Tennessee Titans facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tennessee Titans
Current season
Logo Wordmark Uniforms
Basic info
Established	August 14, 1959; 66 years ago (August 14, 1959)
Stadium	Nissan Stadium Nashville, Tennessee
Headquartered	Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park Nashville, Tennessee
Colors	Titans blue, navy, red, silver, white
Mascot	T-Rac
Personnel
Owner(s)	Adams family
Chairman	Amy Adams Strunk
CEO	Burke Nihill
President	Burke Nihill
General manager	Mike Borgonzi
Head coach	Mike McCoy (interim)
Team history
Houston Oilers (1960–1996) Tennessee Oilers (1997–1998) Tennessee Titans (1999–present)
Home fields
Jeppesen Stadium (1960–1964) Rice Stadium (1965–1967) Houston Astrodome (1968–1996) Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium (1997) Vanderbilt Stadium (1998) Nissan Stadium (1999–present)
League / conference affiliations
American Football League Eastern Division (1960–1969) National Football League (1970–present) American Football Conference (1970–present) AFC Central (1970–2001) AFC South (2002–present)
Championships
League championships: 2 AFL championships (pre-1970 AFL–NFL merger) (2) 1960, 1961
Conference championships: 1 AFC: 1999
Division championships: 11 AFL Eastern: 1960, 1961, 1962, 1967 AFC Central: 1991, 1993, 2000 AFC South: 2002, 2008, 2020, 2021
Playoff appearances (25)
AFL: 1960, 1961, 1962, 1967, 1969 NFL: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021
Owner(s)
Bud Adams (1959–2013) Amy Adams Strunk (2013–present)

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 played at Nissan Stadium. The team will move to a new stadium, also called Nissan Stadium, which will be ready in 2027.

The team started in 1959 as the Houston Oilers. They were founded by Bud Adams in Houston, Texas. The Oilers were one of the first teams in the American Football League (AFL) in 1960. They won the first two AFL championships. In 1970, the Oilers joined the NFL as part of the AFL–NFL merger. Famous players like Earl Campbell and Warren Moon led the team to many playoff games.

In 1997, the team moved to Nashville, Tennessee. For two seasons (1997-1998), they were called the Tennessee Oilers. In 1999, they changed their name to the Titans. They moved into their new home, Adelphia Coliseum, which is now Nissan Stadium. The Titans' practice facility is in Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville.

The Titans played in Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000. They lost a close game, 23–16, to the St. Louis Rams. Led by Steve McNair and Eddie George, the team often made the playoffs in the early 2000s. More recently, from 2016 to 2021, the Titans had six winning seasons in a row. They also made the playoffs four times. The Titans are special because two of their players, Chris Johnson (in 2009) and Derrick Henry (in 2020), have each rushed for over 2,000 yards in a single season.

Team History

The Houston Oilers Years

The Houston Oilers began in 1959. They were one of the first eight teams in the new American Football League (AFL). The team first played at Jeppesen Stadium and later at Rice Stadium. With quarterback George Blanda, the Oilers won the first two AFL championships in 1960 and 1961. They also played in the 1962 championship game but lost.

After some tough years, the Oilers returned to the AFL championship game in 1967. They then moved into the Astrodome, which was the first domed stadium for a professional football team. In 1970, the AFL joined with the NFL. The Oilers became part of the new American Football Conference (AFC).

In 1978, the Oilers drafted star running back Earl Campbell. He led the team to the playoffs for three years in a row. Campbell was the best rusher in the NFL during those years. The Oilers reached the AFC championships in 1978 and 1979, but lost both times to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The team struggled for a few years. Then, in 1987, quarterback Warren Moon joined the Oilers. With Moon and great offensive linemen like Mike Munchak and Bruce Matthews, the team made the playoffs six times in a row. One famous playoff game was in 1993 against the Buffalo Bills. The Oilers had a huge lead but lost in overtime. This is still the biggest lead ever lost in a playoff game. After the 1993 season, Moon left the team. The Oilers then drafted quarterback Steve McNair and running back Eddie George, who became key players for the team.

Moving to Tennessee

After the 1995 season, the team's owner, Bud Adams, decided to move the Oilers to Tennessee. A new stadium in Nashville was not ready until 1999. So, the team played two seasons in other cities. In 1997, they played at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. During this time, the team was called the Tennessee Oilers. Not many fans came to the games in Memphis.

For the 1998 season, the Tennessee Oilers played their home games at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville. They had a decent season, winning 8 games and losing 8.

The Tennessee Titans Era Begins

In 1998, the team decided on a new name: the Tennessee Titans. This name was chosen to go with their new stadium, which opened in 1999 and is now called Nissan Stadium. The name "Titans" connects to Nashville's nickname, "Athens of the South," which refers to ancient Greek history.

The 1999 season was amazing for the Titans. They made it all the way to Super Bowl XXXIV. Coach Jeff Fisher and quarterback Steve McNair led the team to a 13–3 record. Their playoff journey included a famous play called the "Music City Miracle" against the Buffalo Bills. In the Super Bowl, they lost a very close game to the St. Louis Rams, falling just one yard short of a possible tying touchdown.

In the early 2000s, the Titans often made the playoffs. Players like Eddie George and Jevon Kearse were stars. After George and McNair left, the team drafted quarterback Vince Young in 2006. He helped the team reach the playoffs in 2007. In 2008, Kerry Collins led the Titans to a league-best 13–3 record and another playoff appearance.

In 2009, running back Chris Johnson had an incredible season. He became only the sixth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single year. After some changes in coaching and players, quarterback Marcus Mariota was drafted in 2015. He led the team to three winning seasons in a row from 2016 to 2018. In 2017, the Titans won a playoff game for the first time since 2003.

A new era started in 2018 with head coach Mike Vrabel. In 2019, quarterback Ryan Tannehill took over, and running back Derrick Henry became a superstar. Henry led the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns. The team reached the AFC Championship Game that season. In 2020, Derrick Henry rushed for over 2,000 yards and won the Offensive Player of the Year Award. The Titans won their division with an 11–5 record. In 2021, they won their division again with a 12–5 record and earned a first-round bye in the playoffs.

The Titans had a tough 2022 season, finishing with a losing record. In 2023, they finished 6–11. After that season, Mike Vrabel was no longer the head coach. Brian Callahan was hired as the new head coach before the 2024 season. Key players like Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill left the team during or after the 2023 season.

Team Logos and Uniforms

The Tennessee Titans uniforms used from 1999 to 2017.

When the team started as the Houston Oilers in 1960, their logo was an oil rig. This logo stayed mostly the same until 1999. The Oilers' uniforms were blue or white jerseys with red trim and white pants. Sometimes they wore light blue pants. Their helmets were blue, silver, or white over the years.

From 1997 to 1998, as the Tennessee Oilers, the team used a logo that mixed the flag of Tennessee with the oil rig. They mostly wore white uniforms for home games.

When the team became the Titans in 1999, they got a new logo. It's a circle with three stars, representing the three main regions of Tennessee. Inside the circle is a large "T" with flames. Their new uniforms had white helmets, red trim, and either navy blue or white jerseys. The shoulders and sleeves were a lighter "Titans blue."

Over the years, the Titans have used different uniform combinations. In 2003, they added a light Titans blue alternate jersey. In 2008, the light Titans blue jerseys became their main home uniforms. In 2015, navy blue became the main home jersey color again.

On April 4, 2018, the Titans showed off new uniforms. They kept the navy blue, Titans blue, and white colors. They also added new red and silver details. The helmets became navy blue with a silver sword-shaped stripe.

In 2023, the Titans brought back their old powder blue Oilers uniforms for special throwback games. On March 27, 2025, the light Titans blue jersey was made the team's main home jersey again. They now wear navy blue jerseys only when the other team wears white.

Team Rivalries

The Titans have rivalries with other teams. Some are with teams in their division, the AFC South. Others are historical rivalries with teams they used to play often.

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 and early 2000s. Both teams were very good then. In one season, the Jaguars lost only three games, and all three were to the Titans. The Titans lead the all-time series against the Jaguars.

Houston Texans

The rivalry with the Houston Texans is special because the Titans used to be the Houston Oilers. Many fans in Houston still feel a connection to the old Oilers team. The Titans won most of the early games against the Texans. The Titans lead the all-time series.

Indianapolis Colts

The Titans and the Colts have been division rivals since 2002. They have had many important games. In 2018, the Colts beat the Titans in the last game of the season to make the playoffs, knocking the Titans out. In 2020, the Titans won their division over the Colts. The Colts lead the all-time series.

Conference Rivals

Buffalo Bills

The Houston Oilers and Buffalo Bills were in the same division in the AFL. They had many exciting games. Two of the most famous playoff games in team history were against the Bills: "The Comeback" in 1993 and the "Music City Miracle" in 2000. The Titans lead the all-time series against the Bills.

Baltimore Ravens

This rivalry grew in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Titans and Ravens have played each other five times in the playoffs since 2002. Star running back Derrick Henry left the Titans in 2024 to play for the Ravens, adding to this rivalry. The Ravens lead the all-time series.

Historic Rivalry

Pittsburgh Steelers

After joining the AFC Central division, the Titans (then Oilers) developed a rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers were often the Oilers' main rival in their division. The Steelers have played the Titans more than any other NFL team. The Steelers lead the all-time series.

Team Culture

Flameheads

When the Titans first played in their new stadium, some fans started wearing special headwear that looked like flames. These fans were called "Flameheads." This became popular during the team's successful years around 2000. The flames represent the Greek myth of Prometheus, who gave fire to humans.

Cheerleaders and Mascot

Cheerleaders cheering on the crowd during a home game.

T-Rac, the mascot of the Tennessee Titans.

The Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders perform at every home game at Nissan Stadium. They also appear at community events. They have 28 members and perform many dance moves and stunts.

T-Rac is the team's mascot. He is a raccoon, which is the state animal of Tennessee. T-Rac first appeared in 1999. He entertains fans at games and community events.

Stadium Traditions

During the fourth quarter of every home game, a video plays of "office linebacker" Terry Tate. He shouts, "the pain train's coming!" This is followed by the song "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash.

After every Titans first down, the stadium's big screen shows a scene from the movie 300. In the scene, the Spartans chant. Titans fans then chant "OOH! OOH! OOH!" three times.

Titans Ring of Honor

In 1999, the team started a Hall of Fame to honor great players and staff. It was later renamed the Oilers/Titans Ring of Honor in 2008. Many important figures have been inducted, including Bum Phillips, Jeff Fisher, Floyd Reese, and Billy "White Shoes" Johnson.

Season Records

Source:

Player Information

Current Roster

Retired Numbers

The Titans have retired several jersey numbers to honor their greatest players. This means no other player on the team can wear that number.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Members

These players and coaches from the Oilers/Titans have been recognized as some of the best in football history. They are honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Franchise Leaders

These are the top players in Titans history for passing, rushing, and receiving yards.

Passing yards (regular season) (as of end of 2024 season)

Rushing yards (regular season) (as of end of 2024 season)

Receiving yards (regular season) (as of end of 2024 season)

Coaching Staff

Head Coaches

Current Staff

How to Follow the Titans (Radio and TV)

You can listen to Titans games on the Titans Radio Network. The main station is WGFX 104.5-FM. Taylor Zarzour describes the game, and former coach Dave McGinnis gives expert comments. The network broadcasts on 70 stations.

Most preseason games are shown on WKRN-TV, the ABC station in Nashville. They also have a weekly show about the coach. For regular season games, Nashville's CBS station, WTVF, shows most games. Fox station WZTV shows games against NFC teams. NBC station WSMV-TV broadcasts Sunday Night Football games, and WKRN shows Monday Night Football games.

See also

In Spanish: Tennessee Titans para niños

• List of American Football League players
• NFL Cheerleading