Saleh's brother David was working in the World Trade Center on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 when the terrorist attack that changed the course of struck. As Saleh has recounted many times, it was the fear of almost losing his brother, and the relief of learning of his narrow escape hours later, that to leave his desk job and pursue a life in football coaching.
"My brother was in the second tower," Saleh told reporters on the 25-year anniversary of the attacks. "He was in the 64th floor, or somewhere around there. When the first building got hit, he booked it down the stairs and started running. I think he was in floor 20 when his building got hit. And I think he was about a half mile or a mile away when the buildings collapsed. His experience was obviously extremely traumatic. And I always told people that if I ever wanted to see what my mom looked like when she lost one of us, that was the day. For a while we were convinced he was gone. "Saleh began his career in coaching in 2002 as an entry-level assistant at Michigan State. By 2005, he'd secured his first NFL internship with the coach against the Jets on Sept. 13 (noon CT, CBS) at Nissan Stadium.
"We're the lucky ones," Saleh said in reflection. "We're very fortunate my brother got out safe. We had the opportunity to reflect. And through this country's tragedy, (I) was able to find an avenue. I found my path through tragedy. I was working at the bank and through self-reflection it allowed me the opportunity to change my path and pursue something that I love. "
Cedric Gay injury update
Saleh ruled linebacker Cedric Gray out for the opener. Gray is in the concussion protocol after injuries sustained during a UTV crash last weekend. Saleh said the Titans will elevated veteran Mohamoud Diabate from the practice squad for this game, and the Titans will also be able to lean on James Williams Sr., and rookie Anthony Hill Jr., as replacements for Gray alongside entrenched starter Cody Barton.Beyond Gray, no other players are expected to be ruled out and there is no expectation of any further injury designations. The Jets have ruled out DE Joseph Ossai and WR Tim Patrick. Jets rookie CB D'Angelo Ponds and return specialist Kene Nwangwu are listed as doubtful.
Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at . Follow Nick on X . Subscribe to the for updates sent directly to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: