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4 Larger-Than-Life Facts About the Tennessee
Titans
The Tennessee Titans have a fascinating name, based on the
ancient Greek gods. Besides their name, there are several
fascinating facts about the Titans. The Titans were huge and
powerful.
When do historical figures become immortal? Arguably, that
happens when they creep into our day-to-day lives. For
instance, consider the Titans. In Greek mythology, the Titans
included the twelve children of the gods Ge (Earth), and Uranus
(Heaven). The Titans were huge and powerful. Thus, the Titanic
ship was named as such. Today we say that "Jane is a business
Titan," or that "Shakespeare was a titan of Renaissance
literature." Here are some interesting facts about some other
titans, 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 1960-1996. After relocating to Nashville,
Tennessee in 1997, the team played two NFL seasons as the
Tennessee Oilers. The team's owner, Bud Adams, then decided to
change the team's nickname. It is common knowledge that the
Titans were powerful gods from 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 of their
seasons
Since moving to Tennessee, the Titans played 11 seasons from
1997-2007. Within that timeframe, the Titans have qualified for
the playoffs during five seasons (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003,
2007), or nearly half of their tenure in Tennessee.
Additionally, they have been division champions twice (2000,
2002), have played in two AFC championship games (1999, 2002),
and have made one Super Bowl appearance (1999). Indeed, the
Titans have been titans in the NFL.
3. Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans players have earned NFL
records
Throughout their history, various Houston Oilers and Tennessee
Titans players have ended the regular season as leaders in
multiple categories, including:
•Interceptions: Mike Reinfeldt: 12 (1979) •Kickoff Returns:
Bobby Jancik (1962: 30.3; 1963: 29.3) •Passer Rating: Steve
McNair: 100.4 (2003) •Passing Touchdowns: Warren Moon: 33
(1990) •Punting: Craig Hentrich: 47.2 (1998) •Punt Returns:
Pacman Jones: 12.9 (2006) •Rushing: Earl Campbell (1978, 1979,
1980) •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 Memphis' Liberty Bowl. The Oilers played their first
game in Tennessee in the Liberty Bowl, defeating the Oakland
Raiders in overtime, by 24-21.
After one season in Memphis, the Titans' big brass decided that
the team should move to Nashville. Thus, they signed a one-year
contract to play at Vanderbilt University's stadium.
By the year 1999, the Oilers became the Titans, and had a new
stadium to play in: Adelphia Coliseum. Interestingly, the
stadium itself also underwent two name changes. It was The
Coliseum from 2002-2005; and since 2006, has been LP Field.
Since moving from Texas to Tennessee, that Titans have created
a fascinating franchise history. That began with their new
nickname. After finishing in second place in the entire league,
the team hopes to take the next giant step: an NFL
championship. Cheer on the Tennessee Titans to victory, using
quality NFL merchandise!
Rick Grantham is an avid NFL fan. Most of Rick's articles
focus on Ten nessee Titans Merchandise. Many
articles are related to NFL sports apparel and other sports
related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah
Village
by Rick Grantham - January 27, 2009
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