Established
1960
City
Houston - Nashville
League History
1970 - Present / National Football League
1960 - 1969 / American Football League
Team History
1999 - Present / Tennessee Titans
1997 - 1998 / Tennessee Oilers
1960 - 1996 / Houston Oilers
Nickname
Titans - The Tennessee Titans are one of the most beloved teams in the NFL, but did you know their nickname has an interesting origin story? The team was founded as the Houston Oilers in 1960 and was an American Football League (AFL) charter member. After relocating to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1997, they rebranded themselves as “the Titans.” But why do they have this name?
The answer lies in Greek mythology. According to legend, twelve gods lived atop Mount Olympus on Mt. Othrys and ruled over mankind from there – collectively known as “the Titans.” It is said that Zeus overthrew them and became ruler of all Olympian deities; however, even after being defeated by Zeus, their strength remained legendary throughout history – much like how football players today strive for greatness despite adversity or defeat! In addition to paying homage to Greek mythology with its new moniker, it also serves another purpose: representing power & strength, which makes perfect sense when considering what professional athletes must be capable of achieving on any given Sunday!
As a sports fan, it is always exciting when you discover new information about your favorite teams - so now you know where exactly Tennessee Titan's nickname comes from!
Championship
Super Bowl 0
AFL Championship 0
1961, 1960
Stadium
2016 - Present / Nissan Stadium
2007 - 2015 / LP Field
2002 - 2006 / The Coliseum
1999 - 2002 / Adelphia Coliseum
1998 / Vanderbilt Stadium
1997 / Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
*Houston*
1968 - 1996 / Houston Astrodome
1965 - 1967 / Rice Stadium
1960 - 1964 / Jeppesen Stadium
Owner
2013 - Present / KSA Industries
1960 - 2013 / Bud Adams
- 1999
- 2000
- 2017
- 2018
- 2020
-
Oilers new nickname – Titans
During the 1998 season, Adams announced that in response to fan requests, he was changing the Oilers’ name to coincide with the opening of their new stadium and to better connect with Nashville. He also declared that the renamed team would retain the Oilers’ heritage (including team records), as had all other relocated teams except the Browns/Ravens, and that there ... -
Titans wins its first AFC Central title
In 2000: The team wins its first AFC Central title and makes another deep playoff run, but loses to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round. -
The team wins its first postseason game since 2003, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs
In 2017: The team makes its first playoff appearance since 2008 and wins its first postseason game since 2003, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 22-21 in a wild card game. The team loses to the New England Patriots 35-14 in the divisional round. -
The team hires Mike Vrabel as head coach
In 2018: The team hires Mike Vrabel as head coach, replacing Mularkey who was fired after one playoff season. -
Titans wins AFC South title
In 2020: The team wins its first AFC South title since 2008 and finishes with an 11-5 record. Henry becomes only the eighth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season, leading the league with 2,027 yards. Tannehill also has a career year, throwing for 3,819 yards and 33 touchdowns. However, the team loses to ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Titans
The Tennessee Titans, previously known as the Tennessee Oilers, have a long and storied history in the NFL. Founded as the Houston Oilers in 1959, they were part of the original eight teams that formed what is now known as the American Football League (AFL). The team relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1997 and was renamed to its current moniker. During their time on both sides of Texas, they won two AFL Championships (1960 & 1961) and one AFC Championship (1999).
Throughout their existence, some of football's greatest players have donned a Titans jersey, including legendary quarterback Warren Moon who led them from 1984-1993; running back Eddie George, who rushed for over 10 thousand yards during his tenure with them; Hall Of Fame defensive end Bruce Matthews whose career spanned 14 seasons with them; wide receiver Derrick Mason who set numerous franchise records while playing for them from 1997-2004; and many more.
The Titans' most successful season came in 1999 when they went 13–3 under head coach Jeff Fisher en route to winning Super Bowl XXXIV against the St Louis Rams 23–16 at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. It was an unforgettable performance by Steve McNair leading his offense along with Jevon Kearse anchoring the defense, which earned him Defensive Player Of The Year honors that year! This championship victory marked only the second time since 1960 that an expansion team had captured the league title just four years after joining the NFL family!
Since then, it has been mostly a disappointment for fans despite making the playoffs five times between 2002 - 2008 but unable to advance beyond the divisional round on each occasion except 2007 when they lost the conference championship game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers 21 – 18. They are currently in the rebuilding process under new General Manager Jon Robinson, but hope remains high among supporters regarding this young core talent that can bring the glory days back sooner rather than later!
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
1 / Warren Moon
9 / Steve McNair
27 / Eddie George
34 / Earl Campbell
43 / Jim Norton
63 / Mike Munchak
65 / Elvin Bethea
74 / Bruce Matthews
*Blue is this team’s history