Young spoke to dispel a Sports Illustrated column that suggested he had rebuffed any overtures to learn from Kerry Collins while he serves as a backup to the veteran quarterback.

Young also said he has learned from the adversity he faced in the wake of the knee injury, the bizarre incidents that unfolded around him the day after that injury, and the loss of his starting job in the process.

"I definitely want to get this by, while I'm doing this media (interview)," Young said. "A lot of people say I'm not supportive of Kerry and that I'm not asking him for advice. I don't know why that's going around, but that's my man. That's my guy. We have a lot of respect for each other, and he helps me out -- not just football, but he helps me out with accounting, money, all those types of things.

"I just want to get that out there right now, that me and five (Collins) are not like what somebody walked up to me and said earlier. I just wanted to get that out there."

Young said he had learned something about life as a high-profile NFL quarterback in the aftermath of the injury, police searching for him and questions about his mental well-being the day after the injury.

"I had a lot of adversity, just being a Texas quarterback period," Young said. "The whole world knows now. The whole world knows who I am as a person. This is the whole world. I'm not just dealing with Austin, like I was. Now, I'm dealing with everybody. It's a learning process for me, but at the same time, I'm over that. It's out the window. It's made me the stronger black man that I am and a more stronger competitor when I do get a chance to get back out on the football field, there's going to be a whole other Vince Young."

As to when the "whole other Vince Young" might get a chance to get back on the field, Young said he did not know.

"I haven't the slightest idea. You've got to ask Coach Fish (Jeff Fisher) that. I'm just sitting back playing my part and my position that he has me at," Young said.

He was asked if he had any doubts as to whether he would get another chance to be the leader and franchise quarterback again, and admitted the thought at least crossed his mind.

"Somewhat. I don't have the slightest idea," Young said. "All I can do is what I'm doing right now, rehabbing my knee, lifting weights, staying focused, staying into the offense, just asking questions to Coach (Mike) Heimerdinger and the guys, and that's basically all I can really do. If my number is called, all I can do is just wait. But right now, all I can do is just stay focused and ready."

One of the best ways perhaps to incorporate Young back into the team setting and be part of the offense is to have some special plays or packages involving him. When asked if some trick formations or packages might be in the offing for him, he said he couldn't answer the question.

Fisher was broached with that question a couple of weeks ago, regarding using Young in situational packages, and replied, wryly, "Maybe."

SERIES HISTORY: 45th regular-season meeting. The Chiefs lead the series 25-19 and also hold a 2-0 edge over the Oilers/Titans in playoff matchups. Tennessee won 26-17 last year in Kansas City as Vince Young enjoyed one of his more productive days last season, going 16 of 26 for 191 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.