Tackling Type 1 Diabetes Tennessee Titans Style
Undrafted, rookie tight end, Alex Ellis is a hardened battler. The former University Volunteer is fighting for a roster spot on the Tennessee Titans. The 23-year-old who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of four is a popular underdog, regularly takes five or six insulin shots a day impressed scouts with his performance at the University of Tennessee's Pro Day, and the Titans signed him after the draft. The 6-foot-4, 253 pounder says that diabetes is just a regular part of his life. “For me, it is just like eating and breathing. I just have to keep it under control. It’s another life task.”
He has impressed Titans coach Mike Mularkey who praised Ellis. “He was here (training facility) before me most mornings when we first signed him, so I knew he was putting the time in to study. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. He wants to do it right. He plays hard, he practices hard. I like the way he’s competing.”
Fellow tight end and teammate Delanie Walker is also impressed. “I’ve seen him walking around with his (diabetes) kit. But you can’t tell when he’s out there on the field, and it doesn’t stop him. He gives it all he’s got, and he’s one of those guys who’s going to work hard. If he makes a mistake, he does it full speed. And when he makes a great play, he does it full speed. He’s a fighter. I think he is a great kid. He will have to fight to make this roster – we have some good tight ends on this roster. But I think he’s promising. He has a future in the NFL.”
“He was here (training facility) before me most mornings when we first signed him, so I knew he was putting the time in to study. He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. He wants to do it right. He plays hard, he practices hard. I like the way he’s competing.”
Ellis is grateful to the Titans for helping him make the transition to a new environment while dealing with diabetes.“The training staff here takes great care of me, checking in on me and helping me out,’’ he said. “At (the University of) Tennessee, they helped me out. So it’s been a smooth transition.” He also credits the team's other tight-ends for helping him make the transition from college to the NFL. "They are a great bunch of guys,’’ Ellis said. “They’ve been here for a while and there’s a reason for it – they do what vets do. I am just lucky to learn under them. I just have to keep working and do my best to show what I can do.”
