4 Larger Than Life Facts About The Tennessee Titans
When do historical figures become immortal? Arguably, that happens when they infiltrate our daily lives. For example, consider the Titans. In Greek mythology, the Titans included the twelve sons of the gods Ge (Earth) and Uranus (Sky). Titans were huge and powerful. Thus, the Titanic ship was named as such. Today we say that “Jane is a titan of business,” or that “Shakespeare was a titan of Renaissance literature.” Here are some interesting facts about another Titan, the Tennessee Titans:
1. The origins of the “Titans” are Greece and Memphis
The Tennessee Titans were formerly the Houston Oilers, where they played from 1960 to 1996. After moving to Nashville, Tennessee in 1997, the team played two seasons in the NFL as the Tennessee Oilers. Team owner Bud Adams decided to change the team’s nickname. It is common knowledge that the Titans were powerful gods in Greek mythology. However, did you know that people often refer to Nashville as the “Athens of the South”?
2. The Titans have earned playoff spots in nearly half their seasons
Since moving to Tennessee, the Titans have played 11 seasons between 1997 and 2007. Within that time frame, the Titans have made the playoffs for five seasons (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007), or nearly half of their stay in Tennessee. In addition, they have been division champions twice (2000, 2002), have played in two AFC championship games (1999, 2002), and have appeared in one Super Bowl (1999). In fact, the Titans have been titans in the NFL.
3. Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans players have set NFL records
Throughout their history, several Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans players have finished the regular season as leaders in multiple categories, including:
o Interceptions: Mike Reinfeldt: 12 (1979)
o Kickoff Returns: Bobby Jancik (1962: 30.3; 1963: 29.3)
o Skip rating: Steve McNair: 100.4 (2003)
o Passing touchdowns: Warren Moon: 33 (1990)
o Clearance: Craig Hentrich: 47.2 (1998)
Punt Returns: Pacman Jones: 12.9 (2006)
o Running: Earl Campbell (1978, 1979, 1980)
o Touchdowns: Earl Bambell: 19 (19 rushing) (1979)
4. Since 1997, the Titans have played in three stadiums
After moving to Tennessee from Texas, the Titans’ temporary home was the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. The Oilers played their first game in Tennessee in the Liberty Bowl, defeating the Oakland Raiders in overtime, 24-21.
After one season in Memphis, the Titans’ higher-ups decided that the team should move to Nashville. Thus, they signed a one-year contract to play in the stadium of Vanderbilt University.
By 1999, the Oilers had become the Titans and they had a new stadium to play in: Adelphia Coliseum. Interestingly, the stadium itself also underwent two name changes. It was The Coliseum from 2002 to 2005; and since 2006, it has been LP Field.
Since moving from Texas to Tennessee, the Titans have created a fascinating franchise history. That started with his new nickname. After finishing second in the entire league, the team hopes to take the next giant step: an NFL championship. Cheer the Tennessee Titans to victory with quality NFL merchandise!