David Stewart: I’m a big ‘ol teddy bear

Titans right tackle David Stewart hasn’t made a lot of friends around the NFL since arriving in the league as a rookie in 2005.

His style of play has gotten under the skin of many defenders. This week, it landed Stewart on a Sporting News’ list of the Dirtiest Players in the league. In a poll of players, Stewart came in fifth place, with three votes.

“I don’t know who would say that,” Stewart said with a smirk on Friday. “I don’t know where they are getting that from. I’m a big ‘ol teddy bear.”

Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was the winner by a wide margin, while former Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan, now with the Rams, placed third. Titans coach Mike Munchak found the mention of Stewart somewhat humorous, and Stewart also said “I got a chuckle out of it.”

“We like the way David plays,” Munchak said. “I wouldn’t say he’s dirty, he is just aggressive and he competes and some guys don’t like that when you play all the way to the whistle.”

The Texans accused Stewart of pulling linebacker Brooks Reed’s hair last month, and said he used some other illegal tactics. Stewart was fined after that game, but Munchak said the eighth-year pro has been on his best behavior most of the season.

“He has done a better job of not fighting with his teammates,” Munchak said. “He is just full-speed every time he goes, but he has gotten a lot smarter about pulling back. You need guys like that on your football team.”

Posted In: AFC South, League News, Team News

Source: Titans Insider