The Train Daddy is back with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! Let me start by offering prayers for Chris Johnson and his family. The legendary Titans running back recently shared his ALS diagnosis. He found out he had the disease that attacks the nerves that control muscles, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, at the young age of 39. It’s a brutal thing, and I can’t even fathom what he and his family have been dealing with. It was awesome seeing all the love the fans and franchise sent his way in prayer and the thousands of completed ALS ice-bucket challenge videos.

I am looking forward to the home opener on Sept. 13, Week 1 vs. the Jets. CJ2K will be inducted into the Titans Ring of Honor at halftime as one of the franchises’ best running backs. Chris will become the first inductee who began his career in the Tennessee era rather than the Houston era.

If it wasn’t for Tennessee, Texas would more than likely be North Mexico. Thanks to the Tennessee Volunteers, Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, James K. Polk . . . the list goes on. Call me biased, but Tennessee is the best state in the country and American football is the best sport in the world.

World Cup

With that said, there were many people who wanted the World Cup to fail in America and blame President Trump for it. It was a massive hit, and the international fans became the stars of the party. Social media had a blast watching these fans turn their trips into viral celebrations embracing American culture, the food and hospitality of all these host states. The internet is a toxic place, but those videos of soccer fans from all over the world enjoying their time in the U.S. made for happy top-tier content.

It certainly drowned out the noise of those rambling about American politics and geopolitical tensions, even if only for a short time. I do have one complaint, though.

There is no doubt in my mind that soccer players in general are some of the softest professional athletes in the world. Sure, they may have the best cardio in sports, but rolling around crying to refs has got to stop. I understand it’s part of the game, selling the pain for a penalty, but it’s an embarrassing, stupid part of the game.

No other sport in the world has that kind of focus on penalties—penalties that can drastically change the game. Basketball certainly has its moments, but nothing like soccer. That’s all I have to say about that.

Will Team U.S.A. ever win the World Cup? Good luck. It’s not an easy thing to do. I certainly appreciate the effort given. Winning the group stage and advancing to the Round of 16 is a step in the right direction. Many doubted the Americans would make it that far, and while it ended in disaster against Belgium, they got a round of applause from me—well, for everyone except Christian Pulisic. The marquee player did nothing but lose possession of the ball.

On a global stage you can’t help but respect the massive popularity of soccer. It’s also cool that here in the best state in America we currently have the best team in the MLS. Shout-out to Nashville Soccer Club, sitting atop the standings with a very balanced team that leads the MLS in goal differential. Move over Lionel Messi, this is Hany Mukhtar’s year to bring an MLS cup to Nashville.

WNBA

Before we start talking about the best sport in the universe, I have one more thing to cover: Sophie Cunningham and the WNBA, the latest sports star to publicly take on the insane issue of trans athlete participation. It really is baffling that this is still a debate. The vast majority overwhelmingly agree with Sophie’s “common sense” take.

Cunningham believes trans women and girls have no place in female sports. I concur! Biology matters in sports. It directly influences athletic strength, speed and performance and is the scientific basis for originally separating men/women in certain sports. For the supporters of this, it’s all about feelings over fair play. Some people call this a made-up problem to generate hate. That’s nonsense.

It makes zero difference how many examples we have. Even one is too many. One becomes two becomes four, and so on and so on. The fact it’s even a debate is enough to speak out about. I appreciate people like Sophie standing on business now, so this nonsense doesn’t take root.

We even recently had one of the owners of the Seattle Storm verbally confront, curse and call two teenage fans “f***ing insane” courtside for holding signs and wearing shirts supporting Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham’s stance on trans athletes.

You can’t make this stuff up—an angry butch co-owner of a professional team in the stands, yelling at teen girls who simply believe only women should be allowed to play in women’s leagues.

Thankfully the WNBA punished team co-owner Celeste Keaton with a ban and fine. It’s ridiculous the bubble these people live in, and thank God for Sophie Cunningham and these brave teen girls for shaking it up.

I am not telling anyone how to live life; adult trans individuals should have the right to live life as they see fit. But in the realm of sports there is nothing complex about the topic. It’s a very simple matter regarding fair play, and I will continue to be an advocate against that nonsense.

I should just stick with football talk, which creates less drama and fewer angry DMs and emails. But it feels necessary to speak out, and I believe the majority of readers appreciate it.

Let’s Talk Titans!

The Tennessee Titans are currently in camp with preseason football just around the corner. The team has a new coaching staff, new look, new players and a QB who is now entering year two of his NFL career with very high expectations.

It’s been rough football these last few years. Coach Callahan was a disaster, but we have new leadership in the building, and so far, it shows. Head Coach Salah brings a fast and violent defensive-minded culture, and he certainly has the right player in Big Jeff Simmons to help him execute those plans.

Originally, I wanted an offensive-minded coach to lead as head coach. Everything about this team’s success and future sits on the shoulders of Cam Ward, the number-one overall pick last season. That’s why I was thrilled when the Titans hired the former Giants head coach in Brian Daboll to run this offense.

Nobody can deny Coach Daboll’s track record in working with quarterbacks—Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts, Brett Favre, Daniel Jones and Russell Wilson, just to name a few. He has a young QB in his hands with Cam Ward. Daboll will deploy heavy mental repetition with Cam Ward and hopefully have Cam comfortable enough to become a more efficient passer, along with using his feet more often when the play breaks down.

I love the outlook of this team. I believe up front the defense will be the backbone while the new-look athletic secondary will feast off the chaos the DL creates on opposing quarterbacks. The recipe is there, as are the players on defense.

The offense will continue its growth, with positive play as the goal. Cam Ward certainly has better weapons around him than he did as a rookie. From his new receivers to a couple gigantic tight-ends, I call the bash brothers in Helm and Bellinger.

The only real question mark remains at offensive line, and it’s a huge worry for me. They struggled last year and they didn’t do much to address it. If that’s the case, Coach Daboll better be prepared to have Cam get rid of the ball quickly and use those legs more often. I won’t be a happy fan if Cam Ward is once again a top 3 most-sacked QB following the 2026 season. The defense is stout; the offense overall has gotten better and the special teams are still in the hands of one of the game’s most competent coaches in Coach Bones. My worry just remains with the men paid to protect our QB.

No more complaining! I truly love everything the Titans have done heading into this season. The team is better all around, and the pieces are filling in. It’s a young team with a bright future and this season is all about growth.

That’s it, let’s wrap this thing up! I can’t wait for my favorite time of the year, and it’s almost here. The fall season in the hills of Tennessee, with football in full swing. It’s a beautiful time to be living life. The Train is rolling into the station. Choo-choo!