xavier High School in Middleton, CT, where he would go on to set passing records for the school. He is also an alumnus of the

Crafting https://t.co/aJYKofpbcg

— Will Levis (@will_levis) January 15, 2021?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">M2 QB Academy, which is a premier Quarterback development program in New England.

Levis’ college career is best known for what he did as the University of Kentucky quarterback. However, he spent his first three college seasons (redshirt freshman) playing for Penn State. Then Levis transferred to Kentucky in 2021. His draft stock fell a bit and Levis went lower than expected, being drafted in the second round, 33rd overall in 2023.

It appears this Massachusetts native landed in the right spot, though as ESPN reported Levis is likely to start again next week vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Nota-BULL

Boston-based, athletic performance brand NOBULL signed Levis to be one of their athletes earlier this year. NOBULL is Boston-based and also has Patriots quarterback Mac Jones on their roster.

4 High-Profile Football Coaches I'd Want My Kid To Play For

As a youth coach, there is no better feeling than being able to be able to coach a team that your kid is on. But you realize, if your little athletes goes on to play post-youth ball, they will eventually play for someone else. This led me to think about which high-profile football coaches (in both the NFL and NCAA) I would want my kid to play for today.

This is focused on the sport of football for three main reasons. The first is that is the sport I coach him in. Second, it’s the sport of the season. Lastly, it’s the sport my son loves the most right now.

In today’s modern era of professional and high-profile college sports, the head coaches are very prominent figures. Their press conferences are posted to social media. Furthermore, their demeanor is constantly evaluated,, as the press formulate an opinion as to whether or not they are doing a good job.

“Put Me In, Coach!”

So, what do I look for when thinking about who I’d want my son to play for? Well, in this hypothetical scenario, it is important to note that I am selecting a coach, and not a team. Then, it boils down to attitude. These coaches seem to have an attitude that goes way beyond winning. There’s an empathy to their approach. They carry themselves as unique individuals first, and then as a coach. This then leads their locker room to do the same. Lastly, each of them has bet on themselves, and some point had to have the unwavering belief that they would be great at what they do. They never quit on their dreams or their teams.

I have never met any of these coaches. In addition, none of them coach the team I cheer for. They simply inspire me with how they go about their craft and inspire their players.

Here are the four football coaches I’d want my kid to play for.

  • Dan Campbell - Detroit Lions

    After the Lions beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Dan Campbell stood at the team locker room door and congratulated each player on his team as they entered. A hand shake, a hug, a slap on the shoulder pads, or a “great job, man” was issued to each member of the squad. This sentiment is nothing new for Campbell. He’s a player’s coach; he relates to his players. Why? Because he was one. Campbell played tight end in the NFL for the Giants, Cowboys, Lions, and Saints before becoming a coach. Campbell makes sure his players know two things before they take the field. That he believes in them, and that he has their backs. Furthermore, Campbell always exemplifies gratitude for his moments. He knows what it’s like to fail and get back up. In 2015, Campbell was named the interim head coach of the Dolphins. He was not retained. Now, he has the Lions in the playoffs.

     

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  • Dan Lanning - University of Oregon

    From a NFL Dan to a college football Dan. Yes, the Oregon Ducks lost heartbreakers to the University of Washington Huskies this past season. Yes, you can argue Lanning had some interesting calls in those games. In response, Lanning said, “I think this game is 100% on me,” he said.” He took responsibility and held himself accountable, which is what he expects of his players. A coach who has the confidence to show his or her leadership while simultaneously recognizing the responsibility that comes with such a title, is someone you want your kids to look up to. Speaking of kids, Lanning had to move countless times until he earned his Oregon head coaching job. He too, failed more than once, but believed in himself to get back up without having a plan B. Even when his kids were babies, he bet on himself to keep going after his dream instead of taking a paycheck outside of coaching. 

     

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  • Mike McDaniel - Miami Dolphins

    If you want an example of overcoming adversity and defying the odds, Mike McDaniel is a pretty great example. As a young kid obsessed with the Denver Broncos, McDaniel used to ride his bike to their training camp. One day he lost his hat and then met the team assistant, Gary McCune, who felt bad for this kid who was so upset. This led to McDaniel eventually becoming a ballboy. At 22, he was a coaching intern for the Broncos. Over the next 17 years, he would do every odd job possible as an NFL assistant. He got fired a few times, successfully completed rehab, and lost a Super Bowl. McDaniel never stopped grinding, even when he’d frequently get called the “IT guy” due to his smaller size. He didn’t look like a NFL coach, and he had his own style. This is what has led to McDaniel’s success with the Miami Dolphins. His players love playing for him, just as much as he loved coaching for them. He also gets to the office at

    Mike McDaniel gets to the office as early as 3 a.m., crushes Red Bull, likes Frank Sinatra and Metallica, and has assigned me to watch the “Between Two Ferns” movie. #FinsUp https://t.co/ClDgLdZBWL

    — Joe Schad (@schadjoe) March 2, 2022?lang=en">3 am.

     

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  • Kalen DeBoer - University of Washington

    I am staying in the Pacific Northwest for my college choices here. However, it’s a non-football related story that made me take to Coach DeBoer, who led the Huskies to the championship. Prior to the Oregon game, the Huskies star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. partnered with a local artist named Keegan Hall. Together, they signed prints of Hall’s incredible drawing of Penix Jr. They sold 200 of them and donated every dollar earned to a local charity. Coach DeBoer was involved in this effort, showing a high level of support. Then, Hall shared a story where DeBoer went out of his way, while on the field during the Oregon game to express his sincere interest in what Hall and Penix Jr. had accomplished. “Without a doubt, @kalendeboer has been incredibly successful on the field but, in my opinion, it’s what he does off the field that enables that success,” Hall said, telling the story in an Instagram post. This type of authentic human-element is something you can’t teach. DeBoer has shown he cares about the person, and the impact, not just the football player.

     

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Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.

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