We are in the middle of the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative, which spans Weeks 4-6 of the 2026 regular season. The initiative was developed with the American Cancer Society to expand access to lifesaving screenings in under-resourced communities through on-field events, community screenings, and educational resources.
This year, the initiative reached a new milestone when it surpassed 1.1 million cancer screenings in supported communities.
The Tennessee Titans kicked off Crucial Catch week on Monday night by hosting patients and their families from the Monroe Carell Junior Ambassador Program for a Crucial Catch Family Fun Night at PopStroke. At the event, Titans edge rushers Femi Oladejo and Keldric Faulk were in attendance.
A “memorable” visit
to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt @VUMCchildren left three @Titans uplifted. "We were there to support them, but if anything, they brought a smile to our faces even more." STORY https://t.co/lBSo3Lvwud#CrucialCatch pic.twitter.com/MyGboWXt3B
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 7, 2026
On Monday, Titans defensive ends Jacob Martin, Truman Jones, and Jermaine Johnson visited with cancer patients at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.
"Our goal was to go there and uplift them," Jones said, "and do what they wanted to do, some arts and crafts or play games. And we left all left there thinking: When and where can we get more involved?
"It was awesome visiting the kids. Just seeing how excited they were to see us, and just how positive they were in the hospital. Their energy and their excitement, it really was contagious. It was a memorable day."
Johnson said he "met the best tattoo artist" while he was there, and sported the peel-off tattoo she placed on his arm.
The players witnessed a 16-year-old patient ring the bell, which signifies a huge milestone in their treatment, and another patient asked about Jeffery Simmons, so the group FaceTimed him to chat. In all, the three players spent about 90 minutes at the hospital.
"Just being there with all the kids, they were in such high spirits; same goes for their families, smiling in tough times and the kids shining through it all," Johnson said.
"Being there, it definitely puts everything in perspective. If these young kids can have this energy and outlook in their situation, then you should really check yourself with whatever you are going through."
The Titans aren't done with their Crucial Catch participation. They'll also volunteer at Hope Lodge this week, and they'll host a Pink Lemonade Stand prior to Sunday's game, with all of the proceeds benefiting the Vanderbilt Breast Center.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: 3 Tennessee Titans visit Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital
