Posted: 8/7/02

Haayer in Titans training camp

Branden Peterson
Sports Intern

The big man is back in the trench and doing well.

After Adam Haayerís rookie season with the Tennessee Titans was abruptly halted by a knee injury in training camp last August, Haayerís knee has healed 100-percent, and heís back preparing to protect the likes of Steve McNair and Eddie George for the upcoming NFL season.

ìI have to say itís been tough to get back,î Haayer said in a telephone interview from the Titans training camp. ìBut itís great to put the pads on, get the feet moving again, and get back at it.î

Haayer, a 1996 graduate of Forest Lake High School, went on to excel for the University of Minnesota football team. He started in 46 of 47 games for the Gophers after being red-shirted in his freshman year. Graduating in the spring of 2001, Haayer was selected by Tennessee Titans in the 2001 NFL Draft with the 199th pick.

Last seasonís torn MCL and fractured tibia plateau injury may have cost Haayer a chance playing time during his rookie season, but the second-year offensive tackle still says he had an eventful year.

He and wife, Summer, bought a house in Nashville, while having their second child, Aston, in January. Aston and 4-year-old brother, Austin, keep the Haayers on their toes, but the family is enjoying life in Nashville.

ìWeíve got a house in a nice community,î Haayer said. ìItís such a diverse area.î

ìItís funny, because when I got drafted by Tennessee, my wife saidÇëI donít even like country music.í But Iím happy. I couldnít have been placed in a better organization.î

Highly touted for his quickness and athleticism in addition to his size, Haayer, now 6í6î and 305 lbs., said his size increased to an all-time high of 320 lbs. in the off season. He explained the added weight was slowing him down, making him decide to lower back to 305 lbs.

ìI just didnít feel comfortable with it. I had probably just been eating a little too much and not working out as much, but I knew I wasnít moving as fast as I can.î

Haayer signed with the University of Minnesota in 1995, and was originally expected to play tight end at 6í6î and 230 lbs. As he grew, Haayer moved to the offensive line.

ìI kind of grew into it (offensive line). I just kept getting bigger and bigger,î the former Gopher said.

ìIím older now, and being done with all the things you do in college, I can really focus on taking care of my body and football.î

Training camp is regarded as the most grueling part of the NFL season for most, however the location of the Titansí state-of-the-art 80,000 square-foot training facility at Baptist Sports Park, a few miles outside of Nashville, Haayer is allowed the comfort of sleeping at home every evening.

Time at home is short. Haayer is spending as much as 18 hours a day with the Titans at camp. Mornings begin bright and early at 6 a.m. Time is needed to get taped up, eat breakfast with the team, and prepare for a two-hour morning practice in full pads.

After practice, players eat lunch before receiving some down time. Haayer often times takes a nap, before returning to camp at 2 p.m. to get taped for afternoon practice.

The Titans battle a draining 90-degree heat with 80-90-percent humidity almost every afternoon. Evenings demand Haayer and his teammates to settle in for team meetings until 10 p.m.

Moving around

The Titansí depth chart ranks Haayer as their second reserve offensive lineman. Most of Haayerís offensive line experience with the Gophers came at left tackle, but the Titans are extending his versatility at right tackle, a position he has no prior experience.

Titans offensive line coach Mike Munchak issued a written statement in regards to Haayerís progress.

"Adam has really worked his butt off coming through from the reconstructive surgery. He has gained weight and he is nice and strong. Now this week I am having him playing at both tackles. He is not used to playing right tackle, but he is learning both of them for the preseason.

ìWe are very happy with him at both tackles....He is still learning, we are taking it slow but sure and he is doing a good job."

Haayer used his own words to describe his new flexibility at both tackle positions.

ìItís not easy. You obviously have an opposite stance, but every thing is just backwards. But things are getting better every day.î

Challenges come everyday as Haayer lines up against feared league-veteran defensive ends Jevon Kearse and Kevin Carter.

ìWhen youíre going up against pro-bowlers in those guys, youíve got to realize that youíre going to make mistakes,î Haayer said. ìTheyíre going to beat you. You just got to keep doing the best you can.î

Haayer knows that facing the best will bring out the best in his skills. Understanding his role in a close-knit offensive line core, Haayer knows his chance to get some playing time is not far away.

ìMy goal is to just see some field action this year. You just donít know whatís going to happen, so youíve just got to be ready.î

Working with Titansí offensive line coach Mike Munchak is also welcomed by Haayer. Munchak was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in July 2001, and was a nine-time pro-bowler with the Titans, formerly the Houston Oilers.

ìWhat can you even say, heís a hall of fame guy,î Haayer said. ìSometimes youíve got a coach whoís screaming at you, and hasnít even been in the trenches or in your spot, but with Munchak, you know heís been there. The guy is a world-beater.î

Last weekend, the Miami Dolphins matched up with the Titans for a couple scrimmages. Haayer received a little field action, and was matched up against Miami veteran defensive end Jason Taylor.

ìIt went alright. I wouldnít say I played too smart, but I did what I needed to do. I got by.î Haayer said.

Short homecoming

The Titans will begin pre-season action on Saturday against the St. Louis Rams in the Titansí Adelphia Coliseum in Nashville. Thursday, August 15, the Titans will host their second preseason game against Oakland.

On August 23, Haayer will return home as the Titans visit the Metrodome against the Vikings. The preseason battle will be a short-lived homecoming for Haayer, as his team readies for the regular season.

ìItíll be nice to see the place (Metrodome) packed, but with these (preseason games) you just fly in, play, and fly out.î Haayer said.

Even if Haayer wonít spend as much time in Minnesota as he may like, he remains humble and is often reminded of his youthful days in Forest Lake.

ìIíve got some great memories of growing up in Minnesota. Itíll be fun to come home and play.î

Haayer may be putting in his time on Titansí sidelines now, but as unexpected injuries arise in the National Football League, Forest Lake may have their first professional football player seeing playing time soon enough.

Top of Page