From Oilers to Titans The Titans

From Oilers to Titans
The Titans/Oilers franchise has a storied history, dating back to 1960. From Earl Campbell to Eddie George.
The organization started in Houston and played at Jeppesen Stadium (capacity: 35,500). Soon, though, the team moved to the Astrodome, and under coach Bum Phillips, started to establish a winning tradition.

That tradition eventually followed the team to Tennessee, where the Titans have posted back-to-back 13-3 seasons at their new home, Adelphia Coliseum.

In 1999, the team was reborn as the Tennessee Titans, a nice twist of history in itself. The original Titans played in New York in the early 1960's, and were owned by the flamboyant broadcaster, Harry Wismer. Adams once slipped Wismer $10,000 in cash so the city would not turn off his lights.

2000 AFC Champions

Names take on their own identity, and the Oilers are no exception. You can hear the echoes through the years: George Blanda, Kenny Houston, Earl Campbell, Bum Phillips, Billy (White Shoes) Johnson, Elvin Bethea, Luv Ya Blue, Warren Moon, Ray Childress, The House of Pain, Munchak and Matthews. Now Steve McNair and Eddie George lead the transition into a titanic new world.

If the Oilers had been located in New York or Los Angeles, they would be part of the folklore of the nation. They were part of what was then the longest game ever played; were part of the best and worst of Monday night football, and watched in disbelief in losing a playoff game at Buffalo after enjoying a 32-point lead. They can bury the least of those memories now since the name is officially retired.