On Sunday, Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger will call his team’s offensive plays. On Monday, Heimderdinger starts chemotherapy treatments in his battle against cancer.
Heimderdinger didn’t talk to the media Thursday because he doesn’t want to be a distraction to the team. His co-workers spoke plenty for him.
“It shows his dedication, his strength, his endurance, just his fight,’' wide receiver Justin Gage said, via Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. “Most of all it shows that he really loves us. Just to have him out there is so much of a motivator to us as players, and people in general. Just to see him fighting and what he is going through. It is amazing, really.’'
Center Eugene Amano: “Our ultimate goal is to win for him. It would be a great way to send him off, and we want to do it for him. We are a big family, and I am sure for him it will be tough for him to get away from us for a little bit. But I commend his courage, and for him fighting to be with us. Now we want to fight and do the best we can for him.’'
Wyatt reports it was business as usual for Heimerdinger at practice Thursday. He was seen joking around with Kerry Collins at one point. Another time, General Manager Mike Reinfeldt put his arm around Heimerdinger as they walked together.
Heimerdinger has his work cut out for him Sunday. Rusty Smith, a rookie quarterback from Florida Atlantic, will make his first NFL start. Then Heimerdinger’s real battle begins.
