Tennessee Titans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tennessee Titans |
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Basic info | |||||||||||||
Established | August 14, 1959 | ||||||||||||
Stadium | Nissan Stadium Nashville, Tennessee |
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Headquartered | Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park Nashville, Tennessee |
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Colors | Titans blue, navy, red, silver, white |
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Mascot | T-Rac | ||||||||||||
Personnel | |||||||||||||
Owner(s) | Adams family | ||||||||||||
Chairman | Susie Adams Smith Amy Adams Strunk |
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CEO | Burke Nihill | ||||||||||||
President | Burke Nihill | ||||||||||||
General manager | Mike Borgonzi | ||||||||||||
Head coach | Brian Callahan | ||||||||||||
Team history | |||||||||||||
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Home fields | |||||||||||||
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League / conference affiliations | |||||||||||||
American Football League
National Football League (1970–present)
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Championships | |||||||||||||
League championships: 2
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Conference championships: 1
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Division championships: 11
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Playoff appearances (25) | |||||||||||||
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Owner(s) | |||||||||||||
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The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team. They are based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans play in the National Football League (NFL). They are part of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division. Their home games are at Nissan Stadium. The team will move to a new stadium that will be ready in 2027.
The team started as the Houston Oilers in 1959. Bud Adams, a Houston oil businessman, founded the team. He owned it until he passed away in 2013. The Oilers began playing in 1960 in Houston, Texas. They were one of the first teams in the American Football League (AFL). The Houston Oilers won the first two AFL championships. They also won four division titles. In 1970, they joined the NFL as part of the AFL–NFL merger.
The Houston Oilers made it to the playoffs many times. This included runs from 1978 to 1980 and from 1987 to 1993. Famous players like Earl Campbell and Warren Moon played for them.
In 1997, the team moved to Nashville, Tennessee. They played one season in Memphis, Tennessee, at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. This was while a new stadium was being built. In 1998, the team moved to Nashville's Vanderbilt Stadium. For these two seasons, they were called the Tennessee Oilers. They changed their name to the Titans for the 1999 season. That's when they moved into their new home, now called Nissan Stadium. The Titans train at Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville.
The Titans played in Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000. They lost 23–16 to the St. Louis Rams. With players like Steve McNair and Eddie George, they often made the playoffs from 1999 to 2003. From 2016 to 2021, the Titans had six winning seasons in a row. They also made the playoffs four times. The Titans are the only NFL team to have two players rush for 2,000 yards in one season. These players were Chris Johnson (in 2009) and Derrick Henry (in 2020).
Contents
Team History
The Houston Oilers Era
After trying to get an NFL team in Houston, Bud Adams started the Houston Oilers in 1959. They were one of the first eight teams in the new American Football League (AFL). The Oilers played their first games at Jeppesen Stadium. In 1965, they moved to Rice Stadium.
Led by quarterback George Blanda, the Oilers played in the first three AFL championship games. They won the first two AFL championships. Both wins were against the San Diego Chargers. In 1962, they lost to the Dallas Texans (now Kansas City Chiefs) in double overtime.
The Oilers struggled for a few years. But in 1967, they had a good season. They made it to the AFL championship game again. They lost to the Oakland Raiders. After that season, the Oilers moved into the Astrodome. They were the first pro football team to play in a domed stadium.
In 1970, the AFL joined with the NFL. The Houston Oilers became part of the new American Football Conference (AFC)'s Central division. The Oilers did not make the NFL playoffs from 1970 to 1977.
In 1978, the Oilers picked running back Earl Campbell first in the 1978 NFL draft. Campbell helped the team reach the playoffs three years in a row. He led the NFL in rushing yards and won the Offensive Player of the Year Award in each of those seasons. The Oilers reached the AFC championships in 1978 and 1979. However, they lost both times to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Oilers had a tough time winning between 1981 and 1987. This changed when quarterback Warren Moon joined in 1987. With Moon and Hall of Fame players Mike Munchak and Bruce Matthews, the Oilers made the playoffs six times in a row. This was from 1987 to 1993.
During the 1992–93 NFL playoffs, the Oilers were part of a famous game. They had a huge 32-point lead against the Buffalo Bills. But they lost 41–38 in overtime. This is still the biggest lead ever lost in a playoff game. After the 1993 season, Moon was traded. Munchak retired to become a coach. The next season, the Oilers had a very bad record. Coach Jack Pardee was fired. Jeff Fisher took over. The Oilers then drafted quarterback Steve McNair and running back Eddie George. These players became very important for the team. The Oilers finished their last two seasons in Houston with winning records.
The Tennessee Oilers Era
After the 1995 season, Bud Adams announced the team would move to Tennessee. A new stadium in Nashville was not ready until 1999. So, the team played two seasons in Memphis, Tennessee, at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. The team was based in Nashville but traveled to Memphis for games.
Games in Memphis had very low attendance. Many games had fewer than 27,000 fans. Some even had fewer than 18,000. For the 1998 season, the team played home games at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. They almost made the playoffs that year. They finished with an 8–8 record.
The Tennessee Titans Era
In 1998, the team decided on a new name. On November 14, 1998, they became the Tennessee Titans. The name "Titans" connects to Nashville's nickname, "Athens of the South." This nickname comes from its classical buildings and many colleges.
The 1999 season was amazing for the Titans. They made a great run to Super Bowl XXXIV. Coach Jeff Fisher and quarterback Steve McNair led the team. They finished the regular season with a 13–3 record. In the playoffs, they had the famous "Music City Miracle" win against the Buffalo Bills. This was a last-second play where a kickoff return led to a touchdown. The Titans reached the Super Bowl but lost closely to the St. Louis Rams. They were just one yard short of a possible game-tying touchdown.
After the Super Bowl, the Titans had mixed results. They made the playoffs several times in the early 2000s. Players like Eddie George and Jevon Kearse played very well. But the team struggled to be consistent. After George and McNair left, the Titans drafted quarterback Vince Young in 2006. He helped the team reach the playoffs in 2007. Young had injuries and problems with Coach Fisher. In 2008, Kerry Collins took over as quarterback. He led the Titans to a great 13–3 record. They made the playoffs but lost to the Baltimore Ravens.
In 2009, Chris Johnson became the sixth player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season. He also broke a record for total yards from scrimmage. After the 2010 season, Young, Collins, and Fisher all left. Quarterback Jake Locker was drafted in 2011. His career was short due to injuries.
In 2014, the Titans had a very tough season. They drafted quarterback Marcus Mariota in 2015. He became the team's main quarterback for four seasons. Even though the team struggled in 2015, Mariota and other strong players like Delanie Walker and Jurrell Casey led the Titans to winning records from 2016 to 2018. In 2017, the Titans returned to the playoffs. They won their first playoff game since 2003. They came back from a big deficit to beat the Kansas City Chiefs. However, they lost in the next round to the New England Patriots. After this, Coach Mike Mularkey left.
The Titans started a new chapter in 2018 with new head coach Mike Vrabel. Key players like Jeffery Simmons and A. J. Brown joined the team. In 2019, Mariota was replaced by Ryan Tannehill. Running back Derrick Henry became a star. He led the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns. The team reached the AFC Championship Game in 2019.
Derrick Henry won the Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2020. He rushed for over 2,000 yards. The Titans won their division with an 11–5 record. Their season ended with a playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. In 2021, the Titans won their division again with a 12–5 record. They had a first-round bye in the playoffs. But they lost to the Cincinnati Bengals.
In 2022, the Titans had a losing season. In 2023, they finished with a 6–11 record. After the 2023 season, Coach Vrabel was fired. Brian Callahan became the new head coach. Key players like Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill left the team.
Team Look: Logos and Uniforms
When the team started as the Houston Oilers in 1960, their logo was an oil rig. This logo stayed mostly the same until 1999. It was first called "Ol' Riggy."
The Oilers' uniforms were blue or white jerseys with red trim and white pants. Sometimes they wore silver pants or light blue pants. Their helmets changed colors over the years.
From 1997 to 1998, as the Tennessee Oilers, they had a special logo. It mixed parts of the flag of Tennessee with the oil rig. They often wore white uniforms at home.
When the team became the Titans in 1999, they got a new logo. It was a circle with three stars, showing the state's regions. It had a big "T" with flames. Their uniforms had white helmets, red trim, and navy or white jerseys. The shoulders were light Titans blue.
In 2003, the Titans added a light Titans blue alternate jersey. They often wore this jersey for games against the Houston Texans. This showed their connection to Houston. They also started wearing light Titans blue pants.
In 2009, the Titans played the Buffalo Bills in a special Hall of Fame Game. They wore old Oilers uniforms to celebrate the AFL's 50th anniversary. That year, they also honored former quarterback Steve McNair. They put a small navy blue disc with his number nine on their helmets.
In 2015, navy blue became the main home jersey color again. The light Titans blue jersey became an alternate. In 2018, the Titans showed off new uniforms. They kept the navy blue, Titans blue, and white colors. They also added new red and silver parts. The helmets became navy blue with a silver sword-shaped stripe.
In 2023, the Titans brought back the light blue Oilers throwback uniforms. In 2025, the light Titans blue jersey became the main home jersey again.
Team Rivalries
The Titans have rivalries with the other teams in their division: the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Indianapolis Colts. They also have older rivalries with teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills.
Divisional Rivals
Jacksonville Jaguars
This rivalry started in 1995 when the Titans were still the Houston Oilers. It was very intense in the late 1990s. Both teams were very good. In one season, the Jaguars won 14 games and the Titans won 13. All three of Jacksonville's losses that year, including in the playoffs, were against the Titans. The Titans lead the all-time series 35–26.
Houston Texans
The rivalry with the Houston Texans is special because the Titans used to play in Houston. The Titans won most of the early games. But the series has become more even recently. The Titans lead the all-time series 24–22.
Indianapolis Colts
The Titans and Colts have been division rivals since the AFC South was created. In 2011, the Titans beat the Colts twice after losing 11 games in a row to them. In 2018, the Colts beat the Titans in the last game of the season. This win put the Colts in the playoffs and knocked the Titans out. In 2020, the Titans won the AFC South title over the Colts. The Colts lead the all-time series 39–22.
Conference Rivals
Buffalo Bills
The Houston Oilers and Buffalo Bills were in the same division in the AFL. Their rivalry stayed strong even after the NFL merger. Famous moments like "the Comeback" in 1993 and the "Music City Miracle" in 2000 happened against the Bills. The Titans lead the all-time series 30–21.
Baltimore Ravens
This rivalry grew in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It became even more intense when former Titans quarterback Steve McNair joined the Ravens. The Titans and Ravens have played five times in the playoffs since 2002. Derrick Henry, a star player for the Titans, joined the Ravens in 2024. The Ravens lead the all-time series 14–13.
Historic Rivalry
Pittsburgh Steelers
After moving to the AFC Central division, the Titans developed a rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers were the Oilers' main division rival for a long time. The Steelers lead the all-time series 49–32.
Team Culture
Flameheads
When the Titans first played in their new stadium, fans in the end zone started wearing flame-shaped hats. These fans became known as "Flameheads." This became popular during the Titans' successful years. Flames are important to the team because in Greek Mythology, the Titan Prometheus gave fire to humans.
Cheerleaders and Mascot
The Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders represent the team. They perform at every home game at Nissan Stadium. They also work with the team's mascot, T-Rac. They have 28 members and perform many dance moves and stunts. They also attend community events.
T-Rac is the Titans' raccoon mascot. He first appeared in 1999. The raccoon is the state animal of Tennessee. T-Rac is at every home game and at community events.
Stadium Traditions
During the fourth quarter of every home game, a video plays. It shows "office linebacker" Terry Tate shouting, "the pain train's coming!" After this, the song "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash plays.
After every Titans first down at Nissan Stadium, a scene from the movie 300 plays on the big screen. In the scene, the Spartans chant. Titans fans then chant "OOH! OOH! OOH!" three times.
Titans Ring of Honor
In 1999, Bud Adams started a Hall of Fame for the team. It was to honor past players and staff. In 2008, it was renamed the Oilers/Titans Ring of Honor. Recent additions include Bum Phillips, Jeff Fisher, and Floyd Reese in 2021. Billy "White Shoes" Johnson was added in 2023.
Oilers/Titans Ring of Honor | ||||
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Players | ||||
Inductee | Position | Tenure | Year Inducted | |
Elvin Bethea | Defensive end | 1968–1983 | 1999 | |
George Blanda | Quarterback Placekicker |
1960–1966 | 1999 | |
Earl Campbell | Running back | 1978–1984 | 1999 | |
Mike Holovak | Executive Scout |
1981–1999 | 1999 | |
Ken Houston | Safety | 1967–1972 | 1999 | |
Mike Munchak | Guard | 1982–1993 | 1999 | |
Jim Norton | Safety Punter |
1960–1968 | 1999 | |
Bruce Matthews | Guard Center Offensive tackle |
1983–2001 | 2002 | |
Warren Moon | Quarterback | 1984–1993 | 2006 | |
Bud Adams | Owner | 1959–2013 | 2008 | |
Eddie George | Running back | 1996–2003 | 2008 | |
Steve McNair | Quarterback | 1995–2005 | 2008 | |
Frank Wycheck | Tight end | 1995–2003 | 2008 | |
Robert Brazile | Linebacker | 1975–1984 | 2018 | |
Jeff Fisher | Head coach | 1994–2010 | 2022 | |
Bum Phillips | Head coach | 1975–1980 | 2022 | |
Floyd Reese | Coach/general manager | 1986–2006 | 2022 | |
Billy "White Shoes" Johnson | Kick returner | 1974–1980 | 2023 |
Team Records and Players
Retired Numbers
The Titans have retired several jersey numbers to honor important players. This means no other player on the team will wear that number again.
Houston / Tennessee Oilers / Titans retired numbers | ||||
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No. | Player | Position | Years played | Retired |
1 | Warren Moon | QB | 1984–1993 | October 1, 2006 |
9 | Steve McNair | QB | 1995–2005 | September 15, 2019 |
27 | Eddie George | RB | 1996–2003 | September 15, 2019 |
34 | Earl Campbell | RB | 1978–1984 | August 13, 1987 |
43 | Jim Norton | S/P | 1960–1968 | 1968 |
63 | Mike Munchak | G | 1982–1993 | November 6, 1994 |
65 | Elvin Bethea | DE | 1968–1983 | August 4, 1983 |
74 | Bruce Matthews | G | 1983–2001 | December 8, 2002 |
Pro Football Hall of Fame Members
Many players and coaches from the Oilers/Titans franchise have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This is a special place for the best players in football history.
Houston Oilers / Tennessee Oilers / Titans Hall of Famers | ||||
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Players | ||||
No. | Inductee | Class | Position | Seasons |
16 | George Blanda | 1981 | QB / K | 1960–1966 |
29 | Ken Houston | 1986 | S | 1967–1972 |
35 | John Henry Johnson | 1987 | FB | 1966 |
34 | Earl Campbell | 1991 | RB | 1978–1984 |
18 | Charlie Joiner | 1996 | WR | 1969–1972 |
63 | Mike Munchak | 2001 | G | 1982–1993 |
87 | Dave Casper | 2002 | TE | 1980–1983 |
65 | Elvin Bethea | 2003 | DE | 1968–1983 |
1 | Warren Moon | 2006 | QB | 1984–1993 |
74 | Bruce Matthews | 2007 | G | 1983–2001 |
78 | Curley Culp | 2013 | DT | 1974–1980 |
12 | Ken Stabler | 2016 | QB | 1980–1981 |
52 | Robert Brazile | 2018 | LB | 1975–1984 |
84 | Randy Moss | 2018 | WR | 2010 |
68 | Kevin Mawae | 2019 | C | 2006–2009 |
73 | Steve Hutchinson | 2020 | G | 2012 |
81 | Andre Johnson | 2024 | WR | 2016 |
Coaches and executives | ||||
Inductee | Class | Position | Seasons | |
Sammy Baugh | 1963 | Head coach | 1964 | |
Sid Gillman | 1983 | Head coach | 1973–1974 |
Team Leaders in Stats
Here are some of the top players in Titans history for passing, rushing, and receiving yards.
Passing Yards (Regular Season)
- 1. Warren Moon (33,685)
- 2. Steve McNair (27,141)
- 3. George Blanda (19,149)
- 4. Dan Pastorini (16,864)
- 5. Ryan Tannehill (14,111)
- 6. Marcus Mariota (13,207)
- 7. Vince Young (8,098)
- 8. Kerry Collins (6,804)
- 9. Ken Stabler (5,190)
- 10. Pete Beathard (5,128)
Rushing Yards (Regular Season)
- 1. Eddie George (10,009)
- 2. Derrick Henry (9,502)
- 3. Earl Campbell (8,574)
- 4. Chris Johnson (7,965)
- 5. Lorenzo White (4,079)
- 6. Hoyle Granger (3,514)
- 7. Steve McNair (3,439)
- 8. Mike Rozier (3,426)
- 9. Charley Tolar (3,277)
- 10. Ronnie Coleman (2,769)
Receiving Yards (Regular Season)
- 1. Ernest Givens (7,935)
- 2. Drew Hill (7,477)
- 3. Ken Burrough (6,906)
- 4. Charley Hennigan (6,823)
- 5. Haywood Jeffires (6,119)
- 6. Derrick Mason (6,114)
- 7. Delanie Walker (5,888)
- 8. Frank Wycheck (4,958)
- 9. Nate Washington (4,591)
- 10. Drew Bennett (4,033)
Coaching Staff
Head Coaches
Current Staff
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→ Coaching staff |
Radio and Television
The main radio station for the Titans is WGFX 104.5-FM. Mike Keith is the play-by-play announcer. Former Titans assistant coach Dave McGinnis provides commentary during games. The Titans Radio Network broadcasts on 70 stations.
Most preseason games are shown on WKRN-TV in Nashville. This is the ABC channel. They also have The Mike Vrabel Show every Tuesday night.
For regular season games, WTVF (CBS) shows most games. This is because CBS has rights to AFC games. WZTV (Fox) shows home games against NFC teams. WSMV-TV (NBC) shows Sunday Night Football games. WKRN shows the team's Monday Night Football games.
See also
In Spanish: Tennessee Titans para niños