NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 11: Head coach Robert Saleh of the Tennessee Titans looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium on October 11, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) (Justin Ford via Getty Images) Chris Cwik Contributing writer Wed, October 21, 2026 at 6:11 PM UTC · 3 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh made it clear he still supports Jordan Elliott following the defensive tackle's release due to reportedly having a gun at a team facility . Saleh spoke about the situation Wednesday, giving an impassioned speech in Elliott's defense while also using the moment to speak on mental-health awareness in the sport.
Elliott was released by the team Tuesday. At the time, the Titans cited " an incident at our team facility ," but did not go into detail on what led to Elliott's release. Early Wednesday, a report emerged suggesting Elliott went to retrieve a gun from his car after a practice dispute with another player. The NFL prohibits players from having firearms at a team or league facility.
Saleh confirmed aspects of those reports Wednesday, saying Elliott "pulled a gun in the parking lot." Instead of admonishing Elliott for his actions, Saleh chose to focus on mental health in the sport, asking what would cause a player like Elliott to resort to such drastic measures.
Saleh opened his comments crediting both the Titans and the NFL for the way both sides handled the situation. He immediately showed support for Elliott, calling him "a father, a great husband" and someone who has "never committed a crime in his entire life."
Saleh then confirmed Elliott "pulled a gun in the parking lot." He then asked what would cause a player like Elliott — who Saleh said was a hard worker and well-liked in the locker room — to "go off the rails and grab a gun."
The coach then referred to it as a "cry for help." He said the team and NFL checked every single box "with regards to getting [Elliot] the help that he needs."
Saleh then called out two NFL players who took their own lives due to mental-health issues. While Saleh did not mention those players by name, he may have been referring to Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore, each of who died by suicide in the past year.
Saleh said he wasn't going to speak on whether Elliott was dealing with something similar, but used the moment to convey how much physical and mental stress NFL players are under.
Saleh then took a moment to go to bat for Elliott's character. The coach said he understood the NFL rules, seemingly agreeing with the team's decision to release Elliott, but added he would speak highly of Elliott to any other team that wanted to pick up the defensive tackle.
"I will stand on the table for Jordan's character," Saleh said. "Unfortunately, rules are rules with regards to guns on property and sometimes it's far greater than the knee-jerk reaction of kicking somebody when they are down.
"My message to 31 other teams would be if you need a hell of a run-stopping D-tackle that can help you on a playoff run, give me a call and I'll tell you everything you need to know about him.
"He's a good man. Had a terrible lapse in judgement that I recognize as a call for help more than a critical act. And it's unfortunate the way it went down. But as far as Jordan is concerned and the locker room and all that … I think people see it differently here than the knee-jerk reaction of the world."
Saleh wasn't the only member of the organization to speak out in support of Elliott. All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons called Elliott an "unbelievable teammate."
Simmons then spoke out in support of mental health and making sure players speak to a professional when in need of help.
Toward the end of his statement, Simmons expressed a desire to move forward as an organization and turned the focus to the team's Week 7 game against the Cleveland Browns.
Source: Sports
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