The History of the Tennessee Titans

by Ronald D. Spieker on April 24, 2023

The History of the Tennessee Titans

The Early Years

The Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are members of the South division of the American Football Conference (AFC) in the National Football League (NFL). The Titans were originally founded in Houston, Texas, in 1960 as the Houston Oilers. They later moved to Tennessee in 1997 and became the Titans. In this article, we will explore the early years of the Tennessee Titans, from the Houston Oilers era to the team's move to Tennessee.


The Houston Oilers Era (1960-1996):


The Houston Oilers were founded in 1960 as an American Football League (AFL) charter member. The team was named after the oil industry, a significant part of Houston's economy at the time. The Oilers played their home games at the Astrodome, the first domed stadium in the world.


The Oilers had some notable players and accomplishments during their time in Houston. In 1961, the team drafted George Blanda, a Hall of Fame quarterback and kicker. The Oilers won their first AFL championship in 1960 and went on to win two more titles in 1961 and 1962.


In the 1970s, the Oilers were known for their high-powered offense, led by quarterback Dan Pastorini and running back Earl Campbell. Campbell was drafted by the Oilers in 1978 and went on to win three rushing titles and the NFL Most Valuable Player award in 1979.

The Move to Tennessee (1997):


Despite their successes on the field, the Oilers struggled with attendance in the Astrodome. In the 1990s, the team began exploring the possibility of moving to a new city. In 1995, the Oilers announced they would move to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1998.


The move was not without controversy. Many Houston fans were upset that the team was leaving; some even filed lawsuits to prevent the action. However, the Oilers' new home in Nashville offered several advantages, including a new stadium and a more supportive fan base.

The Inaugural Season in Nashville (1998):


In 1998, the Tennessee Titans played their first season in Nashville. The team played home games at the newly constructed Adelphia Coliseum, now called Nissan Stadium. The Titans struggled in their first season in Nashville, finishing with an 8-8.


Despite their rocky start in Nashville, the Titans would become one of the most successful teams in the NFL. They made their first Super Bowl appearance in 2000, led by quarterback Steve McNair and running back Eddie George. Although they lost to the St. Louis Rams in a thrilling game, the Titans established themselves as one of the league's top teams.


In conclusion, the early years of the Tennessee Titans were marked by a move from Houston to Nashville and the team's struggles in their first season in their new home. Despite these challenges, the Titans would succeed significantly in the coming years.

The Steve McNair Era (1999-2005)


The Steve McNair Era of the Tennessee Titans (1999-2005) was marked by a period of sustained success for the franchise, as they established themselves as one of the top teams in the NFL. Led by quarterback Steve McNair, the Titans made multiple playoff appearances and even reached the Super Bowl. In this article, we will explore the key moments and players of the Steve McNair Era. 

The Titans' Super Bowl Run (1999-2000):


The 1999-2000 season was a historic one for the Titans. Led by McNair, who was named co-MVP of the league that year, the team went 13-3 in the regular season and made it to the Super Bowl. Along the way, they won thrilling playoff games against the Buffalo Bills and the Indianapolis Colts.


In the Super Bowl, the Titans faced the St. Louis Rams in one of the most memorable games in NFL history. The game was tied in the final minute, but the Titans fell just one yard short of scoring the game-tying touchdown. Despite the loss, the Titans established themselves as one of the league's top teams and set the stage for future success.

McNair's MVP Season (2003):


In 2003, McNair had one of the best seasons of his career, throwing for over 3,200 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading the Titans to a 12-4 record. He was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player that year, becoming the first African American quarterback to win the award.


McNair's toughness and leadership significantly influenced the team's success that season. Despite playing through multiple injuries, including a shoulder injury that required surgery after the season, McNair continued to lead the team and put up impressive numbers.

The End of the McNair Era (2005):


The 2005 season marked the end of the Steve McNair Era in Tennessee. McNair, the team's starting quarterback since 1997, was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in the offseason. The move was controversial, as many fans and analysts felt that McNair still had plenty of gas left in the tank and could have led the Titans to future success.


Despite the disappointment of McNair's departure, the Titans continued to compete in the following years. They made the playoffs in 2007 and 2008 and established themselves as one of the toughest teams in the league.


In conclusion, the Steve McNair Era of the Tennessee Titans was a period of sustained success for the franchise, marked by multiple playoff appearances and a historic run to the Super Bowl. Although McNair's departure in 2005 was a setback, the Titans continued to compete and establish themselves as one of the NFL's top teams.

The Vince Young Era (2006-2010)


The Vince Young Era of the Tennessee Titans (2006-2010) was a period of transition for the franchise as they looked to establish a new identity after the departure of Steve McNair. The Titans, led by quarterback Vince Young, showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency and failed to reach the same heights as they did in the previous era. In this article, we will explore the key moments and players of the Vince Young Era. 

Young's Rookie of the Year Season (2006):


The Titans drafted Vince Young with the third overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as the team's starting quarterback and had a stellar rookie season. He threw for over 2,100 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushed for an additional 552 yards and 7 touchdowns. He was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year and appeared to be the future quarterback for the Titans.


The Titans' 13-3 Season (2008):


The 2008 season was the high point of the Vince Young Era. Led by a strong defense and a balanced offense, the Titans went 13-3 in the regular season and earned the top seed in the AFC playoffs. Young played a vital role in the team's success, throwing for over 1,400 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for an additional 395 yards and 3 touchdowns.


Unfortunately, that year, the Titans' playoff run was cut short, as they were upset by the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round. Despite the disappointment of the loss, the Titans showed they could be a dominant team with the right pieces in place.

Young's Departure and the End of an Era (2010):


The 2010 season marked the end of the Vince Young Era in Tennessee. After a series of clashes with head coach Jeff Fisher, Young was benched and eventually released by the team. His departure was controversial, as many fans and analysts felt he still had plenty of potentials and could have led the team to success.


Despite the disappointment of Young's departure, the Titans continued to compete in the following years. They made the playoffs in 2017 and 2019 and established themselves as a tough, physical team with a strong defense and a potent rushing attack.


In conclusion, the Vince Young Era of the Tennessee Titans was a transition period for the franchise, marked by moments of brilliance and disappointment. Although Young showed promise as the future quarterback, his departure in 2010 signaled the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in the Titan's history. Despite the challenges of the period, the Titans continued to compete and establish themselves as a tough, physical team that could contend with anyone in the league.

The Marcus Mariota Era (2015-2019)


The Marcus Mariota Era of the Tennessee Titans (2015-2019) was a period of ups and downs for the franchise. Led by quarterback Marcus Mariota, the Titans showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency and failed to make a deep playoff run. In this article, we will explore the key moments and players of the Marcus Mariota Era. 

Marita's Rookie Season (2015):


The Titans drafted Marcus Mariota as the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as the team's starting quarterback and had a strong rookie season. He threw for over 2,800 yards and 19 touchdowns and was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year.


The Titans showed promise in Mariota's rookie season but finished with a 3-13 and missed the playoffs. Despite the disappointing record, Mariota's performance gave fans hope that he could be the future quarterback for the Titans.

The Titans' Playoff Run (2017-2018):


The 2017 and 2018 seasons were the high point of the Mariota Era. In 2017, the Titans finished with a 9-7 and made the playoffs as a wild-card team. They upset the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round before losing to the New England Patriots in the divisional round.


In 2018, the Titans finished with a record of 9-7 again and made the playoffs as a wild-card team for the second year. They upset the Dallas Cowboys in the wild-card round before losing to the Patriots again in the divisional round.


Although the Titans failed to make a deep playoff run in either of these seasons, their success showed that they could be a competitive team with the right pieces in place.

Mariota's Departure and the Beginning of a New Era (2019):


The 2019 season marked the end of the Marcus Mariota Era in Tennessee. After a series of injuries and inconsistent play, Mariota was benched in favor of Ryan Tannehill midway through the season. Although Mariota had shown promise in his first few seasons with the team, his departure signaled the need for a new direction for the franchise.


With Tannehill at the helm, the Titans went on a surprising playoff run in 2019, upsetting the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens before falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game.


In conclusion, the Marcus Mariota Era of the Tennessee Titans was a period of ups and downs for the franchise. Although Mariota showed promise as the quarterback of the future, his departure in 2019 signaled the need for a new direction for the team. Despite the era's challenges, the Titans made two playoff appearances and showed they could be competitive in the league.

The Ryan Tannehill Era (2019-Present)


The Ryan Tannehill Era of the Tennessee Titans (2019-Present) has been a period of renewed hope and success for the franchise. Led by quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the Titans have established themselves as one of the top teams in the NFL and have made multiple playoff appearances. This article will explore the key moments and players of the Ryan Tannehill Era. 

Tannehill's Arrival and the Quarterback Controversy (2019):


The Titans acquired Ryan Tannehill in a trade with the Miami Dolphins in the 2019 off-season. He was initially brought in as a backup to Marcus Mariota but quickly established himself as the team's starting quarterback. Tannehill's arrival sparked a quarterback controversy, as many fans and analysts were unsure if he could lead the team to success.


Despite the controversy, Tannehill performed high in his first season with the Titans. He threw for over 2,700 yards and 22 touchdowns in just ten games as the starter and led the team to a record of 7-3 in those games.

The Titans' AFC South Title (2020):


The 2020 season was historic for the Titans. Led by Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry, the team won the AFC South title for the first time since 2008. Tannehill had another strong season, throwing for over 3,800 yards and 33 touchdowns while leading the league in passer rating.


In the playoffs, the Titans upset the favored Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round. Although the playoff run was disappointing, the Titans showed that they could be a competitive team with the right pieces in place.

The Future of the Titans with Tannehill at the Helm:


With Tannehill under center, the Titans have established themselves as one of the top teams in the NFL. They have a strong defense and a potent rushing attack led by Henry, and Tannehill has shown that he can make plays when needed. The future looks bright for the Titans with Tannehill at the helm, and they will be a team to watch in the coming years.


In conclusion, the Ryan Tannehill Era of the Tennessee Titans has been a period of renewed hope and success for the franchise. Tannehill's arrival sparked a quarterback controversy, but he quickly established himself as the team's starter and has led the Titans to multiple playoff appearances. With a strong team around him, Tannehill looks poised to lead the Titans to even greater success in the future.

Titans Legends


The Tennessee Titans have a rich history, including some of the NFL's most legendary players. In this article, we will explore the Titans Legends, players who have significantly contributed to the team's success and left a lasting impact on the franchise. 

Warren Moon (1984-1993):


Warren Moon is one of the greatest quarterbacks in the Titans' history. He played for the team from 1984 to 1993, leading the franchise to multiple playoff appearances and establishing himself as one of the NFL's top signal callers. Moon was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

Eddie George (1996-2003):


Eddie George is one of the most beloved players in Titans' history. He played for the team from 1996 to 2003, rushing for over 10,000 yards and earning four Pro Bowl selections. George helped lead the Titans to multiple playoff appearances and was inducted into the team's Ring of Honor in 2008. 

Steve McNair (1997-2005):


Steve McNair is the most iconic player in Titans' history. He played for the team from 1997 to 2005, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2000 and earning co-MVP honors that season. McNair was a three-time Pro Bowler inducted into the team's Ring of Honor in 2019. 

Jevon Kearse (1999-2003, 2008-2009):


Jevon Kearse, also known as "The Freak," was one of the NFL's most dominant pass rushers during his time with the Titans. He played for the team from 1999 to 2003, earning three Pro Bowl selections and being named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1999. Kearse returned to the team for two more seasons in 2008 and 2009. 

Keith Bulluck (2000-2009):


Keith Bulluck is one of the greatest linebackers in Titans' history. He played for the team from 2000 to 2009, earning three Pro Bowl selections and being named First-Team All-Pro in 2007. During his tenure with the team, Bulluck was a vital member of the Titans' dominant defense. 

Chris Johnson (2008-2013):


Chris Johnson, also known as "CJ2K," was one of the NFL's most explosive running backs during his time with the Titans. He played for the team from 2008 to 2013, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his first six seasons and setting multiple franchise records. Johnson was a three-time Pro Bowler named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year in 2009.


In conclusion, the Titans Legends are some of the NFL's greatest players, who have left a lasting impact on the franchise. From Warren Moon and Eddie George to Steve McNair and Chris Johnson, these players have helped define the Titans' history and inspire future generations of players and fans.

Memorable Moments and Games


The Tennessee Titans have had many memorable moments and games throughout history. From dramatic playoff victories to iconic performances by legendary players, these moments have helped define the franchise and inspire fans. This article will explore some of the most memorable moments and games in the Titans' history. 

The Music City Miracle (2000):


Perhaps the most iconic moment in Titans' history, the Music City Miracle occurred during the team's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills in 2000. With just seconds remaining in the game, the Titans executed a trick play on a kickoff return, resulting in a touchdown and a stunning 22-16 victory. The space has been immortalized as one of the greatest moments in NFL history. 

The Super Bowl Run (1999):


The Titans' run to Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999 was memorable for the franchise. Led by quarterback Steve McNair and running back Eddie George, the team won three straight playoff games, including a dramatic victory over the Buffalo Bills in the famous "Music City Miracle" game. Although the Titans fell just short in the Super Bowl, losing to the St. Louis Rams in a thrilling match, the run to the championship game remains a highlight of the franchise's history. 

The Snow Game (2009):


In a game that will be forever known as the "Snow Game," the Titans faced off against the Detroit Lions in a blizzard in 2009. The game was played in near white-out conditions, with snow covering the field and making it nearly impossible to see. Despite the challenging conditions, the Titans pulled out a 47-10 victory in one of the most memorable games in franchise history. 

The Music City Miracle II (2017):


In a game eerily similar to the original Music City Miracle, the Titans pulled off another miraculous victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2017 playoffs. With just seconds remaining in the game, Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota threw a touchdown pass to himself, catching a deflected pass and running it in for a touchdown. The play helped spark a comeback victory for the Titans, dubbed the "Music City Miracle II." 

Derrick Henry's Record-Breaking Performance (2018):


In a regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018, Titans running back Derrick Henry had one of the most dominant performances in NFL history. He rushed for 238 yards and four touchdowns, including a 99-yard touchdown run tied for the longest in NFL history. Henry's performance helped lead the Titans to a 30-9 victory and cemented his status as one of the league's top running backs.


In conclusion, the Tennessee Titans have had many memorable moments and games. From the Music City Miracle to Derrick Henry's record-breaking performance, these moments have helped define the franchise and inspire fans. As the Titans compete in the NFL, fans will look forward to more memorable moments and games in the years to come.

Conclusion


The history of the Tennessee Titans is a story of perseverance and determination. From their early years as the Houston Oilers to their move to Tennessee and beyond, the Titans have overcome challenges and established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. The team's legendary players and memorable moments have left an indelible mark on the franchise and inspired generations of fans.


Future


Looking to the end, the Titans are poised for continued success. Led by quarterback Ryan Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry, the team has established a potent offense that can compete with the best teams in the league. The defense has also shown promise, with players like Kevin Byard and Harold Landry emerging as key contributors. With a strong core of players and a talented coaching staff, the Titans have the potential to make deep playoff runs and compete for championships in the years to come.

Off the field, the Titans are also making strides to improve the fan experience and connect with the community. The team recently unveiled plans for a significant renovation of Nissan Stadium, including new fan amenities and enhanced accessibility. The team has also actively participated in community initiatives, including supporting education programs and charitable organizations.

In conclusion, the Tennessee Titans have a bright future ahead. With a talented roster and a commitment to improving the fan experience and serving the community, the team is well-positioned for success both on and off the field. As the Titans compete in the NFL, fans can look forward to more memorable moments and a continued legacy of excellence.

FAQs

What did the Tennessee Titans used to be called?

The Tennessee Titans used to be called the Houston Oilers before relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1997 and changing their name to the Titans in 1999.

Why did the Oilers become the Titans?

The Houston Oilers relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1997 and became the Tennessee Oilers for their first two seasons in their new city. In 1999, the team officially changed its name to the Tennessee Titans to reflect its new identity as a team representing the entire state of Tennessee rather than just the city of Nashville. The word "Titans" was chosen to represent strength, leadership, and other qualities associated with Greek mythology.

What is the origin of the Tennessee Titans?

The Tennessee Titans originated as the Houston Oilers, an American football team founded in 1960 as a American Football League (AFL) charter member. The team played in Houston, Texas, until 1997, when they relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, and became the Tennessee Oilers. The group changed its name to the Tennessee Titans in 1999 and has since established itself as a successful National Football League (NFL) franchise with multiple division titles and Super Bowl appearances.

Ronald D. Spieker

Ronald D. Spieker is a dedicated sports blogger who has been a football fan since birth. With 7 years of experience in sports blogging, Ronald has built a reputation as a knowledgeable and passionate commentator on all things football. He is known for his engaging writing style and ability to break down complex topics in a way that is accessible to fans of all levels. Whether it's analyzing the latest game stats, delving into team strategies, or discussing the latest news from around the league, Ronald is always on top of the latest developments in football. His love for the sport shines through in every article he writes, and his readers appreciate his in-depth knowledge and insightful commentary.

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