‘I felt disrespected’: Arden Key talks decision to join Titans during introductory presser

Arden Key was officially announced as a member of the Tennessee Titans on Monday and explained his decision to join the AFC rival of the Jaguars.

“With Jacksonville, it was a shock to me. After the year, I thought I was going to be a Jacksonville Jaguar,” Key said in his introductory press conference for the Titans. “I felt disrespected because I came in over there, built up the culture, brought a whole lot of energy, changed the city, changed the town. I felt like in my rightful mind, I was going to be a Jacksonville Jaguar. That didn’t happen.”

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Key found a new home with the Titans on a reported three-year, $21 million deal after spending last season with the Jaguars. He posted 4.5 sacks, with 33 hurries and 13 quarterback hits last season, becoming a vital piece of Jacksonville’s defense.

“I still love the players, love the teammates, love the city, love the fans, but yeah, we gotta see them twice,” he continued as he flashed a smile.

Key showed his worth during the back half of the season for the Jaguars, taking on a larger role due to injuries to Travon Walker and Dawuane Smoot. He was a high-energy player and brought veteran leadership with him.

Now, he’ll be a player with a chip on his shoulder as Jacksonville defends it’s AFC South title during two matchups against Tennessee.

Juston Lewis is a sports reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on Twitter at @JustonLewis_.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Arden Key joins Titans, says he felt disrespected by Jacksonville Jaguars