2021 Yearbook by Tennessee Titans

2 0 2 1

T E N N E S S E E

T I T A N S

Y E A R B O O K

THE RECOGNIZED DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING PROVIDER OF THE TENNESSEE TITANS

TEAM STATS KEY STUDIES PERFORMED ANNUALLY MRIs

73,000

CTs

68,000

Mammograms

43,000

X-rays

125,000

Ultrasounds

77,000

Tennessee’s Largest Outpatient Imaging Network

400,000+ studies performed each year

FAST FACTS Regional referring providers to Premier Radiology

16,000+

Locations near where you live and work

Board-certified, sub-specialized radiologists

50+

Belle Meade • Bellevue • Brentwood • Briarville • Clarksville Cool Springs • Gallatin • Hendersonville • Hermitage • Lenox Village Mt. Juliet • Murfreesboro • Nashville • New Salem • Saint Thomas Midtown Saint Thomas West • Smyrna • South Nashville • Upright MRI

PremierRadiology.com • 615.356.3999

PR_Titans Ad 2021.indd 1

5/13/21 2:51 PM

THE 2021 NISSAN TITAN

Let's play, Nashville. You know what makes Nashville so exciting? How much we love to play. Especially when it comes to the Titans. Here's to a great game and an exciting season, from your neighbors at Nissan. Titan Up!

Official auto partner of the Tennessee Titans.

TENNESSEE TITANS YEARBOOK TENNESSEE TITANS

Table of Contents

EDITOR Julia Perkins

Titans Schedule

Amy Adams Strunk

Burke Nihill

Jon Robinson

Executives

Mike Vrabel

Assistant Coaches

Titans Roster

Titans Headshots

Titans Player Pages

106

Derrick Henry Feature

108

Walter Payton Man of the Year

TennesseeTitans.com

111

Waverly Flood Relief

Twitter: @titans

113

Free Agency Recap

Facebook.com/titans

114

2021 Draft Class

PHOTOGRAPHY Donald Page, Cameron Faulkner, Staff Photos, AP Images COMMUNICATIONS Robbie Bohren, Dwight Spradlin, Jared Puffer, Kate Guerra, Kim Smith CONTRIBUTORS Jim Wyatt, Susanna Adams, Burke Nihill MARKETING Gil Beverly PARTNERSHIPS Kaity Diskerud, Amanda Lockwood

Instagram: @titans

132

Rookie Tour

YouTube.com/titans

134

Community Mission

TikTok: @titans

136

My Cause My Cleats

138

Mike Keith, Hall of Fame

140

Titans Alumni: Eddie George

143

Josh Evans, In Memoriam

145

Honoring the “Nashville Six”

147

Girls Flag Football League

149

Youth Football Camps

152

Mass Vaccination at Nissan Stadium

154

Titans Join Hands On Nashville

156

Titans Host Regional Spelling Bee

159

Titans Rookies Promote Reading

160

‘Tennessee Tough’ Mural Unveiled

162

Celebrate 615

165

Muscles and Mimosas

166

Battle of the Bands

168

Kickoff Luncheon

170

Titans Cheerleaders

174

T-Rac

176

Blue Crew

178

PA Announcer Matt Rogers

183

Titans on the Radio

184

Titans Podcasts

187

Titans TV

189

Stadium Sensory Room

191

Nissan Stadium Renovations

PUBLISHED BY

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS PUBLICATIONS 519 8th Ave., 10th Floor New York, NY 10018 Tel: 212.697.1460 Fax: 646.753.9480 www.pspsports.com

Executive V.P. Operations: Jeff Botwinick

Executive V.P. Business Development: Martin Lewis

Executive V.P. Sales: Mitch Gibbs

Production Manager: Nippa Esendal

Executive Editor Nora Harrington

Assistant Editor Alex Maminakis

Art Director

Executive V.P. Team Relations: Lynda DiTuri Dave Gerschwer

Executive V.P: Julie Wanjon

2 TOC.indd 2

9/30/21 11:13 AM

What’s TITANS CHECKING like? Picture an All-Pro service team in your huddle 24/7, who’ll jump on your phone call like a game-clinching fumble recovery. Picture online banking that’s as powerful as a 300-lb. tackle, as agile as a wide receiver, and as easy as a wide-open touchdown. Picture a Hall-of-Fame coach working up a game plan just for you, to lead you to banking victory. That’s what it’s like.

PLAY HARD. Bank Easy. TitansBanking.com | Visit your local Pinnacle office | Call us toll-free at 1-877-217-3599

Great nations are built by great people

The highly skilled men and women of the International Union of Operating Engineers build and maintain the most iconic structures in North America. Our 100 local training centers prepare workers, including veterans and young people, for rewarding careers in the skilled trades. The Operating Engineers train and represent over 400,000 construction and maintenance professionals across North America. Join us today!

Operating Engineers i n t e r n at i o n a l

union of

SKILLED. SAFE. PROFESSIONAL. www.iuoe.org

Supporting our veterans

ai162457416712_0792_MILA_21_Titans_FPFB_mech_x1a.pdf

6/24/21

6:36 PM

THE SUN SHINES. LOVE REIGNS. TEQUILA POURS.

WELCOME TO A BRIGHTER SIDE OF TEQUILA

The Procter & Gamble Company.indd 1

6/27/21 2:33 PM

7 Schedule.indd 7

9/30/21 9:52 AM

AMY ADAMS STRUNK CONTROLLING OWNER, CO-CHAIRMAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS

600,000 fans to downtown Nashville over the three-day event and setting television ratings records. The Draft resulted in $224 million in economic impact and $133 million in direct spending for the Tennessee economy, which were both NFL high-water marks. In June of 2019, Strunk was honored by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame as the “Tennessean of the Year,” for her role in bringing the NFL Draft to Nashville and her work to transform the franchise into a consistent winner. Three years ago, the Titans launched the “We Stand For” campaign, designed to bring attention to the causes that are important to the team’s players, coaches and executives. In July 2019, Strunk presented $450,000 in grant funding to 10 local non-profit organizations to help aid their causes. Strunk was also a leader in the community following the tornado which struck Nashville and Middle Tennessee in 2020, stepping up to donate $1 million from the Titans Foundation to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to help those affected by the disaster. In 2019, the team broke ground on a significant addition to Saint Thomas Sports Park, which doubles the facility footprint and will allow all departments to be under one roof, after spending many years spread out over multiple locations. Additionally, the team has refurbished a number of football areas that previously were untouched since the building opened in 1999.

Amy Adams Strunk assumed the role of controlling owner of the team in March 2015. She also serves as the co-chairman of the franchise’s Board of Directors. In her time as controlling owner, Strunk has transformed the franchise through her vision, commitment and decisions that have set the team on an ascending trajectory. She hired Jon Robinson as General Manager and Mike Vrabel as Head Coach, while installing Steve Underwood first and then Burke Nihill to the position of President/CEO. Additionally, she has annually committed significant resources to upgrade Nissan Stadium and the team’s practice facility, Saint Thomas Sports Park. Strunk also continues to grow the administrative staff for the franchise with significant additions across all departments. All those changes translated to success on the field as the Titans went from a three-win team in 2015, to posting five consecutive winning seasons, playoff berths in three of the last four years, a trip to the AFC Championship game in 2019 and a division title in 2020. It was the franchise’s first division title since 2008, first appearance in the AFC Championship game since 2002, and the streak of five consecutive winning seasons is the longest in the “Titans era” (1999-present). In the spring of 2018, she collaborated with Nashville city officials to secure the 2019 NFL Draft for downtown Nashville. By any measure, the 2019 NFL Draft was the most successful in NFL history, drawing a record

8-9 Amy Adams.indd 8

9/30/21 9:53 AM

“Nashville is one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing cities in the nation with a very promising future,” said Strunk. “We are proud to be a part of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, and we want the Titans to be a leader in providing opportunities for people and businesses in the city and the region to achieve their dreams.” Engaged in the process of improving all aspects of the franchise, Strunk has the best interest of the football team and the fans on her mind as she makes her decisions. As evidence of that engagement, the Titans have become one of the best home teams in the NFL, posting a 25-11 home mark in the last 36 games leading into the 2021 season. In 2016, Strunk was appointed to the NFL’s Hall of Fame Committee. Her appointment continues a family legacy, as her father was a long-time member of the committee. Additionally, in 2017, Strunk was named to the Board of Trustees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 2018, she added an appointment to the NFL’s Super Bowl and Major Event Advisory Committee. A graduate of the University of Texas with a degree in history, Strunk is an avid horse enthusiast whose other interests include farming, ranching, tennis and a variety of other outdoor activities. She also served as a volunteer coach of both the boys and girls varsity tennis teams at her daughter’s high school. Never one to turn down a challenge, during the 2017 offseason, Strunk accepted an invitation to skydive with members of the Army’s Golden Knights to kick off draft week. Strunk is married to her husband Bill. She has three children — Tracy, Tommy, and Blanche, who are all avid sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the daughters of Titans franchise founder K.S. “Bud” Adams, Jr., Strunk was raised on football and is proud of her father’s role in founding the American Football League as well as the decades of leadership he provided not only to the Titans franchise, but also to the National Football League. Her goal is to build upon that legacy and establish the Titans as one of the league’s elite franchises. An independent businesswoman for more than 30 years, Strunk is the owner and president of both Kenada Farms and the Little River Oil and Gas Company. She has been significantly involved in the family’s farming and ranching businesses, including serving as the vice president of Bud Adams Ranches, Inc. These ventures provided her valuable knowledge about customer service as well as the opportunity to manage a diverse range of employees and business operations, and these experiences have shaped her management style. “I believe in hiring good people and letting them do their jobs,” said Strunk. “Everything should revolve around what’s best for the Titans and not around the owner. While I talk frequently with the leaders of the Titans as I do with all of our family’s companies, the people in our football operations need the control and latitude necessary to create an exciting and competitive team. “Our business staff needs the same freedom in order for our organization to reach its full potential and to continue to create a firstclass fan experience at Nissan Stadium. Decisions will always be made based on what is the best for the team to reach our goals of becoming one of the elite franchises of the NFL and enriching the communities of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.”

8-9 Amy Adams.indd 9

9/30/21 9:53 AM

BURKE NIHILL PRESIDENT AND CEO

In his previous roles with the team, Nihill oversaw the club’s legal and human resources functions and worked on club initiatives related to state and local government, company culture, and general business planning and strategy for both the Titans and Nissan Stadium. During his time with the Titans, he has participated in the negotiation of club contracts with team sponsors, media rights partners, stadium vendors, and major concert and event promoters. Nihill was instrumental in Nashville’s effort to secure and execute the 2019 NFL Draft. Before joining the Titans, Nihill gained 15 years of professional experience in several industries. He held legal and management roles at VMware, an international software company based in Silicon Valley. Prior to VMware, he served as Associate General Counsel at OfficeMax Incorporated and as a private attorney at a Chicago law firm. Nihill received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Illinois Wesleyan University and his law degree with honors from ChicagoKent College of Law. Nihill resides in Franklin, Tenn., with his wife, Holly, and their three children, Emma, Jack and Chase.

Burke Nihill is in his sixth season with the Titans and his second as the team’s President and CEO. Prior to becoming President and CEO in May of 2020, he was elevated in February to Senior Vice President-Business Operations & Chief Legal Officer. He originally joined the organization as General Counsel in 2016 and was elevated to Vice President and General Counsel in 2019. His first season as the team President and CEO was one of change and progress on many fronts. Taking over as President in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, he guided the franchise through a variety of challenges. The Titans were one of only 14 NFL teams to host fans for the majority of their games and it was the culmination of months of preparation to host fans safely. His work on the future for the franchise overlapped last year’s specific challenges, as he oversaw the work on the new expansion to the team’s practice facility and the remodeling of existing spaces in the original building. Additionally, Nihill has been at the forefront of the discussions with Metro Nashville government and the State of Tennessee about a potential development around the stadium campus and a re-imagined Nissan Stadium.

10 Burke Nihil.indd 10

9/30/21 9:55 AM

JON ROBINSON

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT/GENERAL MANAGER

locked up running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Ryan Tannehill to long-term contracts headed into the 2020 season. Those two keyed an offense that ranked second in the NFL in total offense (396.4 yards/ gm) and fourth in scoring offense (30.7 points/gm). The Titans yardage total was the most in franchise history and Henry became just the eighth player in NFL history to surpass 2,000-rushing yards in a season (2,027). In the 2019 offseason, Robinson added key veterans to bolster the roster, engineering a trade with Miami that brought Tannehill to the team, while also adding guard Rodger Saffold, wide receiver Adam Humphries and outside linebacker Cameron Wake. Robinson also was able to keep two key contributors on the roster, re-signing safety Kenny Vaccaro and punter Brett Kern. On draft day, Robinson added Mississippi State defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons in the first round and wide receiver A.J. Brown from Ole Miss in the second round. Early in the 2018 unrestricted free agent signing period, Robinson targeted a pair of former New England Patriots: cornerback Malcolm Butler and running back Dion Lewis. During the 2018 NFL Draft, Robinson used trades to move up three times as he selected linebackers Rashaan Evans and Harold Landry. During the 2017 offseason, Robinson used free agency to address needs on defense and special teams. Most notably, he spearheaded deals for cornerback Logan Ryan (New England), safety Johnathan Cyprien (Jacksonville) and special teams Pro Bowler Brynden Trawick (Oakland). In the 2017 NFL Draft, Robinson spent first-round picks on wide

Jon Robinson enters his sixth season as the team’s general manager. He was hired in January of 2016 and was promoted in 2017 to executive vice president/general manager. Robinson’s work in his first five years helped the team go from three wins in the season prior to his arrival to five consecutive winning seasons, earning playoff berths in three of the past four seasons, a spot in the 2019 AFC Championship Game and an AFC South division title in 2020. Robinson also is the only general manger during the “Titans era” (1999-present) to oversee five consecutive winning seasons. Currently, the Titans, Seattle and Kansas City are the only NFL teams without a losing season from 2016 to 2020. In re-constructing the roster during his tenure with the team, Robinson has selected 43 players in the draft, engineered 26 trades, made 11 waiver claims and hundreds of free agent signings. In preparing for the 2021 season, Robinson made key additions to bolster both sides of the ball by signing free agents outside linebacker Bud Dupree, defensive lineman Denico Autry and cornerback Jackrabbit Jenkins, and trading for wide receiver Julio Jones. The draft saw the addition of cornerback Caleb Farley and offensive lineman Dillon Radunz in the first two rounds. In 2020, Robinson assembled a team that captured the first division title (11-5 record) and hosted their first home playoff game since 2008. Tennessee did so while navigating the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Coming off a successful 2019 campaign, Robinson

12-13 Jon Robinson.indd 12

9/30/21 9:56 AM

receiver Corey Davis (fifth overall) and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (18th overall). It marked the first time the franchise had a pair of firstround draft selections since 1987. Overall, the members of the 2017 draft class combined for 76 games played and 42 starts as rookies. In his first year as an NFL general manager, Robinson’s leadership and decision-making helped the Titans triple their win total from the previous season, finishing 9-7 in 2016 after a 3-13 finish in 2015. The six-win improvement tied for the most in franchise history (1967 and 1974) and doubled the previous club benchmark for the most wins in the first year under a new general manager (three by Bum Phillips in 1975). Within the first four months at his post, Robinson pulled the trigger on several key personnel decisions. On March 9, 2016, he made his first major acquisition, swapping fourth-round draft picks with the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for running back DeMarco Murray. The trade provided major dividends in 2016, as Murray led the AFC and ranked third in the NFL with 1,287 rushing yards. Around the same time, Robinson began to work the free agent market. Ben Jones and wide receiver Rishard Matthews highlighted the haul, and both were instrumental in helping to transform the Titans offense into the 11th-ranked unit in the NFL in 2016. Jones started all 16 games and keyed a rushing attack that ranked third in the league, while Matthews set career highs with 65 receptions (tied for the team lead), a team-high 945 receiving yards and a team-high nine touchdown receptions. The latter number tied for sixth in the NFL and tied for ninth in franchise history. On April 14, 2016, two weeks before the NFL Draft, Robinson and the Titans dealt the first overall pick to the Los Angeles Rams in one of the biggest trades in recent NFL history. The Titans gave up the No. 1 pick and a fourth-rounder in order to receive the 15th overall pick, two second-rounders and a third-rounder in 2016, plus the Rams’ firstand third-round picks in 2017. From 1990–2015, there were seven trades involving the No. 1 overall pick, but this was the first since 2004, when the San Diego Chargers selected Eli Manning with the first pick and dealt his rights to the New York Giants. The Titans had their hands at one point or another on 17 selections in the 2016 draft due to five different trades (including one trade in 2015), and in the end, they ended up with a class of 10 players, including four of the top 45 picks. Robinson swung a draft-day trade with the Cleveland Browns to move back up to the eighth slot to choose Michigan State tackle Jack Conklin. All 10 members of Robinson’s first draft class played in at least one game in 2016. They accumulated a total of 110 games played and 38 starts, including 16 starts at right tackle by Conklin. The eighth-overall pick capped his successful rookie campaign by being named first-team All-Pro by Associated Press. Other rookies in 2016 who made significant contributions included Henry, safety Kevin Byard and fifth-round wide receiver Tajaé Sharpe. Byard earned first-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl berth in his second season. Robinson arrived in Tennessee with a wide range of experience from working his way up on the personnel side of the NFL. From 2014–2015, he served as director of player personnel for the Buccaneers and oversaw both college and pro departments as the team rebuilt its roster. The 2015

Buccaneers draft class made a significant impact, including four rookie starters: quarterback Jameis Winston, tackle Donovan Smith, guard Ali Marpet and linebacker Kwon Alexander. Prior to joining Tampa Bay, Robinson spent 12 years with the New England Patriots, including his last five years (2009-13) as the director of college scouting. In the five years heading up their college scouting, the Patriots added a number of key components to their roster that won the Super Bowl in 2014, including wide receiver Julian Edelman, defensive back Devin McCourty, tight end Rob Gronkowski, tackle Nate Solder and defensive end Chandler Jones. He joined the Patriots as an area scout in 2002, a role he served for four seasons. Robinson then spent two years (2006-07) as a regional scout, before being promoted to assistant director of college scouting in 2008 and then director of college scouting in 2009. In his time scouting for the Patriots the team won 10 division titles, four conference titles and two Super Bowls (2003, 2004). Robinson played three years at Southeast Missouri State as a defensive lineman after starting his college career at the Air Force Academy. Following his college career as a player, he spent one season (1998) coaching at his alma mater and three years (1999-2001) coaching at Nicholls State. A native of Union City, Tenn., Robinson and his wife, Jaimie, have two daughters, Taylor and Bailey. He and his wife are deeply involved in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), as the disease affects their oldest daughter, Taylor. In 2018, the Robinsons chaired the JDRF Gala in Nashville which raised over 1.8 million dollars for diabetes research.

12-13 Jon Robinson.indd 13

9/30/21 9:56 AM

GIL BEVERLY

EXECUTIVES

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/ CHIEF MARKETING & REVENUE OFFICER Gil Beverly enters his third season with the Titans and his second as Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer. In his role, he directs Ticketing, Marketing, Corporate Partnerships and Digital Communications. He joined the team in 2019 as team’s Vice President of Brand, Marketing & Communications. Working with local and national health experts, the Titans were one of a handful of NFL teams to host fans for the majority of the 2020 season at limited capacity. With the challenges associated with a season being played during a pandemic, Beverly’s team found new ways to connect with fans at home. The team hosted a Virtual Draft Party around the NFL Draft and launched a variety of content series that gave fans an inside look at players’ lives away from the football field. The organization also debuted a brand campaign called “Tennessee Tough” that illustrated the resiliency, unity and hope of Tennessee community. The campaign featured video assets as well as a new downtown mural spanning over 130 feet. As COVID-19 restrictions eased, the Titans hosted several in-person ‘Celebrate 615’ events in tribute to the city of Nashville. In his first season with the Titans, Beverly challenged and guided departments to find innovative ways to engage with fans. Highlights on the marketing side included a joint venture with Lipscomb University on the development and launch of the cartoon character “Titan Man,” a series of Pop Up Shop parties to introduce new merchandise to a younger demographic and “Titans Art Rush,” an art show that featured Titans-centric photos and artwork. On the ticketing side, the team introduced a digital season ticket for new fans, the “Fireball Fast Pass,” and a season ticket member reward program, “The 22nd Element.” Before joining the Titans, Beverly worked as Vice President, Partnership Solutions for Learfield IMG-College. In this role he oversaw the development of marketing & sponsorship programs across over 200 collegiate athletics departments and other related sports properties. In doing so, he helped to create and drive partnerships with a range of Fortune 500 companies including Allstate, Nissan and State Farm, among others. Prior to his experience at Learfield, Beverly served as Vice President College Sports Marketing for ESPN. In doing so, he was involved in development of sponsorship architecture and promotional strategy around various media properties including the College Football Playoff, SEC Network, College GameDay and Tournament Challenge, among others. A native of Evanston, Ill., Beverly graduated from the undergraduate division of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He then went on to secure his MBA from the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon.

ADOLPHO BIRCH III

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/ BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER Adolpho Birch III is in his second season with the Titans as Senior Vice President, Business Affairs & Chief Legal Officer. He joined the organization in 2020 after spending 23 years at the NFL headquarters in New York. Birch’s responsibilities with the Titans include legal affairs, government relations, community impact and business planning and strategy. In his first season with the team, he took on an important role in the organization’s on-going discussions with Metro Nashville government and the state of Tennessee on the potential development of the stadium campus and a re-imagined Nissan Stadium. He also has been a catalyst on re-defining priorities for the team’s Community Impact department moving forward. As an advisor to Commissioners Paul Tagliabue and Roger Goodell, Birch served in many senior-level roles throughout his time at the league office, prior to joining the Titans. From 2015 to 2020, Birch served as the NFL’s Senior Vice President of Labor Policy & League Affairs. His broad range of duties covered labor negotiations, litigation matters, government relations, player engagement, employee development and the league’s critical response team. He helped develop, administer and enforce policies respecting the integrity of the game and the reputation of the league, including those on substances of abuse, performance-enhancing drugs, gambling and criminal misconduct. Working with government officials, he also advanced the NFL’s legislative, political and regulatory interests on key issues such as youth concussion laws, the league’s tax status and the FCC’s blackout rule. In supervising the NFL’s player engagement efforts, which encompass a number of programs to support player and employee off-field success, he helped improve access to continuing education, financial education, career development and clinical assistance. Additionally, he served on several executive working groups and cross-organizational committees including those related to sponsorship, legalized sports betting, media advertising policy and disaster relief. Birch began his career with the NFL as Labor Relations Counsel from 1997 to 2007. His primary responsibility in that role was the enforcement of the league’s Collective Bargaining

Agreement, including player and club contract and injury grievances, benefit matters and salary cap disputes. He later was promoted to Vice President of Labor Policy and Player Development (2007–2010), Senior Vice President of Law and Labor Policy (2010–2012), and Senior Vice President of Labor Policy and Government Affairs (2012–2014). Prior to his work in the league office, Birch clerked for the Honorable Thomas A. Wiseman, Jr., Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. He then worked in private practice in Houston as an associate at Fulbright & Jaworski and later a labor and litigation boutique. A Nashville native and graduate of Father Ryan High School, Birch attended Vanderbilt University Law School as a Patricia Roberts Harris Scholar, serving on the Editorial Board of the Vanderbilt Law Review and earning his juris doctorate in 1991. He did his undergraduate work at Harvard University, where he graduated with honors in government. Birch is involved with several professional and philanthropic organizations, including Vanderbilt University Board of Trust (Secretary); Sports Lawyers Association (Board of Directors); Partnership for Clean Competition (Board of Governors); Business of Sports School, New York City (Industrial Advisory Board); and Why Not Sports? (Advisory Board). In May 2021, he was elected to the Board of Directors for Ingram Industries. That same month, he was elected to serve as a Director for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. His father, A.A. Birch, Jr., was the first African-American Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court and became the first judge to serve at every level of the Tennessee judiciary. In 2006, the city of Nashville named its new criminal justice building after him.

RYAN COWDEN

VICE PRESIDENT OF PLAYER PERSONNEL Ryan Cowden is in his 22nd NFL season and his sixth with the Titans. In 2018, he was promoted to Vice President of Player Personnel. He originally joined the franchise as the Director of Player Personnel. Cowden oversees all areas of the scouting department, both college and pro, including advance scouting, free agency preparation, and evaluation of players in the NFL and all other professional leagues. In addition, he assists with college scouting and preparation for the NFL Draft. He joined the Titans in 2016 after 16 years with the Carolina Panthers. In Carolina, Cowden last held the title of Assistant Director of College Scouting, a position he held for two years. Prior to that role, he served as the team’s National Scout/Senior College Scout for two years (2012-14) and was a national scout from 2008-12. Cowden originally joined the Panthers as a scouting assistant in 2000. He became an area scout in 2001 and was responsible for the southeast area from 2001-07. During his time in Carolina, the franchise won two NFC titles, five division crowns and advanced to the playoffs six times. Cowden and his wife, Dana, have a son, Noah, and a daughter, London.

VIN MARINO

VICE PRESIDENT OF FOOTBALL ADMINISTRATION Vincent Marino is in his 15th season with the Titans and 11th as Vice President of Football Administration in 2021. He originally joined the organization in 2007 as the Senior Director of Football Administration after spending 18 years at the NFL offices in New York. Marino’s primary responsibilities include the management of the Titans’ salary cap and player contract negotiations. He interacts closely with Titans General Manager Jon Robinson on numerous football-related issues. Marino also serves as the Titans liaison with the NFL office regarding labor and contract issues as well as player personnel matters. In 2014, he was selected to participate in the prestigious NFL’s Career Development Symposium at the Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia. Currently, he is a member of the NFL Player Insurance Trust; and additionally, he sits on the appeals panels for the NFL Player Tuition Assistance Plan and the NFL Severance Pay Plan. During his time with the NFL’s Management Council, Marino spent eight years in the Player Personnel Department (Analyst, 1990-95; Manager/Player Personnel, 1995-98) and eight years in Labor Operations (Sr. Manager of Labor Operations, 1998-03), the last three as the Director of Labor Operations (2003-06). Marino gained expertise in various capacities and his experience includes: being a primary club contact for player contract valuations, enforcing the rules of the CBA (collective bargaining agreement), salary cap regulation and participating in a strategic group related to forming the CBA between the league and the players. Additionally, he has assisted the league in Super Bowl game operations and has served as a replay communicator at numerous games during his tenure. He originally joined the NFL as an assistant in the Public Relations department, where he spent two years. Born and raised in the Bronx, N.Y., Marino graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and went on to earn summa cum laude honors from Fordham University. While at Fordham, he earned a communications degree and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Marino and his wife, Nikoleta, have two sons: Nikolas and Alexander.

14-15 Executives.indd 14

9/30/21 12:01 PM

DANIEL WERLY

EXECUTIVES

His family includes his wife, Sarah who is the owner of Tippi Toes Dance Company, speaker, and author of Destined for Greatness. They Werly is entering his second season with the Titans and have three children: Lucy (13), Lola (11), Hank (10). his first as Vice President, General Counsel & Chief of Staff. Werly’s responsibilities include drafting key documents, identifying and analyzing legal issues, and presenting recommendations CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER to the executive staff and ownership. Shannon Myers joined the club in 2021 and serves Prior to joining the Titans in June 2020, Werly was the first General as the Chief Financial Officer overseeing the financial Counsel of Nashville Soccer Club and worked at several law firms, operations for the Tennessee Titans, Nissan Stadium and primarily focusing on representing professional sports teams and the Tennessee Titans Foundation. Shannon’s primary responsibilities leagues. He sits on the boards of Play Like A Girl, W.O. Smith School include management of all corporate accounting and financial reporting, of Music, the Pedigree Foundation, and is on the Advisory Board of the as well as establishing budgets, forecasting and managing cash flow. American Bar Association’s Sports Division. He has also served as an Shannon champions the club’s data-driven mindset and utilizes data Adjunct Professor of Law at Vanderbilt University Law School. analytics to maximize efficiencies in the business planning process. Along Werly is from Libertyville, IL and earned his Bachelor’s degree in with the club’s finance department, Shannon also oversees the club’s Sports Studies/Business Legal Studies from Miami University and his human resources department which focuses on people and culture. Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center. Now Dan Her primary responsibilities include employee engagement, benefits resides in Nashville with his wife Liz, sons Jack and Campbell, and administration and compensation analysis. their dog Birdie. Prior to joining the club, Shannon worked in public accounting with EY for over 10 years. As an Assurance Senior Manager with EY, Shannon advised clients on technical accounting issues, financial reporting requirements, process improvement opportunities and strengthening VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS OPERATIONS Adam Nuse serves as the Vice President of Business internal controls. She was familiar with the Titans business, having served Operations for the Tennessee Titans, a role he took on as the EY executive on the Titans external audit engagement for three in April 2021 and holds responsibility for all day-to-day seasons. While at EY, Shannon held several leadership roles including coleading the Nashville Professional Women’s Network, founding/leading operations related to Nissan Stadium. From 2016-2021, Adam Nuse had served as the Sounds’ General the Nashville Working Mom’s Network, serving on the Nashville People Manager & Chief Operating Officer overseeing all day-to-day operations Advisory Forum, and serving as a member of the EY Faculty Network instructing various internal EY training events. related to the ballclub. Shannon is a native of Portage, Michigan. She is a graduate of Western Under his guidance, the Sounds have broken numerous attendance Kentucky University where she was captain of the softball team and records and were named the 2019 Triple-A winner of Baseball majored in Accounting. Shannon is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) America’s Freitas Award. The Freitas Awards have been presented by and currently lives in Nolensville, Tennessee with her husband, Graham, Baseball America annually since 1989 and recognize franchises for their community involvement, long-term business success and consistent their three boys Brayden, Easton and Cole, and a labradoodle named Oakley. In her free time, Shannon enjoys being an eMentor with Big operational excellence. In 2018 and 2017, the Sounds garnered back-to-back Honorable Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, spending time with her family, Mention awards as Minor League Baseball’s Team of the Year by Ballpark exercising, gardening, and learning how to play golf. VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL & CHIEF OF STAFF

SHANNON MYERS

ADAM NUSE

Digest. Also in 2018, the City of Nashville and the Nashville Sounds were named the home of the best minor league baseball town in America by SmartAsset. Nuse came to Music City from the Bowling Green Hot Rods of the Midwest League, where he served as the General Manager and Chief Operating Officer since January 2014. The Texas native was previously with the Corpus Christi Hooks of the Texas League from 2004-2013, where he served in a variety of sales roles throughout his tenure and most recently served as Vice President of Sales beginning in 2009. Nuse began his career in professional baseball as a marketing and sales intern with the 2001 Round Rock Express and the 2002 Oklahoma City RedHawks, both in the Pacific Coast League. Nuse is a current member of the Board of Directors for the Nashville Sports Council, Bowling Green East Little League, and serves on the Nashville Sports Authority Women’s Professional Committee. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in sports administration from Wichita State University, and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Western Kentucky University.

SURF MELENDEZ

VICE PRESIDENT, EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Surf Melendez serves as the Titans’ Vice President, Executive Creative Director, responsible for the team’s creative direction and overseeing digital/broadcast content and gameday production. Melendez spent six years with the Miami Dolphins as Managing Director, Content & Creative and was responsible for the creative direction of the team and Hard Rock Stadium. In his time with the Dolphins, the organization’s content team gained recognition from the Emmy and Clio Awards. He also spent three years at adidas as their Sr. Brand Design Manager, Creative Director, and brings experience working at several ad agencies, most notably Crispin Porter + Bogusky. For the Titans, Melendez is responsible for team’s creative direction, while overseeing digital/broadcast content and gameday production.

14-15 Executives.indd 15

9/30/21 12:01 PM

MIKE VRABEL HEAD COACH

MIKE VRABEL’S COACHING TIMELINE: 2018-21: Head Coach, Tennessee Titans 2017: Defensive Coordinator, Houston Texans 2014-16: Linebackers, Houston Texans 2012-13: Defensive Line, Ohio State 2011: Linebackers, Ohio State MIKE VRABEL’S PLAYING TIMELINE: 2009-10: Linebacker, Kansas City Chiefs 2001-08: Linebacker, New England Patriots 1997-2000: Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers 1993-96: Defensive End, Ohio State

three-point games (9-5), good for fifth in the league. The Titans and Saints were the only clubs to win at least three overtime contests in the regular season from 2018 to 2020, and neither suffered a loss. The Titans were called for 267 penalties from 2018 through 2020, which was the second-fewest total in the NFL. Only the New England Patriots (249) fared better. Also from 2018 to 2020, the Titans were a top-10 team in scoring defense. They allowed opponents to score 22.4 points per game during that time period, the eighth-lowest average in the NFL. In 2019, Vrabel led the franchise to the AFC Championship game for the first time since 2002, after posting his second consecutive 9-7 mark in the regular season. His 20 wins over the first two seasons were the second most in franchise history (Pardee, 21 wins) and he became the first head coach to win multiple playoff games within the first two years. The 2019 Titans became just the third team since 1990 to start the season 2-4 or worse and reach the Championship Game (2002, Titans and 1996, Jacksonville). The 2019 squad ranked in the NFL’s top 10 in scoring margin (eighth, +71), turnover margin (sixth, +6), offensive yards per play (fourth, 6.12), rushing offense (third, 138.9 yards per game), red-zone efficiency (first, 75.6 percent), total touchdowns (tied for third, 54) and third-down defense (eight, 36.3 percent). Individually, Derrick Henry led the NFL in rushing, Ryan Tannehill was the league’s highest rated passer and A.J. Brown was the NFL’s leading rookie receiver. In his first season as a head coach,Vrabel guided the Titans to a 9-7 record and to within one game of a playoff berth, all while navigating one of the NFL’s toughest schedules. The Titans played a league-high nine games during the regular season against seven eventual playoff teams, and their four wins against playoff clubs tied for the most in the league. Only New England, the Los Angeles Rams and Carolina had as many. The Titans committed only 82

Mike Vrabel is in his fourth season with the Titans after being named head coach on Jan. 20, 2018. He became the 19th head coach in franchise history. In 2020, the Titans made their second consecutive playoff appearance under Vrabel, who tied Jack Pardee (1990 to 1992) for the most wins (31) and best winning percentage (.596; 31-21) in franchise history over a head coach’s first three seasons with the organization. The Titans won the 2020 AFC South title with an 11-5 record in the regular season, claiming their best record and first division title since going 13-3 in 2008. They finished with a 5-1 record within the division and a 6-2 mark in road games, all while navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Titans led the NFL in 2020 with a plus-11 turnover differential. Their 23 takeaways ranked seventh in the NFL, while their 12 turnovers were the second-fewest in the league and tied for the ninth-lowest number since the NFL went to a 16-game schedule in 1978. The Titans tied for second place in total offense (396.4 yards per game) and ranked fourth in scoring offense (30.7 points per game) in 2020. They became the first team in NFL history to generate at least 2,500 rushing yards (2,690) and 3,500 net passing yards (3,653) while surrendering 25 or fewer sacks (25). Their 6,343 total yards and 381 first downs established franchise records, while their 491 points amounted to the organization’s second-best total. The Titans joined the 1997 Detroit Lions as the only teams in NFL history to feature a 2,000-yard rusher (2,027 by Derrick Henry), a 3,000-yard passer (3,819 by Ryan Tannehill) and a 1,000-yard receiver (1,075 by A.J. Brown). Situationally, Vrabel’s teams fared well among the NFL leaders in his first three seasons as head coach. From 2018 to 2020, their .935 winning percentage (29-2) in regular season games in which they had a fourthquarter lead ranked second in the NFL behind the New Orleans Saints (.974). In the same time period, the Titans had a .643 winning percentage in

16-17 Mike Vrabel.indd 16

9/30/21 10:01 AM

in Houston, the Texans built one of the top defenses in the NFL and experienced tremendous success as a team, earning division titles in 2015 and 2016. In 2017, Vrabel’s first year as a defensive coordinator, the Texans finished the campaign with 19 players on injured reserve. Despite the setbacks, he led the defense to the fifth-best third-down percentage in the NFL and a franchise-record 3.97 yards per carry by opponents. Houston also had 18 different players record at least half a sack and 26 players tally at least one tackle for loss. As the Texans linebackers coach from 2014-16, Vrabel helped mold several top-notch performers within his position group, including Jadeveon Clowney, Whitney Mercilus, Benardrick McKinney and Brian Cushing. During those three seasons, the Texans defense ranked third in the NFL in yards allowed per game (319.9) and net passing yards (218.4). Houston also ranked first in third-down defense (33.6 percent), fourth in opponent completion percentage (59.5) and sixth in points allowed per game (19.8). The 2016 Texans ranked number one in the NFL – for the first time in franchise history – in total defense, surrendering only 301.3 yards per game.The defense also gave up the fewest first downs per game (17.0) and second-fewest net passing yards per game (201.6) in the league. Clowney, Mercilus and McKinney all earned second-team All-Pro honors, while Clowney was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career after posting then personal bests with 52 tackles, six sacks, 16 tackles for loss and 17 quarterback hits. Mercilus led the team in sacks for the first time in his career with 7.5 quarterback takedowns and tied for the NFL lead with four defensive fumble recoveries. McKinney led the team with a then career-high 129 tackles and became the second player in franchise history with over 100 tackles and five sacks in a season. The 2015 Texans had the top third-down defense in the NFL, allowing a 28.5 percent conversion rate, which was the lowest percentage in franchise history and the lowest by any NFL team since the 2003 Titans (27.7 percent). The 2015 defense also set a franchise mark with 45 sacks – 22.5 of which came from Vrabel’s linebacking corps. The 2015 squad also finished third in the NFL in net yards per game (310.2) and net passing yards allowed per game wand tied for seventh in points allowed per game (19.6). Cushing’s 110 tackles led the linebacking corps and were the thirdhighest mark of his career. Mercilus enjoyed the best year of his career as he set a personal high with 12 sacks. Prior to joining the NFL coaching ranks,Vrabel transitioned immediately from an NFL player to college coach. He started as the linebacker coach at Ohio State in 2011 and coached the defensive line from 2012–2013. In 2012, the Buckeyes finished the season undefeated at 12-0, and Vrabel was named Big Ten Recruiter of the Year by ESPN.com. That same season, he coached four Ohio State defensive linemen who were either drafted into the NFL or signed free agent contracts. Vrabel was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (91st overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft after playing four years at Ohio State (1993-96).With the Buckeyes, he was a dominant performer, earning backto-back All-American honors and becoming the first two-time winner of the Big Ten Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year Award (1995 and 1996). He graduated from Ohio State with a degree in exercise science. A native of Akron, Ohio, Vrabel attended Walsh Jesuit High School. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two sons: Tyler and Carter.

penalties in 2018. Not only was that number the best in franchise history over a 16-game season, it was the lowest total by an NFL team since 2014. The Titans improved from having the 13th-ranked NFL defense in 2017 to an eighth-overall ranking in 2018 (333.4 yards allowed per game). They finished third in scoring defense at 18.9 points allowed per game, recording their best mark since 2008. The 2018 Titans defense also ranked second in the red zone (44.7 touchdown percentage), 10th on third down (36.6 percent), sixth in passing defense (216.9 yards per game), second in touchdowns allowed (32) and first in fourth-quarter defense (65.9 yards per game). The 2018 Titans offense relied heavily upon a strong running attack. Averaging 126.4 rushing yards per game, the team upgraded from the NFL’s 15th-ranked rushing offense the year before Vrabel arrived to the seventh-ranked rushing offense in 2018. Vrabel ascended quickly to his position as a head coach following a 14-year playing career as a linebacker with the Pittsburgh Steelers (19972000), New England Patriots (2001-08) and Kansas City Chiefs (2009-10). He spent three years as an assistant coach at Ohio State (2011-13) and four years on the Houston Texans staff (2014-17), including 2017 as the defensive coordinator, before he was hired to his current post by Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk. Vrabel’s accomplishments as a player included three Super Bowl wins (2001, 2003 and 2004), one Pro Bowl selection (2007) and an All-Pro honor (2007). He appeared in 206 NFL games and totaled 57 sacks, 496 tackles, 11 interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 20 forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries. A cerebral and versatile athlete, he also saw action as a tight end and totaled 10 touchdown receptions. Additionally, his teams advanced to the playoffs eight times (20 postseason games), with Vrabel recording eight postseason sacks and two additional postseason touchdown receptions. Vrabel has spent his football life around accomplished leaders. After entering the NFL as a player in 1997, he played or coached under Bill Belichick, Bill Cowher, Romeo Crennel, Urban Meyer and Bill O’Brien. He gleaned attributes from each that helped form his philosophies as a head coach. Upon arriving in Tennessee, Vrabel stated: “We want to build a culture around winning, competitiveness and toughness. Everything we do is going to be geared towards winning and being physical. We want to prepare our players so they know what to do, which will allow them to play fast and aggressive.” Vrabel likewise made his own indelible impression on the same group of coaches. Upon the trade of Vrabel from the Patriots to the Chiefs in 2009, Belichick, who coached Vrabel his entire time in New England, made this comment: “Mike Vrabel epitomizes everything a coach could seek in a professional football player: toughness, intelligence, playmaking, leadership, versatility and consistency at the highest level. Behind the scenes, Mike’s wit and personality is one of the things we have all enjoyed about coming to work every day.The toughest aspect of my job is the day I stop coaching people like Mike, who did everything in his power to contribute to team success. Of all the players I have coached in my career, there is nobody I enjoyed working with more than Mike.” Vrabel joined the Titans after four seasons with O’Brien at the Houston Texans, spending the first three seasons (2014-16) coaching linebackers and one year (2017) as the team’s defensive coordinator. During his time

16-17 Mike Vrabel.indd 17

9/30/21 10:01 AM

TITANS ASSISTANT COACHES

CRAIG

BRIAN

SCOTT

SHANE

SPECIAL TEAMS

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING ASSISTANT

SAFETIES

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

KEITH

RYAN

TONY

TODD

OFFENSIVE LINE

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

RUNNING BACKS

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

AUKERMAN BELL

CARTER

BOOKER

CROW

DEWS

BOWEN

DOWNING

18-22 Asst Coaches.indd 18

9/30/21 10:04 AM

BOSE NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES 700

Rule the Quiet. BOSE QUIETCOMFORT® EARBUDS

TITANS ASSISTANT COACHES

MATT

ERIK

MONDRAY

JIM

SPECIAL TEAMS ASSISTANT

OFFENSIVE SKILL ASSISTANT

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING ASSISTANT

INSIDE LINEBACKERS

JASON

ZAK

ANTHONY

ROB

OFFENSIVE LINE ASSISTANT

INSIDE LINEBACKERS ASSISTANT

SECONDARY

WIDE RECEIVERS

EDWARDS

FRAZIER

GEE

HOUGHTALING KUHR

MIDGET

HASLETT

MOORE

18-22 Asst Coaches.indd 20

9/30/21 10:04 AM

EXPERIENCE SUPERIOR CARE

CARE MAKES

THE DIFFERENCE

TITANS ASSISTANT COACHES

PAT

FRANK

JIM

LUKE

QUARTERBACKS

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

SENIOR DEFENSIVE ASSISTANT

TIGHT ENDS

JOHN

MIKE

KENECHI

TERRELL

COORDINATOR OF FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT

OFFENSIVE LINE ASSISTANT

DEFENSIVE LINE ASSISTANT

DEFENSIVE LINE

O’HARA

STREICHER

PIRAINO

SCHWARTZ

SULLIVAN

UDEZE

STECKEL

WILLIAMS

18-22 Asst Coaches.indd 22

9/30/21 10:04 AM

FIND IN THE FREEZER SECTION

Available at

NO. NAME

92 96 13 41 39 62 11 55 14 31 46 29 64 48 49 54 3 21 86 26 22 35 20 60 2 6 71 58 77 51 30 81 28 24 91 85 72 75 18 56 50 80 95 76 70 38 98 87 17 93 99 15 5

Adeniyi, Ola Autry, Denico Batson, Cameron Blasingame, Khari Borders, Breon Brewer, Aaron Brown, A.J. Brown, Jayon Bullock, Randy Byard, Kevin Cox, Morgan Cruikshank, Dane Davis, Nate Dupree, Bud Dzubnar, Nick Evans, Rashaan Farley, Caleb Farley, Matthias Firkser, Anthony Fulton, Kristian Henry, Derrick Jackson, Chris Jenkins, Jackrabbit Jones, Ben Jones, Julio Kern, Brett Lamm, Kendall Landry III, Harold Lewan, Taylor Long Jr., David McDougald, Bradley McMath, Racey McNichols, Jeremy Molden, Elijah Murchison, Larrell Pruitt, MyCole Quessenberry, David Radunz, Dillon Reynolds, Josh Rice, Monty Roberson, Derick Rogers, Chester Rush, Anthony Saffold III, Rodger Sambrailo, Ty Sargent, Mekhi Simmons, Jeffery Swaim, Geoff Tannehill, Ryan Tart, Teair Weaver, Rashad Westbrook-Ikhine, Nick Woodside, Logan

POS.

OLB DL WR FB CB G/C WR LB K S LS DB G OLB LB LB CB S TE CB RB DB CB C WR P T OLB T LB S WR RB CB DL TE OL OL WR LB OLB WR DT G T RB DT TE QB DT OLB WR QB

HT.

6-1 6-5 5-8 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-0 5-9 5-11 6-4 6-1 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-2 5-11 6-3 5-10 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-7 5-11 6-1 6-3 5-9 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-5 6-6 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-5 6-5 5-8 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-1

2021 TENNESSEE TITANS

WT.

248 285 175 233 189 295 226 226 210 212 233 209 316 269 240 232 197 209 246 197 247 193 190 308 220 214 310 252 309 227 215 217 205 192 297 245 310 301 196 233 250 184 361 325 311 208 305 260 217 304 259 211 213

As of Sept. 8, 2021

BIRTHDATE EXP. COLLEGE

9/12/97 7/15/90 12/20/95 7/1/96 7/22/95 10/28/97 6/30/97 2/26/95 12/16/89 8/17/93 4/26/86 4/27/95 9/23/96 2/12/93 8/15/91 11/8/95 11/2/98 7/15/92 2/19/95 9/3/98 1/4/94 4/13/98 10/29/88 7/2/89 2/8/89 2/17/86 6/5/92 6/5/96 7/22/91 10/12/96 11/15/90 6/14/99 12/26/95 1/30/99 4/24/97 3/24/92 8/24/90 3/28/98 2/16/95 1/8/99 11/15/95 1/12/94 9/1/96 6/6/88 3/10/92 10/8/97 7/28/97 9/16/93 7/27/88 2/28/97 11/10/97 3/21/97 1/27/95

4 8 4 3 3 2 3 5 10 6 12 4 3 7 7 4 R 6 4 2 6 2 10 10 11 14 7 4 8 3 9 R 2 R 2 6 3 R 5 R 3 5 3 12 7 R 3 7 10 2 R 2 2

Toledo Mississippi State Texas Tech Vanderbilt Duke Texas State Mississippi UCLA Texas A&M Middle Tennessee State Tennessee Arizona Charlotte Kentucky Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo Alabama Virginia Tech Notre Dame Harvard Louisiana State Alabama Marshall North Alabama Georgia Alabama Toledo Appalachian State Boston College Michigan West Virginia Kansas Louisiana State Boise State Washington North Carolina State Southern Illinois San Jose State North Dakota State Texas A&M Georgia Sam Houston State Grambling State Alabama-Birmingham Indiana Colorado State Iowa Mississippi State Texas Texas A&M Florida International Pittsburgh Indiana Toledo

HEA D COACH M IKE VRAB E L

ASSISTANT COACHES SHANE BOWEN Defensive Coordinator TODD DOWNING Offensive Coordinator CRAIG AUKERMAN Special Teams BRIAN BELL Strength & Conditioning Assistant SCOTT BOOKER Safeties KEITH CARTER Offensive line RYAN CROW Outside Linebackers TONY DEWS Running Backs MATT EDWARDS Assistant Special Teams ERIK FRAZIER Offensive Skill Assistant MONDRAY GEE Strength & Conditioning Assistant JIM HASLETT Inside Linebackers JASON HOUGHTALING Offensive Line Assistant ZAK KUHR Inside Linebackers Assistant ANTHONY MIDGET Secondary ROB MOORE Wide Receivers PAT O’HARA Quarterbacks FRANK PIRAINO Strength and Conditioning JIM SCHWARTZ Senior Defensive Assistant LUKE STECKEL Tight Ends JOHN STREICHER Coordinator of Football Development MIKE SULLIVAN Assistant Offensive Line KENECHI UDEZE Defensive Line Assistant TERRELL WILLIAMS Defensive Line NO. NAME

2 3 5 6 11 13 14 15 17 18 20 21 22 24 26 28 29 30 31 35 38 39 41 46 48 49 50

NUMERICAL ROSTER

Julio Jones Caleb Farley Logan Woodside Brett Kern A.J. Brown Cameron Batson Randy Bullock Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Ryan Tannehill Josh Reynolds Jackrabbit Jenkins Matthias Farley Derrick Henry Elijah Molden Kristian Fulton Jeremy McNichols Dane Cruikshank Bradley McDougald Kevin Byard Chris Jackson Mekhi Sargent Breon Borders Khari Blasingame Morgan Cox Bud Dupree Nick Dzubnar Derick Roberson

POS.

WR CB QB P WR WR K WR QB WR CB S RB CB CB RB DB S S DB RB CB FB LS OLB LB OLB

NO. NAME

51 54 55 56 58 60 62 64 70 71 72 75 76 77 80 81 85 86 87 91 92 93 95 96 98 99

David Long Jr. Rashaan Evans Jayon Brown Monty Rice Harold Landry III Ben Jones Aaron Brewer Nate Davis Ty Sambrailo Kendall Lamm David Quessenberry Dillon Radunz Rodger Saffold III Taylor Lewan Chester Rogers Racey McMath MyCole Pruitt Anthony Firkser Geoff Swaim Larrell Murchison Ola Adeniyi Teair Tart Anthony Rush Denico Autry Jeffery Simmons Rashad Weaver

POS.

LB LB LB LB OLB C G/C G T T OL OL G T WR WR TE TE TE DL OLB DT DT DL DT OLB

24 Roster.indd 24

9/30/21 10:06 AM

YOUR OFFICIAL HOME FOR

TENNESSEE TITANS GEAR Products shown are available while supplies last.

SHOP ALL SEASON LONG at our location next to Gate 1 at Nissan Stadium, or online 24/7 at TitansProShop.com

TENNESSEE TITANS 2

JULIO JONES WR

CAMERON BATSON WR

JACKRABBIT JENKINS CB

JEREMY MCNICHOLS RB

MEKHI SARGENT RB

CALEB FARLEY CB

RANDY BULLOCK K

MATTHIAS FARLEY S

DANE CRUIKSHANK DB

BREON BORDERS CB

LOGAN WOODSIDE QB

NICK WESTBROOKIKHINE WR

DERRICK HENRY RB

BRADLEY MCDOUGALD S

KHARI BLASINGAME FB

BRETT KERN P

RYAN TANNEHILL QB

ELIJAH MOLDEN CB

KEVIN BYARD S

MORGAN COX LS

A.J. BROWN WR

JOSH REYNOLDS WR

KRISTIAN FULTON CB

CHRIS JACKSON DB

BUD DUPREE OLB

26-27 Headshots.indd 26

9/30/21 10:09 AM

TENNESSEE TITANS 49

NICK DZUBNAR LB

MONTY RICE LB

TY SAMBRAILO T

CHESTER ROGERS WR

OLA ADENIYI OLB

DERICK ROBERSON OLB

RACEY MCMATH WR

TEAIR TART DT

RASHAAN EVANS LB

HAROLD LANDRY III OLB

KENDALL LAMM T

DAVID LONG JR. LB

BEN JONES C

DAVID QUESSENBERRY OL

AARON BREWER G/C

DILLON RADUNZ OL

ANTHONY FIRKSER TE

MYCOLE PRUITT TE

ANTHONY RUSH DT

DENICO AUTRY DL

RODGER SAFFOLD III G

GEOFF SWAIM TE

JEFFERY SIMMONS DT

JAYON BROWN LB

NATE DAVIS G

TAYLOR LEWAN T

LARRELL MURCHISON DL

RASHAD WEAVER OLB

26-27 Headshots.indd 27

9/30/21 10:09 AM

92 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER Adeniyi was born in Lagos, Nigeria. 6-1 His full first name is Olasunkanmi, 248 which means “my wealth is coming.” 4 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS TOLEDO FA-’21

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 29

9/30/21 10:12 AM

96 DEFENSIVE LINE 6-5 285 8 ALBEMARLE, N.C. MISSISSIPPI STATE UFA (IND)-’21

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 30

His brother, Lee, is a defensive lineman who has spent time with the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders.

9/30/21 10:12 AM

13 WIDE RECEIVER Batson has a dog named Kookie 5-8 and runs an Instagram account 175 for her: @ms.kookiemonster. 4 OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. TEXAS TECH FA-’18

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 31

9/30/21 10:12 AM

41 FULLBACK Blasingame enjoys playing 6-0 the saxophone. 233 3 NEW MARKET, ALA. VANDERBILT FA-’19

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 32

9/30/21 10:12 AM

We’ve got you covered.

HairClub offers advanced solutions to regrow, replace, and restore your hair.

39 CORNERBACK 6-0 189 3 STATESVILLE, N.C. DUKE FA-’20

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 34

Borders can play the piano.

9/30/21 10:12 AM

Your Space in the Sun

V isit A ntigua B arbuda.com

62 OFFENSIVE LINE 6-1 295 2 DALLAS, TEXAS TEXAS STATE FA-’20

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 36

In college, Brewer registered at least one start at all five positions along the offensive line.

9/30/21 10:12 AM

11 WIDE RECEIVER 6-1 226 3 STARKVILLE, MISS. MISSISSIPPI D2-’19

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 37

Brown was a baseball prospect in addition to his accomplishments on the football field. He was selected in the 19th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft by the San Diego Padres.

9/30/21 10:12 AM

55 LINEBACKER Brown likes spending as much time as 6-0 possible with his dogs, a mutt named 226 Lou and a Rottweiler named Kali. 5 LONG BEACH, CALIF. UCLA D5-’17

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 38

9/30/21 10:12 AM

14 KICKER When Bullock was the placekicker at 5-9 Texas A&M, his holder was current 210 Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill. 10 LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA TEXAS A&M FA-’21

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 39

9/30/21 10:12 AM

31 SAFETY 5-11 212 6 LITHONIA, GA. MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE D3-’16

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 40

In July 2020, Byard was named the official spokesperson for the United Way of Greater Nashville. At the end of the 2020 season, he was named the Titans Community Man of the Year, adding to his growing legacy of off-the-field accomplishments.

9/30/21 10:12 AM

46 LONG SNAPPER March 7, 2013, was proclaimed 6-4 Morgan Cox Day in his hometown 233 of Collierville, Tenn. 12 COLLIERVILLE, TENN. TENNESSEE UFA (BAL)-’21

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 41

9/30/21 10:12 AM

29 DEFENSIVE BACK 6-1 209 4 CHINO HILLS, CALIF. ARIZONA D5-’18

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 42

Cruikshank’s nickname is ‘Smoove.’ He wore jersey No. 2 in high school, earning the nickname ‘2 Smoove,’ which was then shortened to Smoove.

9/30/21 10:12 AM

64 GUARD 6-3 316 3 ASHBURN, VA. CHARLOTTE D3-’19

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 43

Davis is a car enthusiast who has a knack for identifying the year, make and model of a car. He lists his dream car as a Rolls-Royce.

9/30/21 10:12 AM

48 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER Dupree has a street named 6-4 after him, Bud Dupree Drive, in his 269 hometown of Toomsboro, Ga. 7 IRWINTON, GA. KENTUCKY UFA (PIT)-’21

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 44

9/30/21 10:12 AM

49 LINEBACKER Dzubnar feels he was better 6-1 at hockey than football in high 240 school. He participated as a Ju7 nior Anaheim Duck in his youth. MISSION VIEJO, CALIF. CAL-POLY - SAN LUIS OBISPO UFA (LAC) -’20

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 46

9/30/21 10:12 AM

The right call on third down can change the game Passionately pursuing a better life for patients with kidney cancer is part of our game plan AVEO is an oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company committed to delivering medicines to help patients with cancer carry on with their daily living and keep them in the game.

Visit aveooncology.com

32 RUNNING BACK Evans enjoys playing video games, 5-10 particularly NBA2K, Call of Duty and 203 Madden, and producing music in his 2 spare time. OAK HILL, FLA. APPALACHIAN STATE D3-’20

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 48

9/30/21 10:12 AM

8.375” x 10.875”

MLB ALL STAR

2035

WBG LEGO STAR WARS - BASEBALL

1r1

7.1.21

54 LINEBACKER 6-2 232 4 AUBURN, ALA. ALABAMA D1-’18

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 50

Growing up in rural Alabama, Evans would chase wild horses to work on improving his speed and athleticism.

9/30/21 10:12 AM

21 SAFETY 5-11 209 6 CHARLOTTE, N.C. NOTRE DAME UFA (NYJ)-’21

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 51

Prior to joining the Titans, Farley was a two-time recipient of the prestigious New York Jets Marty Lyons Award (2019-2020) given by the team’s community relations staff to the player who gives from the heart through charity and community involvement.

9/30/21 10:12 AM

4 KICKER 6-1 192 3 VALPARAISO, IND. PENN STATE W (NYJ)-’21

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 52

Ficken, who received a degree in finance from Penn State, worked at a brokerage firm in Connecticut before being signed in week 16 of the 2018 season by the Los Angeles Rams.

9/30/21 10:12 AM

/ /

86 TIGHT END 6-2 246 4 MANALAPAN, N.J. HARVARD FA-’18

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 54

Firkser enjoys pencil drawings, jigsaw puzzles and playing online collectible card games.

9/30/21 10:12 AM

26 CORNERBACK 5-11 197 2 NEW ORLEANS, LA. LOUISIANA STATE D2-’20

29 PlayerPages_1.indd 55

Fulton and his older brother, Keith, opened an urban wear boutique in Nashville called The Trenches in March 2021. The store, which is located on Buchanan Street, features a unique blend of fashion, footwear and art.

9/30/21 10:12 AM

22 RUNNING BACK 6-3 247 6 YULEE, FLA. ALABAMA D2C-’16

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 56

In 2020, Henry was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Associated Press first-team All-Pro, and FedEx Ground Player of the Year for the second consecutive season after leading the NFL with a franchise record 2,027 rushing yards.

9/30/21 10:17 AM

@USPOLOASSN | USPOLOASSN.COM

37 DEFENSIVE BACK Hooker’s favorite TV show is Naruto. 5-11 He also likes to spend time playing 210 Fortnite. 3 MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. IOWA D4-’19

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 58

9/30/21 10:17 AM

89 TIGHT END 6-3 255 1 SAN JOSE, CALIF. ARIZONA STATE FA-’20

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 59

Hudson has always wanted to be in the military and has post-football plans of becoming a Navy SEAL.

9/30/21 10:17 AM

35 DEFENSIVE BACK 5-10 193 2 TALLAHASSEE, FLA. MARSHALL D7B-’20

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 60

Jackson has a love of cars that he attributes to his father and uncle, the latter of which does competitive drag racing. Jackson lists his top three cars as a 1969 Camaro, a 1984 Buick Grand National and a Ferrari F40.

9/30/21 10:17 AM

IGNITE FUSION PREDATOR

HELIOS 300 Whether you’re playing a game or watching one, the Predator Helios 300 will take you to victory. Play movies! Play games! Fear nothing! This exciting entertainment hub showcases the latest 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 Processor, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX ™ graphics and advanced cooling technology to deliver unmatched, unrivalled performance. Its smooth gaming action gives you total command and control of the battlefield. Empower your passions! • 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 Processor • NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3060 Graphics • 15.6” FHD IPS 144Hz • RGB Backlit Keyboard AVAILABLE AT © 2021 Acer America Corporation. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. Intel, the Intel Logo, Intel Inside, Intel Core, and Core Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.

20 CORNERBACK 5-10 190 10 PAHOKEE, FLA. NORTH ALABAMA FA-’21

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 62

Jenkins grew up chasing rabbits as a training method in South Florida.

9/30/21 10:17 AM

In the shadow of uncertainty,

an answer can light the way.

You know where to go.

88 WIDE RECEIVER 6-1 207 4 CLEAR SPRINGS, TX TEXAS FA-’20

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 64

Johnson posted 22 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2016, more than any other receiver that year.

9/30/21 10:17 AM

60 CENTER 6-3 308 10 BRENT, ALA. GEORGIA UFA (HOU)-’16

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 66

Jones’ pregame ritual consists of walking barefoot on the field to get a feel for the turf. The routine began before one game with his brother in high school and after enjoying success that night, it has continued ever since.

9/30/21 10:17 AM

Waterscapes Backyard Resorts

You dream it, I’ll build it.

Designing, building & renovating since 1978. Specializing in casual pools, tanning pools, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, naturalized pools, formal pools, spas, water features, waterfalls and much more! We are a licensed Jandy warranty station. We are fully staffed to provide full service and maintenance year-round. Contact Lee Seelig at 615-242-5284 615-242-5284 | 2319 WINFORD AVENUE, NASHVILLE, TN 37211 | WATERSCAPESBACKYARDRESORTS.COM

2 WIDE RECEIVER 6-3 220 11 FOLEY, ALA. ALABAMA T (ATL)-’21

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 68

Since joining the NFL in 2011, Jones has worked and volunteered with numerous organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project, Locks for Love and Huddle Up for Miracles, while also participating in numerous league-wide initiatives such as My Cause My Cleats and Salute to Service.

9/30/21 10:17 AM

6 PUNTER 6-2 214 14 GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. TOLEDO W (DEN)-’09

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 69

Kern is an avid golfer with a +1 handicap. He picked the game up late in his high school years and caddied for three summers at Inverness Golf Club while in college.

9/30/21 10:17 AM

71 TACKLE 6-5 310 7 MATTHEWS, N.C. APPALACHIAN STATE UFA (CLE)-’21

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 70

During the 2020 offseason, Lamm sent a letter with former Browns teammate Chris Hubbard to the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee supporting Senate Bill 256, which would abolish the sentence of life without the possibility of parole for kids and grant parole eligibility for kids sentenced to extreme time in adult prisons.

9/30/21 10:17 AM

TAKE US ON YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP. Whether it’s industry-leading 24/7 roadside assistance, membership or travel services, AAA has you covered with quality, service and value – whenever and wherever you go.

Buy one Classic membership get one free. Visit AAA.com/DEAL 800-222-1134

AAA.com/DEAL

Visit your Local AAA Office

A member can add one eligible family member for FREE for up to one year. Free Associate membership expires on renewal date of Primary member. Associate memberships are available to the Primary member’s spouse, one other adult living in the household, and their children living at the same residence or away at school. Associate members must have the same type of membership as their Primary member, with the exception of Motorcycle. Upon activation and with proper identification, AAA will provide regular AAA services and full privileges for the new member. Roadside benefits begin three days after payment of dues. Some restrictions apply. Roadside assistance is provided by independent facilities contracted by AAA. Coverage in taxis, limousines and other ride-sharing conveyances is excluded. 21-RM-0381 ATL-TN-MIA

21-RM-0381 Professional Sports Publications-2021 NFL Ads_v1.indd 1

6/8/21 6:27 PM

58 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER He and his son, Greyson, share 6-2 the same June 5 birthday. 252 4 SPRING LAKE, N.C. BOSTON COLLEGE D2-’18

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 72

9/30/21 10:17 AM

SCORE BIG AND SAVE!

FIND THESE PRODUCTS AT

77 TACKLE 6-7 309 8 CAVE CREEK, ARIZ. MICHIGAN D1-’14

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 74

Lewan is the co-founder of the popular podcast Bussin’ With The Boys with former teammate Will Compton. The two friends host guests on an old Monte Carlo Budweiser bus and discuss a wide range of topics.

9/30/21 10:17 AM

This year’s most versatile players.

IdeaPad Flex 5 14" Notebook

IdeaPad 5 15.6" Notebook

Visit your local Staples store for a full assortment of Lenovo laptops.

51 LINEBACKER 5-11 227 3 CINCINNATI, OHIO WEST VIRGINIA D6-’19

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 76

His father, David Sr., was a professional heavyweight boxer. David Jr. uses boxing in his training during the offseason.

9/30/21 10:17 AM

28 RUNNING BACK McNichols was coached by hip-hop 5-9 artist Snoop Dogg while playing youth 205 football in the Snoop Youth Football 2 League in Los Angeles, Calif. SANTA MARGARITA, CA BOISE STATE FA-’20

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 78

9/30/21 10:17 AM

MONSTER ENERGY

FOR

16OZ. / 15.5OZ. CANS

+Tax & Deposit / CRV where applicable Must buy 2 to get sale price; Single can purchase at regular retail.

AVAILABLE AT

50579_Monster_Dollar_General_Titans_Yearbook_Ad_JC_V3

T:8.375" S:7.875"

5G built right for the NFL. Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband is here and it’s changing the game. It’s 5G built right with massive capacity and ultra-low lag for when you need it most. So next time you can’t make it to the stadium, you can still stream every play, punt, and pass in Verizon 5G quality. Now available in select cities across the country. This is 5G built right. From America’s most reliable network.

Learn more at verizon.com/5g T:10.875"

S:10.375"

Most reliable based on rankings from the RootMetrics® US National RootScore® Report 2H 2020 of 3 mobile networks. Results may vary. Award is not endorsement. 5G Ultra Wideband available only in parts of select cities and in select parts of stadiums. 5G Nationwide available in 2,700+ cities.

52 CENTER 6-1 305 4 COLORADO HARBOR CITY, CALIF. FA-’19

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 81

As a senior at Colorado, Munyer was awarded the department of communication’s Academic Leadership Award for his dedication to learning and strong positive presence in the classroom.

9/30/21 10:17 AM

91 DEFENSIVE LINE 62 297 2 ELIZABETHTOWN, N.C. NORTH CAROLINA STATE D5-’20

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 82

Murchison grew up working with his mother at her restaurant in Elizabethtown, N.C., called Glenda’s Just Desserts and Lunch Counter, which she has owned for more than 10 years. He would work doing whatever needed to be done – mopping floors, sweeping, waiting tables and taking orders.

9/30/21 10:18 AM

WILLIE NELSON

Abbott High School, c. 1940s Date of Birth: April 29, 1933 Member, Country Music Hall of Fame: Since 1993

Outlaws & Armadillos: Country’s Roaring ’70s EXHIBIT NOW OPEN

Willie never earned a plaque in Canton, but he was inducted into the Hall of Fame here, just down the road.

TITAN UP. GET DOWN. VISIT TODAY. Programs are funded in part by the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission and the Tennessee Arts Commission.

MKTG_Titans Yearbook_PrintAd_21 .indd 1

8/30/21 3:46 PM

72 OFFENSIVE LINE 6-5 310 3 LA JOLLA, CALIF. SAN JOSE STATE FA-’18

56 PlayerPages_2.indd 84

Quessenberry has served as an inspiration since overcoming nonHodgkin’s lymphoma. He was diagnosed in June 2014 and returned to Houston’s practice squad in 2017. He made his NFL regular season debut in Week 16 of the 2017 season.

9/30/21 10:18 AM

18 WIDE RECEIVER Reynolds earned a degree from 6-3 Texas A&M in recreation, park and 196 tourism sciences. 5 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS TEXAS A&M UFA (LAR)-’21

86 PlayerPages_3.indd 86

9/30/21 10:23 AM

50 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER Roberson enjoys designing and 6-3 painting sneakers and cleats. 250 3 SAN ANTONIO, TX SAM HOUSTON STATE FA-’19

86 PlayerPages_3.indd 87

9/30/21 10:23 AM

80 WIDE RECEIVER 6-0 184 5 HUNTSVILLE, ALA. GRAMBLING STATE FA-’20

86 PlayerPages_3.indd 88

Rogers started acting when he was 10 years old with the stage name of Tre Rogers. His first movie, Constellation, was filmed in his hometown of Huntsville, Ala. He later appeared in Madea’s Family Reunion, Re-Animated on Cartoon Network, and Dirty with Cuba Gooding Jr.

9/30/21 10:23 AM

FIELD GOALS Thanks for choosing Land O Lakes® products. Because every time you do, you help us make our food, farms and families better. All Together Better®

FOR EV ERY D RE A M I N T H E M A K ING HP Spectre x360 PC with Intel® Core™ i7

HP Spectre x360 PC with the Intel® Evo™ platform to bring you an exceptional experience anywhere. This convertible PC has the perfect combination of features to make you unstoppable. With its ultra-compact and stylish design, a long battery life, and an amazing visual experience, you don’t have to compromise on your ideas or the PC you make them on. FOUR POSITIONS

WORK

WRITE

W ATC H

P L AY

Check it out at Best Buy® and BestBuy.com/Spectrex360 © Copyright 2021 HP Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Intel, Core, and Evo are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.

76 GUARD 6-5 325 12 BEDFORD, OHIO INDIANA UFA (LAR)-’19

86 PlayerPages_3.indd 91

Saffold is the co-owner and CEO of Rise Nation, a professional esports organization that competes in VALORANT, Gears of War and FIFA. He has been invested in the esports industry since April 2014.

9/30/21 10:23 AM

70 TACKLE 6-5 311 7 WATSONVILLE, CALIF. COLORADO STATE FA-’20

86 PlayerPages_3.indd 92

Sambrailo is an avid skier who, as a youth, earned USSA titles in the slalom, giant slalom and super-G events for his age group.

9/30/21 10:23 AM

38 RUNNING BACK 5-8 208 R KEY WEST, FLA. IOWA FA-’21

86 PlayerPages_3.indd 93

Sargent was one of nine seniors named to the 2020 Leadership Group while at the University of Iowa.

9/30/21 10:23 AM

98 DEFENSIVE TACKLE 6-4 305 3 MACON, MISS. MISSISSIPPI STATE D1-’19

86 PlayerPages_3.indd 94

Simmons’ brother, Dylan Bradley, played football at Southern Miss and then spent time with the Minnesota Vikings. His uncle, Jason Hatcher, played 10 total seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Football Team.

9/30/21 10:23 AM

STOCK UP FOR

GAME TIME!

AVAILABLE AT

T:8.375" S:7.875"

Learn more at verizon.com/5g T:10.875"

S:10.375"

87 TIGHT END 6-4 260 7 CHICO, CALIF. TEXAS FA-’20

86 PlayerPages_3.indd 97

Swaim majored in corporate communications at the University of Texas.

9/30/21 10:24 AM

Nashville’s Premier Public University Powering Middle Tennessee with over 90,000 alumni

0621-9765 / Middle Tennessee State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. See our full policy at www.mtsu.edu/iec.

17 QUARTERBACK 6-4 217 10 BIG SPRING, TX TEXAS A&M T (MIA)-’19

86 PlayerPages_3.indd 99

Tannehill was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2019, his first year with the Titans. In his second year in Tennessee, he set a franchise record with 40 combined passing touchdowns (33) and rushing touchdowns (seven).

9/30/21 10:24 AM

93 DEFENSIVE TACKLE Tart is the second youngest of 11 6-2 children in his family. 304 2 PHILADELPHIA, PA FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL FA-’20

86 PlayerPages_3.indd 100

9/30/21 10:24 AM

Hiking, biking, camping, or tubing. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or just want to chill... here in Blount County, you can have it all.

PERFECTLY PEACEFUL.

Perfectly Blount

15 WIDE RECEIVER 6-2 211 2 LAKE MARY, FLA. INDIANA FA-’20

86 PlayerPages_3.indd 102

Westbrook-Ikhine has a dog named Winston and runs an Instagram account for him: @wheresthatboywinston.

9/30/21 10:24 AM

Thank you, Veterans, for your service! We want to end suicide among Veterans. Showing your support can be as simple as sending a Veteran a text message – inviting someone over to catch up or sharing a positive thought to communicate you care. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, don’t hesitate to contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, or text to 838255 #BeThere for Veterans and Service members. Preventing Veteran Suicide Begins when you are willing to #BeThere!

VA MidSouth Healthcare Network Proudly serving Veterans in Tennessee and Kentucky

Photos of actual Veterans by Candace L. Woods, Visual Information Specialist, Lexington VA Healthcare System.

5 QUARTERBACK 6-1 213 2 FRANKFORT, KY. TOLEDO FA-’19

86 PlayerPages_3.indd 104

During the 2019 offseason, Woodside played for the Alliance of American Football League’s San Antonio Commanders. In seven AAF games, he completed 116 of 201 passes for 1,385 yards and seven touchdowns.

9/30/21 10:24 AM

TITANS RB DERRICK HENRY

DONATES $10,000 TO NASHVILLE FIREFIGHTER WHO LOST HOME IN FIRE contribution from Campbell’s Chunky Soup. The good deed was prompted by Henry, who took a screenshot of the Twitter post on the story and asked a member of the Titans organization how he could help. “I saw the tweet and I was just touched by it, losing a home is such a tragic occurrence,” Henry said. “Not only did I see the tweet but I saw that he was a Titans fan and also a first responder. Nashville has been through so much as a community – the tornado, the pandemic going on, and then the Christmas bombing. I just wanted to be able to help someone in need and someone who has been helping everyone else throughout this pandemic.” Taylor and his family were not in their new home at the time of the early morning explosion and fire on January 30, but they’d moved all their belongings into the White Bluff residence and were preparing to move in after finishing a checklist at the home they’d recently sold. Taylor, his wife Lauren and their daughters, ages 13, 12, 11, and 8, lost everything in the fire. “I thank God we weren’t home, and nobody got hurt,” Taylor said. Taylor said it’s been an emotional time. He’s been buoyed by the support of friends, and fellow firefighters. Then came the act of kindness from Henry, and Campbell’s. When Taylor got to work that day, he got a big surprise. After watching a video message from Henry, who explained why he wanted to help, Taylor also received a signed No.22 jersey from the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2020. Titans cheerleaders and others from the organization were on hand for the

His 2020 season over, Derrick Henry was already in offseason workout mode in February, preparing for what was ahead. But the Titans running back stopped in his tracks when he saw a heartbreaking story on his Twitter feed, and he wanted to do something to help. The beneficiary: Nashville firefighter Jeremy Taylor, a Titans season ticket member and father of four daughters who lost his new home to a large fire. Taylor was surprised at his fire station with a $15,000 donation — $10,000 from Henry’s ‘Two All’ Foundation, along with a $5,000

check presentation. “I am blessed, very blessed,” Taylor said. “(This) has definitely been a blessing to my family. I am very overwhelmed. I don’t know what to say.” Henry said he was more than willing to help. “I was just touched by what I had seen about Jeremy and his family on Twitter, and just wanted to do anything I could to help them,” Henry said. “I’m very thankful to be able to have Campbell’s come in as well to try to help Jeremy and his family. Just touched by his family and wanted to help Jeremy in his own time of need.”

106

106 Henry Donates Feature.indd 106

9/30/21 4:54 PM

WALTER PAYTON MAN OF THE YEAR

When Titans safety Kevin Byard entered the NFL in 2016, he watched the veteran leaders in the locker room, and admired how many of them were so generous in the Nashville community. It made an impression. But even before then, the Middle Tennessee State University product had decided he wanted to impact those around him once he made it to the NFL. He’d thought about doing so because of his upbringing, and because of his mother. In December of 2020, Byard received some recognition for giving back. The fifth-year pro was officially announced as the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide. Considered the league’s most prestigious honor, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. In nominating Byard for the award, the Titans listed his many endeavors: • In 2019, Byard and his wife, Clarke, established the Byard Family Legacy Fund (BFLF) to stand in the gap and provide grace to anyone who needs it. In 2020, they did so through two back-to-school events that benefitted more than 100 families in the Nashville area. In partnership with United Way of Greater Nashville – for whom he is a spokesperson – the allpro safety packed and distributed more than 300 distance learning kits including school supplies, essential hygiene items, backpacks, gift cards and sporting goods. Byard even hand-delivered the kits door-to-door.

The committee has also recently opened dialogue with Metro Nashville PD on ways to improve community-police relations and police reform. • In the 2020 season, Byard partnered with the local Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research for the “31 Tackle Challenge.” Fans pledge a monetary amount for each tackle he makes during the season. For each sack, fumble recovery or interception, donations are doubled. Before the pandemic forced them to postpone, Byard and wife were serving as the honorary cochairs for the Rally Foundation’s annual fundraising event, Rally on the Runway. Byard first became involved with this nonprofit years ago as a volunteer. • Through the Byard Family Legacy Fund (BFLF), Byard hosts four signature events/programs each year – free youth football camps, Thanksgiving delivery and distribution, a Christmas event, and their signature Grace Grant. The Grace Grant provides financial assistance to people who have fallen on hard times. Families can apply or nominate someone through the BFLF website. • In September of 2019, Byard teamed up with Academy Sports + Outdoors to provide new shoes and coats for the children of the Boys & Girls Club in Smyrna, Tennessee. • Byard previously served as the spokesperson for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

• In March, Byard assisted the team with tornado clean-up efforts in North Nashville, hauling debris and passing out food and essential items to families whose homes, schools, businesses and churches had been damaged or destroyed. • Following the pandemic, Byard has found ways to continue his community work virtually. He is a member of the team’s player-led social justice committee that hosts Zoom meetings each week with youth and their parents from the YWCA’s Amend program. In these meetings, they talk about issues of race, social justice, equality, police brutality and more.

• Byard credits his mother,Artina Stanley, for much of his success. Following a divorce when Byard was in ninth grade, his mother moved with the children from Philadelphia to Atlanta. Although it was a financial struggle, Stanley worked long hours to make sure her children received what they needed. Byard claims he and his older brother “had to grow up really fast” as they helped their mother with taking care of the younger kids in the family. In May 2020, Byard was able to accomplish a goal of helping to purchase his mother her “forever home.” • As the Week 0 NFLPA Community MVP, Byard donated more than 100 meals to families at Jones Paideia Elementary School in Nashville through his Byard Family Legacy Fund and Eat Well Nashville during Thanksgiving.

108

108 Walter Payton.indd 108

9/30/21 4:56 PM

Available at

New Item July 2021

Mean Green® Super Strength Cleaner & Degreaser is a powerful, multi-purpose cleaner and degreaser that can get grease out and eliminate grime from most surfaces from fabric to concrete.

IDEAL for USE on greasy stove and range hoods, sinks, countertops, exhaust filters, floors, garbage cans, diaper pails, carpets, upholstery, showers, tub & tile, toilets, laundry stains, patios, recreation, and garage uses.

• Multi-surface cleaner for inside & outside • Non-Toxic Item#

Size

Description

932 MG101

32 oz. Super Strength 32 oz. Trigger Spray 128 oz. Super Strength 128 oz. Bottle

Case Pack 9 4

Mean Green® Anti-Bacterial Multi-Surface Cleaner cleans, deodorizes and disinfects hard, non-porous surfaces in one step with no rinsing required. Cleans grease and grime and kills 99.9% of bacteria while leaving a fresh lemon scent. Safe for most surfaces and free of phosphates or bleach. Item#

Size

MG10532 32 oz. 371467 128 oz.

IDEAL to USE for cleaning and disinfecting the kitchen, bathroom and other household areas. • Kills 99.9% of bacteria • Cleans grease and grime • Fresh lemon scent

Description

Anti-Bacterial Multi Surface Cleaner 32 oz. Anti-Bacterial Multi Surface Cleaner 128 oz.

Case Pack 12 4

WITH

BLEACH

• Fast drying

• Indoor & Outdoor Item#

Size

Description

73008

32 oz.

Foaming Bathroom Cleaner with Bleach 32 oz.

Case Pack 9

Item#

Size

Description

318512 318515

11 oz. 11 oz.

Painter's Touch Gloss Black Painter's Touch Gloss White

11 Hawthorn Pkwy., Vernon Hills, IL 60061 800-323-3584 rustoleum.com

Case Pack 6 6

• Smooth, durable finish

• Comfort spray tip prevents finger fatigue and GLES P - AN sprays from any angle, even upside down.

Y RA

• Kills 99.9% of Germs

IDEAL for USE on wood, wicker, metal and more.

• Foaming Bleach Action

Rust-Oleum® Painter’s Touch® Gloss Sprays are designed to provide long lasting protection and durability. These sprays apply easily and dry fast.

AN Y

IDEAL for USE Bathroom sinks, showers, bathtubs, tile and grout, toilets and garbage cans.

wit

Mean Green® Foaming Bathroom Cleaner with Bleach goes to work on contact, quickly removing soap scum, hard water, and tough calcium and lime stains, so you scrub less while killing 99.9% of germs.

GENERAL PURPOSE PAINT

MFO R

the kind of good

that doesn’t back down

It’s always a win when you serve up some delicious Butterball® Turkey. So, settle in to the room where you watch every game in the same seat wearing the same jersey doing the same ritual and make yourself the Most Valuable Plate with Butterball Turkey. For tips, recipes and more, go to Butterball.com

Butterball_SportsPrintAd_NFL_8_375x10_875.indd 1

5/28/20 4:52 PM

WAVERLY FLOOD RELIEF

and White House an NFL broadcast experience. We can’t wait to hear ‘Tigers Radio’ Thursday night on 104-5 The Zone.” The Titans also traveled the Waverly Central High School and middle school football team to Nissan Stadium as their guests for the Aug. 28 preseason matchup against the Chicago Bears. They were recognized on the stadium’s big screens, and a moment of silence was held for the people who lost their lives in the tragedy. “We are greatly appreciative of the Titans organization for reaching out to us and helping us through these rough times,” said Waverly Central head football coach Randall Boldin. “We have a long road ahead of us to get our facility operational and being able to play at home, but the Titans’ generosity will allow us to equip our kids and continue on with our season.” Those interested in supporting the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Disaster Relief Fund can find more information at www.cfmt.org.

The Tennessee Titans formally pledged their support of the Waverly community devastated by the August 2021 floods. The relief effort included a $50,000 donation from The Titans Foundation and Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Disaster Relief Fund, as well as another $150,000 commitment through in-kind donations to the Waverly Central High School football team. “The people of Waverly are our neighbors, and as community leaders, we feel like it is our role and our honor to be there when our community needs us,” said Burke Nihill, Titans president and CEO. “This mission is passed down directly from our owner, Amy Adams Strunk.We’re so thankful for her generosity in allowing us dive in and help those who need it most, and we’re thinking of all those who lost loved ones during this tragedy.” The Waverly Central High School football team was extremely affected by the flood, losing its facility and equipment inside. Titans staff members personally delivered in-kind donations in the form of practice gear, girdles, footballs, mouthpieces and more to the team, and also provided washers and dryers to assist with cleaning needs. To get the team back on the field, the Titans offered to host the White House Blue Devils and Waverly Central Tigers at Nissan Stadium. The entire Titans Radio broadcast team, including recent Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame inductee Mike Keith and veteran NFL coach Dave “Coach Mac” McGinnis, called the game on Titans Radio’s flagship station, 104-5 The Zone, as well as pre-game coverage with Amie Wells and Rhett Bryan. “When Mike Keith approached us about this idea to help with the recovery in Humphreys County, (the answer) was a unanimous yes,” said Titans Radio and 104-5 The Zone Operations Manager Paul Mason. “The entire Titans Radio team is humbled and looking forward to giving Waverly

111

111 Waverly Flood.indd 111

10/5/21 4:20 PM

Next-Level Gaming with ™ AMD Advantage Laptops Premium Displays

Amplified Performance

Built to Game

www.bestbuy.com/amdAdvantageGaming

2021 VETERAN ADDITIONS VETERAN PLAYERS ACQUIRED VIA FREE AGENCY, TRADES OR WAIVERS

OLB

OLA ADENIYI

DENICO AUTRY (UFA-COLTS)

(FA-STEELERS)

TREVON COLEY (FA-JETS)

BUD DUPREE (UFA-STEELERS)

MATTHIAS FARLEY (UFA-JETS)

JACKRABBIT JENKINS (FA-SAINTS)

BRADLEY MCDOUGALD (FA-JETS)

RANDY BULLOCK (FA-LIONS)

OLB

MORGAN COX (UFA-RAVENS)

SAM FICKEN (W-JETS)

B.J. BELLO (FA-CHARGERS)

JULIO JONES (T-FALCONS)

JOSH REYNOLDS (UFA-RAMS)

KENDALL LAMM (UFA-BROWNS)

ANTHONY RUSH (FA-PACKERS)

113

113-114 Free Agency.indd 113

9/30/21 10:32 AM

2021 TITANS DRAFT PICKS

CALEB FARLEY (1ST ROUNDVIRGINIA TECH)

DILLON RADUNZ (2ND ROUNDNORTH DAKOTA STATE)

MONTY RICE (3RD ROUND-GEORGIA)

ELIJAH MOLDEN (3RD ROUNDWASHINGTON)

OLB

DEZ FITZPATRICK (4TH ROUND-LOUISVILLE)

RASHAD WEAVER (4TH ROUND-PITTSBURGH)

RACEY MCMATH (6TH ROUNDLOUISIANA STATE)

BRADY BREEZE (6TH ROUND-OREGON)

114

113-114 Free Agency.indd 114

9/30/21 10:32 AM

For nearly 60 years, Middle Tennessee has trusted us with their orthopaedic care. From sports medicine to joint replacements to pediatric orthopaedics and more. We know that pain-free health means getting back to the life only you can live. We’re here for you and your loved ones now and in the years to come.

Orthopaedics

T o S c he d ul e Yo ur A p p o i nt ment Toda y

VanderbiltHealth.com/Ortho | 615-936-7846

3 CORNERBACK 6-2 197 R MAIDEN, N.C. VIRGINIA TECH D1-’21

116-131 Player Rookie Pages.indd 116

Growing up, he was a big fan of boxer Floyd Mayweather and made it a point to watch all of Mayweather’s fights.

9/30/21 10:34 AM

75 OFFENSIVE LINE 6-6 301 R BECKER, MINN. NORTH DAKOTA STATE D2-’21

116-131 Player Rookie Pages.indd 118

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Radunz took up golfing and went hog hunting for the first time in Oklahoma. He is also trying to learn how to play the guitar.

9/30/21 10:35 AM

Ad1-students.qxp_Layout 1 7/30/21 10:35 AM Page 1

Building Bridges. Changing Lives. Just ask our students. Debt-free college 80+ programs of study Transferable college credits In person, virtual, online, and hybrid classes Academic and student support One- and two-year degrees and certificates Seven campuses in Middle TN

NSCC.edu

Brandon H. Electrical Engineering Technology

Anthony D. Ashley Dawn

Kate S.

Culinary Arts

Music Technology

Gabriela B. Nursing

Computer Information Technology

Nashville State Community College is an AA/EEO employer, & does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by NSCC. For non-discrimination policy inquiries: Human.resources@nscc.edu,© 2021, NSCC

56 LINEBACKER 6-0 233 R HUNTSVILLE, ALA. GEORGIA D3A-’21

116-131 Player Rookie Pages.indd 121

Rice has a black lab named Shadow.

9/30/21 10:35 AM

The ultimate mouthguard.

Now offering dental and vision plans for groups and individuals.

Visit DeltaDentalTN.com to learn more.

24 CORNERBACK 5-10 192 R WEST LINN, ORE. WASHINGTON D3B-’21

116-131 Player Rookie Pages.indd 123

Molden is an avid reader and lists “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight, “Tattoos on the Heart” by Greg Boyle, and “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho as three of his favorite books. He prefers hard copies of books as opposed to digital versions so that he can make notes and keep them in the books.

9/30/21 10:35 AM

Helping you find the right PC

What’s Inside Matters Look for an Intel® Core™ processor.

11th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 Processor

ASUS Laptop K712EA-SB55

10th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 Processor

ASUS Laptop F512JA-PH54-BAC

Visit your local Staples store for a full assortment of laptops powered by the 11th Gen Intel® Core™ processors.

Intel technologies' features and benefits depend on system configuration and may require enabled hardware, software or service activation. Performance varies depending on system configuration. No product or component can be absolutely secure. Check with your system manufacturer or retailer or learn more at intel.com. © Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo, and Intel Core are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.

10 WIDE RECEIVER Fitzpatrick is a skilled juggler. 6-2 He has mastered the technique of 208 juggling one-handed off a wall. R FARMINGTON HILLS, MICH. LOUISVILLE D4A-’21

116-131 Player Rookie Pages.indd 125

9/30/21 10:35 AM

99 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER Weaver and his best friend started a 6-4 clothing line called Dreams to Reality 259 which can be found on Instagram R @d2r.shop. FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. PITTSBURGH D4B-’21

116-131 Player Rookie Pages.indd 127

9/30/21 10:35 AM

81 WIDE RECEIVER His parents named him Racey due 6-3 to the fact that during his mother’s 217 pregnancy, he never stayed still. R NEW ORLEANS, LA. LOUISIANA STATE D6A-’21

116-131 Player Rookie Pages.indd 129

9/30/21 10:35 AM

33 SAFETY With extra time during COVID-19 6-0 quarantines, Breeze spent time 197 practicing the ukulele. R LAKE OSWEGO, ORE. OREGON D6B-’21

116-131 Player Rookie Pages.indd 131

9/30/21 10:35 AM

ROOKIE TOUR OF NASHVILLE The Tennessee Titans rookies had the chance to take a tour of their new home in Nashville and learn about some of the city’s abundant musical history. First, the rookies stopped by Hatch Show Print — one of Nashville’s oldest businesses — to make their own hand-made posters the same way they’ve been produced there since 1879. Next, they got the chance to tour the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and learn a bit about legendary artists like Johnny Cash, George Strait and Willie Nelson. And finally, the rookies visited the National Museum of African American Music, where they learned about the music’s history and artists, and they even had the chance to try mixing their own songs.

132

132-133 Rookie Tour.indd 132

9/30/21 4:58 PM

133

132-133 Rookie Tour.indd 133

9/30/21 4:59 PM

COMMUNITY MISSION At the Tennessee Titans, we often discuss the meaning of “service.” In fact, it is a crucial component of our mission statement – to Win, Serve, and Entertain.

Serving is multifaceted. We serve each other as coworkers, supporting and inspiring one another to keep up the fight and lead with positivity. We serve Titans fans, with the responsibility to execute great events every time we open our gates. And through the work of The Titans Foundation, we serve our neighbors.

When our community calls out for help, this is our pledge: we will be there, we will be ready, and we will get through it together. But equally as important – we will be there day in and day out speaking to you, asking you how we can help, what we can do better. We will welcome you into our family, not just on Sundays, but every day. We are stronger together. WE ARE TENNESSEE TOUGH. 134

134 Community Mission.indd 134

9/30/21 11:19 AM

LU X U RY A P P LI A N C E S

Acclaimed for its exquisite design and advanced technology, the Monogram Professional Range is redef ining luxury appliances one detail at a time. Elevate Everything.

www.Build.com 3201-B Powell Ave Nashville, TN 37204 615.385.3054

MY CAUSE MY CLEATS The Titans want to help make a difference in communities across the country, and during Week 13 of the 2020 season, they tried to do so with their cleats. For the fifth-consecutive season, NFL players raised awareness for non-profit organizations and causes on the field through the My Cause My Cleats campaign.

136

136-137 My Cause My Cleats.indd 136

9/30/21 5:04 PM

MY CAUSE MY CLEATS CONTINUED

A total of 19 Titans signed up to participate for the Sunday, December 6th, 2020 game against the Browns. Among those taking part: Derrick Henry, whose cleats focused on his Two All Foundation, and helping youth across the country. “My Cause My Cleats I’m doing it on my Two All Foundation to level the playing field for the youth,” Henry said on Thursday. “I’m big on youth, being a great resource for the kids, being a helping hand, doing anything I can to help kids in any way possible. I was the type of kid that looked for a role model, a guy that reached out, had a huge platform. Sports was what I always looked to, so I want to be that for those kids. “It’s a good way for guys to raise money for these different organizations and foundations, something that they’re passionate about and being able to use our platform to be a blessing for others. It’s a great thing the NFL is doing and a great thing that all these NFL players are doing.” My Cause My Cleats is a player-led campaign that began in 2016. According to the NFL, 2020’s causes across the NFL included topics such as tackling social injustice, supporting families in the wake of COVID-19, and bridging the digital divide. Out of the total 20.5 percent of players selected social justice causes, 17 percent selected causes related to youth and education while 14 percent of players will support health and wellness-related initiatives. Titans receiver Cameron Batson wanted to bring attention to ALS, in memory of his grandmother, Debra Lusk. “My grandmother was a great role model – she was one of the most sincere and strongest individuals that I know,” Batson said on Friday. “She was diagnosed in 2008 and started to lose feeling in her arms and her

hands at first, and it slowly progress into her body. Eventually she had to have a feeding tube put into her stomach because she couldn’t chew. And last year, on my father’s birthday, she ended up passing — that was my father’s mother. So I want to bring awareness to ALS — it is a muscular disease that slowly degenerates your muscle. They don’t know the cause of it, so that’s why I partnered with ALS Foundation to raise awareness.” On Batson’s custom cleats were the words RIP Debra “Hamma” Lusk, inscribed on the side. “When I was younger, I couldn’t say Grandma, so I would say, ‘Hamma, Hamma,” Batson said with a smile. “The name just stuck and we have been calling her ‘Hamma’ ever since.” Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill represented both the Equal Justice Initiative and Lifewater International. “My Cause My Cleats was created out of conversations with NFL players who wanted an opportunity to shed light on causes that mean the most to them,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Season after season I am inspired by the growing number of NFL players that participate in My Cause My Cleats and the causes they represent. Each player has a story to tell and we are grateful for the impact they make in the communities in which they live and work, and society in general.” Players have the option to raise funds for their cause of choice through auctioning their cleats on NFL Auction where 100% of funds raised will be donated to the charities they select. Fans may bid on player cleats at NFL.com/Auction and help raise funds for the causes nearest to their hearts. To learn more about each player’s cause visit www.nfl.com/mycausemycleats.

137

136-137 My Cause My Cleats.indd 137

9/30/21 5:04 PM

TITANS VP OF BROADCASTING MIKE KEITH SHARES MEMORIES, HIGHLIGHTS OF CAREER

ON TENNESSEE SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2021 WEEKEND from the likes of Bob Kesling, Randy Smith, Mike Moore, Barry Rice, Mark Dyer, Steve Early and Edwin Huster, Jr. All were massive influences on my career. Bobby Denton hired me at WIVK/WNOX Radio and gave me more encouragement than anyone could or should have. Bobby mentored me through my youth, which wasn’t easy. The biggest influence when it comes to Titans Radio is Larry Stone. He built Titans Radio’s incredible list of radio stations, put together an amazing amount of organization and technology, hired and developed fantastic talent and came up with the “Titans Radio Sound”, which is very unique. Larry is the best broadcaster that I have ever met, hands down. I hope to be like him some day!

Top 3 moments/memories over the years?

Titans Vice President of Broadcasting Mike Keith was honored for his induction into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame’s 2021 class in June during a television special. The “Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Special presented by the Tennessee Titans” debuted as a two-hour televised special event on June 26 at www.tshf.net and through the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame’s Twitter, YouTube and Facebook pages. Keith, a 2021 inductee and voice of the Tennessee Titans, hosted the event celebrating sports in the Volunteer State. In the week leading up to the event, Keith shared some memories and more during a Q and A…

Who were the biggest influences on your career? I have to start with my mom (Janet Keith). She not only taught English, but also wrote for the local paper in Franklin, The Review Appeal. She gave me “the journalism gene”. My dad (Bill Keith) got me heavily into sports, taking me to my first Tennessee football and basketball games when I was seven. That in turn introduced me to John Ward and the Vol Radio Network. Listening to John Ward call a game brought it all to life for me and made me want to be a broadcaster. Eventually, John hired me to be part of the Vol Network where I learned from not only him, but also

Number one will probably always be “Music City Miracle”. No shock there. I still talk to someone about the play and where they were at that moment AT LEAST once a week and I love that! When I hear the Titans Radio call played back, I am amazed how quickly (Titans Radio color analyst at the time) Pat Ryan saw that Kevin Dyson had room to run. Terrific analysis that makes the call what it has become. It is an honor to be associated, even in a very minor way, with an NFL play so memorable that it has its own name. Number two is the 2019 playoff win at New England. Being the team that ended the Brady/Belichick Era in Foxboro is special, but the better part is that I have never been so happy for so many people after a win. Our ownership. Jon Robinson. Mike Vrabel. Our players. The people on staff who were there when we lost 59-0 in 2009. But mostly for our fans. Titans fans had waited for “a massive moment” for years and they got it that night. They deserved it so much. The win the next week at Baltimore was technically more significant because it put us in the AFC Championship game, but that win at New England hit at a moment in time that none of us will ever forget. Number three will probably surprise you, but our 1999 playoff win at Indianapolis. We had just beaten the Buffalo Bills in the Music City Miracle game and were supposed to be done. After all, we couldn’t be expected to bounce back after using all that emotion? Plus, it was our first game against Peyton Manning. I covered Manning for all four years at Tennessee and really enjoyed working with him. He was a total pro when he was 17 years old, just like he is today in 2021. That week, I gave an interview to a national writer who realized that I had been at Tennessee with Manning. I said nice things about him (as I was taught to do by my mother!), but when the article came out, the writer claimed that I was probably going to be rooting for Peyton Manning over the Tennessee Titans! I was mortified, especially because everyone around the Titans office started teasing me incessantly about it, including Jeff Fisher. It was brutal and I was just sick. Coming off the Music City Miracle call, I was cut down to size within hours from all of the ribbing that I took leading up to January 16, 2000. So when we beat the Colts in Indianapolis, I was fired up…and relieved! It was a great game by Eddie George and Blaine Bishop, two of the best individual performances that I have ever witnessed by Titans. I learned the lesson that in the NFL, even if you really value and like someone on another NFL team, don’t talk about him! When we flew back into Nashville, I was probably the most fired-up that I had ever been as a broadcaster.Then, the pilot came on the speaker

138

138-139 Mike Keith.indd 138

9/30/21 5:07 PM

and told us that thousands of people were waiting to greet us at the airport. This was prior to September 11, 2001, so people who were not flying could still come to the gates. And when we arrived, it was true: an estimated 10,000 people (a figure mentioned to me; I didn’t count them) were waiting. It was wild! I was so pumped that I tried to high-five everyone at BNA!

Most outside-the-box event you’ve covered in your career? That’s easy: the 1995 National Indoor Paintball Championships. At that time, ESPN2 was just starting and they aired a lot of non-traditional sports. The production company was going to pitch the 1995 National Indoor Paintball Championships as a series that could be shot all at once, broken up in 13 episodes and aired as a series for “The Deuce” (what ESPN2 was originally nicknamed). When I got the call, I explained to the producer that I knew nothing about Paintball. He said that it didn’t matter; all I had to do is be “announcer guy”, setting up the matches and then prompting the color commentator, who was billed as “The Greatest Female Paintball Player in the World”. Cool, I thought, I can do that. But when I showed up for taping, “The Greatest Female Paintball Player in the World” had laryngitis, so they asked me to do my part AND her part, with the idea that once she re-gained her voice that her audio would be edited into final product. We taped for 12 hours and I did the set-ups, which I knew how to do and then I just made up all kinds of stuff to fill her part, knowing that it wouldn’t be in the show. It was hilarious and very tiring. Needless to say, ESPN2 didn’t pick it up, but I do have a VHS copy that was for sale. My colleagues with the Titans didn’t believe the whole story, until we found a VCR and I made them watch. For a moment in time, I was “THE VOICE OF PAINTBALL”!

What would you be doing if not for broadcasting? I sold shoes for Genesco in college. I really liked it and was pretty fair at it. Of course, Johnston & Murphy shoes almost sell themselves. I think that I’d probably be selling shoes.

Favorite players you’ve covered with Titans? Steve McNair is number one because he was Steve McNair---tough, courageous, always up for the big moment. When I came to the Oilers, he was “our guy” and he lived up to that billing 100% during his entire tenure. The last drive of Super Bowl XXXIV was Steve McNair in a single snapshot. Kevin Dyson, Jevon Kearse, Eddie George, Keith Bulluck, Kevin Carter, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Albert Haynesworth, Chris Johnson, Jurrell Casey, Brian Orakpo, Jason McCourty, Kevin Byard, Jeffery Simmons, Ryan Tannehill, A.J. Brown…I could go on and on with the guys that I have really enjoyed covering. And most announcers would pay the team to be Derrick Henry’s announcer!

Best advice for an aspiring journalist/broadcaster? Two things…First, get involved as quickly as possible at your university’s student radio station, student television station or student newspaper.

Those are best places to learn and to get “live reps”. Second, find a way to cover high school sports. If you are interested in journalism, the best place to learn the basics is by covering high school football, basketball, volleyball, wresting, etc. If want to be a play-by-play announcer or a beat writer, or everything else in-between, high school sports are the training ground. The sooner you start working in high school sports, the faster that you develop the skills you need to cover anything in the sports world.

Most rewarding part of the job? The connection with Titans fans. Whether they are submitting questions for The OTP, are calling into the Mike Vrabel show, are relating a story about listening to Titans Radio or are “talking ball” with me in the checkout line at Kroger, I just really enjoy and appreciate it. In everything that we do, we ask the question, “Is this something that Titans fans will enjoy?” We started that way in 1998 when we were still the Tennessee Oilers and had very few fans. 23 years later, we are still doing the same thing. We know how this thing looked when we started, so we are really appreciative of what we have now and never taken the fan base for granted. That sounds corny and like canned answer, I get it---but it is not. When we started off in trailers in what is now Lot M as Nissan Stadium was being built, we dreamed of having a fan base that was so passionate that they followed our every move. Now we do. It is fantastic.

How special to be inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame? I have known for over three months now and I still don’t know what to say. I remain surprised that this happened. I don’t feel worthy to be in the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, let alone being inducted with this class. Being a native Tennessean who has worked with the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame since 2000, I understand the importance of the honor. I am very appreciative and I’m not giving it back! But to say that I am a bit sheepish about being part of this amazing group of men and women would be an understatement.

139

138-139 Mike Keith.indd 139

10/4/21 9:29 AM

EDDIE GEORGE

TITANS ALUM TAKES THE HELM AT TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

As a young man, Eddie George spent plenty of time on the campus at Tennessee State University. A first-round pick of the Houston Oilers in 1996, George was still establishing himself back then, when the school hosted training camps for the franchise in 1997 and 1998 after the franchise relocated from Houston. Fast-forward to now, and George is back at the school in a different capacity. In April of 2021, George was introduced as the school’s new head football coach. “Thank you, Tiger Nation, Big Blue, for embracing me as your next head coach,” George said during a press conference. “I am extremely excited about it. I am honored to be named the 22nd head coach of this university.” George knows the history of the program well, and about its 13 Black national championships. He wants to rebuild it to national prominence. “I have been living here for well over 24 years,” George said. “The Hall of Fame coaches, like Henry Kean and Howard Gentry Sr., John A. Merritt, to Joe Gilliam Sr. Great players like Richard Dent, Claude Humphrey, NFL Hall of Famers. No.1 in HBCU in terms of putting players in the NFL. I’m very aware, extremely aware of the rich history here. I get it. So taking this job on carries a lot of weight. I have some big shoes to fill. “But I feel like I am the man to get the job done. … I am proud to be a Tiger. Go Big Blue.” George, a Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State who was a four-time

Pro Bowl running back, played nine seasons in the NFL. At the press conference, George gave his wife, actor and singersongwriter Taj George, credit for encouraging him to take the job. George said he also talked with former Titans coach Jeff Fisher, head coach in Tennessee, along with Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, current Titans coach Mike Vrabel and Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell about what the job might entail. George said Fisher gave him another boost during the conversation. “He said, “Oh Eddie, that would be great! You would be awesome!,” George recalled. “Listen, Jeff drafted me in 1996. We went on an amazing run here in Tennessee and he knows how to push my buttons. When I tell you I was ready to run through a brick wall after I got off the phone with him… I said, “Let’s do it!” An accomplished entrepreneur who has spent time on Broadway, George called this opportunity a huge responsibility he doesn’t take lightly. George is excited about his new chapter. “My goal is to get this program back to prominence, and I put my word on that,” George said. “I am fully committed, totally focused on it, and I am excited to do it. “I have no doubt I can be successful with this. Yes, we want to win championships, and we want to have banners hanging up in the rafters. But what success means to me is when a kid can come here to this college, get an education, and be prepared for life after football, after sports. Win a championship, be molded, be guided, and have a support system after and to come back to Blue Nation and be a mentor, that is success to me.”

140

140 Eddie George.indd 140

9/30/21 4:47 PM

For what drives you. HTR Z5

HTR A/S P03

Maximum Performance - Passenger

High-Performance All-Season Touring

✔ Optimized tread rigidity ensures superior high-speed stability ✔ Advanced tread compound for confident wet grip and braking ✔ Wide circumferential grooves for outstanding hydroplaning resistance › Lifetime Replacement for Workmanship and Material Defects

✔ Responsive handling and control at high speeds ✔ 3D sipes provide more contact with road surface for improved grip ✔ Precision-engineered for superior wet traction and wear performance Up to 65,000-Mile* Limited Treadwear › 2-Year Roadside Assistance › 1-Year Road Hazard Protection › 30-Day Test Drive › Lifetime Replacement for Workmanship and Material Defects

HTR ENHANCE LX2

HTR ENHANCE WX2

Premium Performance Touring

✔ Optimum ride comfort and handling agility ✔ Optimized tread design boosts ride stability and winter performance ✔ Durable construction for lasting performance and extended tire life Up to 90,000-Mile* Limited Treadwear › 2-Year Roadside Assistance › 1-Year Road Hazard Protection › 45-Day Test Drive › Lifetime Replacement for Workmanship and Material Defects

HTR ENHANCE CX2

✔ Precision-engineered for driving enthusiasts ✔ Penetrated lug grooves provide increased hydroplaning resistance ✔ Sipes and cross-designed grooves boost grip in snowy conditions 55,000-Mile Limited Treadwear › 2-Year Roadside Assistance › 1-Year Road Hazard Protection › 45-Day Test Drive › Lifetime Replacement for Workmanship and Material Defects

ENCOUNTER HT

Premium Touring SUV/CUV Performance

Highway All-Season SUV/LT

✔ Precision-engineered for driving enthusiasts ✔ Optimized tread design boosts ride stability and winter performance ✔ Durable construction for lasting performance and extended tire life

✔ Outstanding dry handling and surefooted wet-traction performance ✔ Optimized tread design for a comfortable, quiet ride ✔ Sturdy five-rib design and durable construction

65,000-Mile Limited Treadwear › 2-Year Roadside Assistance › 1-Year Road Hazard Protection › 45-Day Test Drive › Lifetime Replacement for Workmanship and Material Defects

60,000-Mile Limited Treadwear › 2-Year Roadside Assistance › 1-Year Road Hazard Protection › 30-Day Test Drive › Lifetime Replacement for Workmanship and Material Defects

ENCOUNTER AT

ICE EDGE

All-Terrain SUV/LT

Studdable Winter Passenger/SUV

✔ All-season, all-terrain performance in any weather ✔ Rated for reliable winter driving in heavy snow ✔ Rugged, durable construction for on- and off-road

✔ Excellent traction on snow, ice and slush-covered roads ✔ Studdable for stable handling and comfort ✔ Rated for reliable winter driving in heavy snow

60,000-Mile Limited Treadwear › 2-Year Roadside Assistance › 1-Year Road Hazard Protection › 30-Day Test Drive › Lifetime Replacement for Workmanship and Material Defects

To find a dealer near you, go to sumitomotire.com/store-finder or call (800) 238-6469.

s u m i to motire .com

› Lifetime Replacement for Workmanship and Material Defects

*Limited Treadwear Warranty based on tire speed rating.

Scan the QR code to find your nearest Sumitomo dealer.

NOW AVAILABLE AT SELECT RETAILERS

JOSH EVANS IN MEMORIAM

Former Titans defensive lineman Josh Evans passed away in February after a courageous bout with cancer. Evans was 48. Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk released the following statement upon news of his passing: “I am so sad to hear that our Titans family lost Josh Evans today. His fight against cancer was one of courage and strength and his teammates were by his side encouraging him throughout that fight.We will remember his big personality and even bigger smile. We send our condolences to his family and friends in this difficult time.” Evans, a 6-foot-2, 288-pound defensive lineman for the Oilers/Titans from 1995-2001, played in 71 career games with the franchise. He racked up 225 tackles and 14.5 sacks before finishing his career with the New York Jets. Evans was a starter in Super Bowl XXXIV for the Titans during the 1999 season, and he was a big contributor during the postseason that year. Evans had a sack in the team’s Wild Card win over the Bills, and he was credited with a half sack for a safety in the team’s AFC Championship Game win at Jacksonville. In a video tribute, Evans was recognized as the Honorary 12th Titan for the team’s game against the Texans in October at Nissan Stadium. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2020, Evans was very open about his feelings while battling cancer in a pair of stories that appeared on TennesseeTitans.com. “I’ve been scared -- I’m scared now,” Evans said in an interview in 2020. “I’m fighting hard, man, I promise you that. It ain’t easy. But I’m fighting, and I’m praying I can get through this and I can get myself together. I am not going to give up, regardless of the news I get.” After being diagnosed with cancer in one of his kidneys, Evans had surgery. What was supposed to be a two-hour procedure turned into 13 hours, and doctors removed his right kidney, part of his pancreas and some of his small intestine in the process. Evans described his condition as dire. He spent a month in the hospital, but he got out and was doing well -- until pain returned in full force. When Evans checked himself back into the hospital, doctors found cancer in his spine and liver. “I cry so much, and I’m trying to understand: “Why me?” Evans said. “Sometimes when I go back over my life, I always reflect on all the bad

things I did. I could never think of the good things I did, and I’ve always punished myself so much. (With the cancer diagnosis), this has made me reevaluate everything, and now a part of me thinks: ‘Why not me?’ I have a great family. I was able to play in the NFL. I’ve been to Russia and Switzerland. I did things in my life I never thought I would do in life. I had a great life, man. God has given me so much in life. Now, I can’t cry just because I have cancer. I have to fight through this, and with the help of God and my family and friends, I am just going to keep on fighting.” Evans was born in Langdale, Alabama, and he overcame struggles and troubles as a youth. He played collegiately at Alabama-Birmingham, and after going undrafted, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys in 1995. Evans was released by Dallas the same year, and he joined the then-Houston Oilers. Evans spent the majority of his first season on the team’s practice squad before being elevated later that year. Over the years, he worked his way from being a back up to a starter. Evans sounded torn when discussing his days with the Oilers/Titans. While he called it the “time of his life,” he also beat himself up for mistakes he made along the way. Evans served several suspensions during his playing days in Tennessee, including a four-game suspension at the start of 1999 for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. He was suspended for all of 2000 following a subsequent violation. “For a while, I didn’t even tell people I played ball because I was just ashamed of who I was back then and the things that I did,” Evans said. “I let the organization down, and I let my teammates down. I let my family down because I was so immature. I couldn’t figure it out back then. I messed it up, man. I messed a lot of things up for a lot of people. And the devil has always wanted to remind me of the bad things I did.” But Evans said the Titans stuck with him, and he never forgot it. “The Titans, they kept standing by me, and my family kept standing by me,” he said. “It wasn’t until having counseling made me let go of my mistakes, and that’s when I started to feel good about myself. … I finally learned to let go of my past and be happy. “And I’m telling you, those days with the Titans, I had so many good times. Going to the Super Bowl, and everything I experienced.When I talk to God, I know I am so blessed. I had so many great teammates, and I had so many good times. I had the time of my life.”

143

143 Josh Evans.indd 143

9/30/21 11:02 AM

Fuel your imagination with the power and performance of HP

HP Pavilion Laptop

HP Pavilion Desktop

15-eg0067st

TP01-2226

• Intel® Core™ i7 processor1 • 12GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM • 15.6" diagonal FHD IPS micro-edge display2

• Intel® Core™ i5 processor1 • 12GB DDR4-2933 SDRAM memory3 • Wi-Fi 5 (2x2) and Bluetooth® connectivity4

HP All-in-One 27-dp1006 • Intel® Core™ i5 processor1 • 27" diagonal FHD IPS three-sided micro-edge display2,5 • Removable panel to easily upgrade hardware6

Find yours today at

1. Multi-core is designed to improve performance of certain software products. Not all customers or software applications will necessarily benefit from use of this technology. Performance and clock frequency will vary depending on application workload and your hardware and software configurations. Intel’s numbering, branding, and/or naming are not measurements of higher performance. 2. Full high definition (FHD) content is required to view FHD images. 3. Up to 512MB of main system memory may be allocated to support video graphics. 4. Wireless access point and Internet service required and sold separately. Availability of public wireless access points limited. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) is backward-compatible with prior Wi-Fi 5 specs. 5. All performance specifications represent the typical specifications provided by HP’s component manufacturers; actual performance may vary either higher or lower. 6. This device has been engineered for optimal performance. Upgrading PC may affect warranty coverage. © Copyright 2021 HP Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license. Intel and Core are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

HONORING THE “NASHVILLE SIX” Prior to kickoff of the Ravens vs. Titans playoff game at Nissan Stadium, the Tennessee Titans honored the six first responders who safely evacuated residents before the Dec. 25 explosion in downtown Nashville as the game’s honorary 12th Titans. “While we can never thank these officers enough for their heroic acts, it is an absolute privilege to have the opportunity to honor them at the game on Sunday,” said Titans president and CEO Burke Nihill. “We are grateful for their service to our community and appreciate that we’ll have them on site to support the team.” The six men and women — Officers Brenna Hosey, Tyler Luellen, Michael Sipos, Amanda Topping, James Wells and Sergeant Timothy Miller — attended the game and plunged the Titans Sword of Honor to mark the countdown to kickoff. “To be able to stand at the stadium with [my fellow officers] and receive this honor together is amazing,” said Officer Wells.“[Our response on Christmas Day] was a total team effort. It was not what one individual did or said, it was about all of us coming together to protect our community, and keep our community safe and keep each other safe.” Titans players continued to wear the “615 Strong” helmet decal in the remainder of the playoff games, honoring Nashville’s resilience and the six officers. The “6” is highlighted in Titans light blue in their honor.

145

145 First Responders.indd 145

9/30/21 5:12 PM

Shoppers: Enjoy flexible lease-to-own purchase options.

Retailers: Help your customers get what they need.

36% of the U.S. population has subprime credit. With over 30,000 retail locations nationwide, lease-to-own purchase options are available on items such as furniture, electronics, jewelry, tires & wheels, mobile devices, appliances, mattresses and more…

Visit www.progleasing.com to learn more.

The advertised service is lease-to-own or a rental- or lease-purchase agreement provided by Prog Leasing, LLC, or its affiliates. Acquiring ownership by leasing costs more than the retailer’s cash price. Leasing available on select items at participating locations only. Not available in MN, NJ, VT, WI, WY.

TENNESSEE TITANS, WILLIAMSON COUNTY SPORTS LAUNCH GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

The Tennessee Titans and Williamson County Sports Conference announced in June that they have partnered to form the first-ever interscholastic girls flag football league in the state of Tennessee. The sport will be offered to female high school students in Williamson County’s nine public schools in the spring of 2022. Teams will play each other once throughout a six-week, eight-game season beginning in March. All nine teams will qualify for the league championship, tentatively scheduled to occur at Nissan Stadium in May (stadium availability to be confirmed at a later date). “We are excited about partnering with the Tennessee Titans and offering another athletic option for the young women in Williamson County Schools,” said Darrin Joines, District Athletic Director,Williamson County Schools. “Girls Flag Football is a growing sport across the country, with many states already sanctioning the sport through their high school athletic associations. Piloting the program in WCS will allow TSSAA to gauge interest in the sport. We are honored to serve as the pilot district for Tennessee and look forward to making Girls Flag Football a part of our high school athletic programs during the 2021-22 school year.” The league will begin in partnership with the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) as a pilot program, with the potential to expand to other counties as an official TSSAA-sanctioned sport in future years. TSSAA will advise in the area of game officials, championship planning, tournament format, rules interpretations, and any

other areas that may be helpful in setting a framework for Girls’ Flag Football to grow in Tennessee. NFL FLAG, which has led efforts to expand women’s flag football across the U.S. at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels, will also partner with the program to provide training and guidance. “TSSAA is grateful for the commitment of the Tennessee Titans and Williamson County schools for providing this opportunity for young women,” said Bernard Childress, TSSAA Executive Director. “Girls Flag Football is quickly becoming popular in the Southeast and across the country. We look forward to this partnership as we work together to expand participation opportunities for students in Tennessee.” The Titans have a long-standing commitment to developing youth football across its region. Throughout the season, the team honors High School Coach of the Week and Coach of the Year recipients and hosts the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Awards every fall. Recently, the team awarded over $350,000 in grants to youth football organizations across the state. “I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Williamson County and the TSSAA for helping us bring this vision to life,” said Titans Sr. Vice President, Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer Gil Beverly. “Creating more opportunities for young women in our state to grow their passion for football is a huge priority of ours and we’re thrilled to take a big step forward with this partnership.”

147

147 Girls Flag Football.indd 147

9/30/21 11:15 AM

EYE ALLERGENS ARE OUT THERE

ALL

DAY& NIGHT EYE ALLERGY ITCH RELIEF

IS HERE

The first and only 24-hour eye allergy itch relief drop available without a prescription.

YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMPS

Over the summer, the Titans hosted a series of five youth football camps in the middle Tennessee area, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors and geared towards players ages 7-14. The camps provided a fun and impactful learning experience for more than 600 youth football players by: • Teaching proper football fundamentals, skills and position techniques • Emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the value of good character • Providing opportunities to participate in football specific games and drills Former Titans players appeared at the camps including Gerald McRath, Chris Hope, Neil O’Donnell, Reynaldo Hill, Malcolm Sheppard, Ingle Martin and Leroy Harris. At the final camp at Paige High School, 14 players from the Titans rookie class joined the campers and mascot T-Rac for a game of flag football.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RECRUITING FAIR Each spring, the Titans partner with the Tennessee Football Coaches Association (TnFCA) to host the Tennessee Titans High School Football Recruiting Fair at Nissan Stadium. The event brings Tennessee high school coaches and top college football programs from the southeast together. Recruiters are able to watch film, evaluate transcripts and discuss each prospective student-athlete with the people who know them best – their high school coaches. The Titans and TnFCA hosted the sixth annual Recruiting Fair at Nissan Stadium in May, drawing a total of 400 coaches from 128 high schools and 44 colleges and universities representing 15 states. TITANS DONATE OVER $315,000 TO YOUTH FOOTBALL IN TENNESSEE In support of youth football across the state of Tennessee, the Titans donated over $315,000 to flag, youth, middle and high school football programs in the team’s region. Announced in May, the donations were made to 60 organizations and schools that demonstrated strong commitment to the development and safety of youth football.

149

149-150 Youth Football.indd 149

9/30/21 5:36 PM

YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMPS CONTINUED

Groups were encouraged to apply for a grant via the Titans’ website back in January, describing a specific project that enhanced their football program. Most applications spoke to the need to replace outdated equipment and kickstart programs focused on academic and personal enhancement for student athletes. Two Rivers Middle School in Nashville will apply its grant towards an afterschool program focused on sportsmanship development, fitness, and academic effort, while Fairley High School in Memphis will put the funding towards updating helmets and replacing stolen uniforms. Red Bank High School, located in Chattanooga, applied for support of a project that will transform its weight room into an educational space for the entire student body, not limited to student athletes. All students will have access to a course that teaches basic weight training with elite equipment. Faculty and staff will also be able to utilize the room. A full list of organizations that received grants can be found in the table below. ORGANIZATION

FB SPACE

Flag

LOCATION Nashville, TN

ORGANIZATION

Backfield In Motion

Macon County High School

High School

LOCATION Lafayette, TN

Bearden High School

High School

Knoxville, TN

Manchester Youth Football

Youth

Manchester, TN

Boys & Girls Club of Carter County

Flag

Elizabethton, TN

McGavock High School

High School

Nashville, TN

Boys & Girls Club of Clinch Valley

Youth

Oak Ridge, TN

Memphis Middle College HS

High School

Memphis, TN

Bud Hudson Youth Football

Youth

Hopkinsville, KY

Memphis Shelby PAL

Flag

Memphis, TN Memphis, TN

Chattanooga Central High School

High School

Soddy Daisy, TN

MLK High School

High School

Cheatham Central High School

High School

Ashland City, TN

Monterey High School

High School

Monterey, TN

Columbia Nailers

Youth

Lawrenceburg, TN

Oakland High School

High School

Murfreesboro, TN

Cumberland County High School

High School

Crossville, TN

Oliver Middle School

Middle School Nashville, TN

DuPont Hadley Middle School

Middle School Old Hickory, TN

Ooltewah Youth Football

Flag

Ooltewah, TN

DuPont Tyler Middle School

Middle School Nashville, TN

Pearl Cohn High School

High School

Nashville, TN

East Hickman High School

High School

Preston Taylor Ministries

Flag

Nashville, TN

East Nashville Middle School

Middle School Nashville, TN

Pride Athletics/Hub City Youth FB

Youth

Jackson, TN

East Ridge High School

High School

East Ridge, TN

Raising The Bar Community Dev.

Flag

Memphis, TN

Elizabethton High School

High School

Elizabethton, TN

Red Bank High School

High School

Chattanooga, TN

Emerald Youth Foundation

Flag

Knoxville, TN

Ridgeway High School

High School

Memphis, TN

Fairley High School

High School

Memphis, TN

Riverdale High School

High School

Murfreesboro, TN

Fayetteville High School

High School

Fayetteville, TN

Rockvale High School

High School

Rockvale, TN

Georgian Hills Middle School

Middle School Memphis, TN

Rose Park Middle School

Germantown High School

High School

Germantown, TN

South Fulton High School

Middle School Nashville, TN

Glencliff High School

High School

Nashville, TN

Gordonsville High School

High School

Gordonsville, TN

Hardin County High School

High School

Hendersonville Flag Football

Dickson, TN

High School

South Fulton, TN

Special Oylmpics Tennessee

Flag

Nashville, TN

Stratford High School

High School

Nashville, TN

Savannah, TN

Sweetwater High School

High School

Sweetwater, TN

Flag

Hendersonville, TN

Thurgood Marshall Middle School

Middle School Antioch, TN

Hickman County High School

High School

Centerville, TN

Tullahoma Parks and Recreation

Flag

Hillwood High School

High School

Nashville, TN

Two Rivers Middle School

Middle School Nashville, TN

Hunters Lane High School

High School

Nashville, TN

West Creek High School

High School

Karns Football Club

Youth

Knoxville, TN

West End Middle School

Middle School Nashville, TN

La Vergne High School

High School

La Vergne, TN

Whitehaven Raiders Youth Football

Youth

Memphis, TN

Lebanon, TN

Whites Creek High School

High School

Nashville, TN

Lebanon High School

High School

Tullahoma, TN Clarksville, TN

150

149-150 Youth Football.indd 150

9/30/21 5:36 PM

T:8.375" S:7.875"

WITH NFL SUNDAY TICKET AND DIRECTV LOCAL CHANNELS (CBS, FOX, NBC). SELECT INT’L GAMES EXCLUDED.

ORDER NFL SUNDAY TICKET ON DIRECTV TODAY Call 1-800-GET-SPORTS or visit www.directv.com/nﬂ

Can’t get satellite? Order NFLSUNDAYTICKET.TV

NFL and the NFL SUNDAY TICKET name and logo are registered trademarks of the NFL and its aﬃliates. NFL team names and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. ©2021 AT&T Intellectual Property. All Rights Reserved. AT&T, Globe logo, DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T aﬃliated companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

T:10.875"

S:10.375"

WATCH EVERY LIVE OUT-OF-MARKET GAME, EVERY SUNDAY ONLY ON DIRECTV

NISSAN STADIUM HOSTS TENNESSEE’S LARGEST ONE-DAY COVID VACCINATION EFFORT As early as 4:30 a.m. on March 20, staff and volunteers for Tennessee’s largest single-day vaccination effort were arriving at Nissan Stadium to prepare for the day ahead. Ten thousand people were expected to drive through the eastside parking lots from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the one-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, among the largest one-day efforts in the United States to date. The total number of vaccines distributed: 10,107. Appointments for the event were completely full two hours after they opened, spaced out in time blocks to assist with traffic flow. Cars weaved their way through parking lots A – D, directed by volunteers and the Metro Nashville Police Department. In attendance at the event were Nashville mayor John Cooper, Metro Nashville Coronavirus Task Force chair Dr. Alex Jahangir and Tennessee Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tim Jones. Also present to greet those waiting in line were Titans cheerleaders and mascot T-Rac, as well as mascots from Nashville SC, the Nashville Sounds and Nashville Predators. In addition, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. arranged for live bands to perform throughout the day. Nissan Stadium joins several other NFL stadiums using their facilities as vaccination sites, as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell pledged in a letter to President Biden that all 30 NFL stadiums would be available for vaccination efforts in coordination with local, state and federal governments.

152

152 Vaccination Event.indd 152

9/30/21 5:22 PM

# d e Rat 2in

urse Public Co Tennessee

visor by Golf Ad

Welcome to The Legacy! Golfers have long enjoyed playing The Legacy, Robertson County’s true golfing gem. Since opening in 1996, the 6,776 yard course designed by PGA Hall of Fame player Raymond Floyd has provided a fun and challenging golfing experience for thousands of players. Raymond Floyd designed The Legacy to challenge and excite golfers of all abilities. The beautiful course plays through rolling hills, woodlands and scenic views of the Tennessee countryside. Start your own legacy – golf The Legacy today!

100 Ray Floyd Dr • Springfield, TN 37172 • (615) 384-4653 • www.golfthelegacy.com

TITANS JOIN HANDS ON NASHVILLE TO ASSIST IN NASHVILLE FLOOD CLEANUP Just over a year after parts of Nashville were devastated by deadly tornadoes, another natural disaster impacted countless others in Middle Tennessee. This time, it was catastrophic flooding. And once again, the Titans were out in the community to help those in need. Over the weekend of April 3-4, Titans staff members volunteered in a South Nashville neighborhood affected by flash flooding.The Titans partnered with Hands On Nashville to assist affected residents while encouraging others to volunteer. “For the Titans, serving our community is really core to our mission,” said Burke Nihill, President and CEO, Tennessee Titans. “We believe it is part of why we exist, why it is good for the Titans to be in Nashville, and to be in Tennessee.When there’s a need we are going to show up, and we are going to be there to help. Sometimes that may be writing a check.We are always ready to contribute financial resources where they are needed, but very often … we need to put on work gloves, and we need to get into houses and help in very practical, tangible ways.” A busload of Titans employees left Nissan Stadium early in the morning on April 3 and departed for South Nashville, where they ended up on West Durrett Drive, behind Whitfield Park. Just days earlier, Sevenmile Creek flowed up into homes, and produced more damage than the historic 2010 floods. On those streets Titans quarterbacks coach Pat O’Hara carried destroyed furniture from homes with Nihill. Titans Vice President of Broadcasting Mike Keith moved debris in a wheelbarrow, while Gil Beverly, Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer, helped break down destroyed fences and carried debris to the street. A few houses down, Senior Vice President/Business Affairs and Chief Legal Officer Adolpho Birch was hauling away destroyed items with Dan Werly, General Counsel for the team. Donald Page, the team’s photographer, separated concrete from a fence post with a sledgehammer. “This is what we do,” O’Hara said. “When tornadoes hit, I remember a little over a year ago we were out in the community trying to help out, too. … It is not all football. Getting out in the community and really helping, it feels good to do that.” Tina Tuggle, Vice President of Community Impact with the Titans, said the team wanted to do its part to help residents return to normalcy as soon as possible. “It is so important to be a part of the community, and when our residents in our community are hurting and need help, it is our responsibility to go out and be a part of that,” Tuggle said. “So as part of the community impact it is important for us to serve. And this is an opportunity for us to go out and serve our fans, our community members, and help them get their lives back to normal.” Karin Weaver, Strategic Partnerships Manager with Hands On Nashville, said the partnership will continue to benefit Nashville, and those in need. Courtney Johnston, District 26 Council Member, reminded it’s a marathon and not a sprint, and that help will be needed for a while. “What is exciting is this relationship between Hands on Nashville and the Titans is an ongoing one,” Weaver said, “and what we do is continue to say: “OK, where is the need, and what can we do together?’ As South Nashville resident Adrian Baugh stood in his front yard, he said he was thankful as roughly 30 volunteers in Titans gear moved furniture, raked away debris and move fence lines around him. The progress was evident based on the piles of debris lined up on the street. “It was like a well-oiled machine,” Baugh said with a smile. “Mike Keith was out here kind of directing the show, loading my Pod back there. That was the biggest need, getting the furniture out. I really appreciate it.”

154

154 Nashville Flood Cleanup.indd 154

9/30/21 5:25 PM

FULL FLAVOR ZERO SUGAR

In stores now

TITANS HOST REGIONAL SPELLING BEE

The Tennessee Titans hosted their 6th regional spelling bee at Nissan Stadium, with the top two spellers outlasting a competitive field for a chance to compete on a bigger stage. On Feb. 27, champion Cross Burgess, who homeschools in Humboldt, and runner-up William Perez from Scales Elementary in Brentwood, were the last two standing. Burgess won with the word ‘Medallion.’ The Titans Spelling Bee program covers 51 counties in middle and west Tennessee. Two online qualifying tests produced an initial pool of 50 contestants before a more difficult test narrowed the field from 50 to the final 10, eight of whom showed up to compete at Nissan Stadium. Burgess and Perez advanced to compete in the final rounds against top spellers from across the U.S. and globe at the the Scripps

National Spelling Bee. The final rounds of this year’s Bee were hosted in person at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. The finalists who traveled to Orlando earned the right to compete in the finals by advancing through three levels of virtual competition: the preliminary, quarterfinal and semifinal segments. This year, due to the global pandemic, the preliminaries, quarterfinals and semifinals were held virtually in the weeks leading up to the July 8 finals, and were broadcast live on ESPN platforms. The semifinals were held on June 27.

156

156 Spelling Bee.indd 156

9/30/21 11:24 AM

TACK LE OUR

GREAT

OUTDOORS www.ocoeecountry.com 2009 Highway 64 Benton, TN 37307 (423) 338-5040

POLK COUN TY Less than a 3 Hour Drive

ning... o i t a c a V g Campin Hiking Shoppi

Dining

@VisitWilCo VisitWilco.com

TITANS ROOKIES PROMOTE READING DURING STORY TIME EVENT WITH THE GOVERNOR’S EARLY LITERACY FOUNDATION

Members of the Titans rookie class put down their football helmets for a day in June, and picked up books. It was part of the “Titans Rookies Read” story time event at the Nashville Public Library’s Bordeaux Branch. The Titans joined the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) to make the hour-long event happen for kids. “I think it went great,” cornerback Elijah Molden said. “I think all of my teammates were getting tired of seeing each other every day, so it was good to get out and see some kids and read to them. Reading is such a big part of my life, and any time I can come help out and answer questions and see the look in their eyes, I am happy to do it.” Molden was one of 13 Titans to take part in the event, aimed to combat learning loss and encourage summer reading in Tennessee. Titans president and CEO Burke Nihill was on hand, along with GELF president James Pond. T-Rac also entertained. “Any time you can get kids to see role models like the Titans talking about the importance of reading, I think it is always a win for the kids,” Pond said. “I think the stories that we heard from all of the Titans about their reading experiences, their struggles with liking it or hating it, their experiences with family and friends and academics, I think really is an inspiration for kids to understand they are not alone and that even big guys like this that are playing pro ball have the same struggles they do.” The event featured a read-along and Q&A with children on their favorite

books and reading habits in support of GELF’s “Stop the Slide!” summer reading campaign. Among the books the Titans read: “Hog Mollies,” a book from Titans coach Mike Vrabel’s children’s book series. The event also supported GELF’s K-3 Book Delivery program, which mails books to students and teachers statewide over the summer. “I hope that these kids leave a little bit more inspired to read,” Nihill said. “I was so impressed with our players, their enthusiasm, their thoughtful answers. We’ve partnered with the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation for a couple of years now, so we are familiar with the statistics. “For our players to spend their time trying to inspire kids to pick up a book and to read and to get on the journey early, it is an awesome way to spend the morning.” After reading to the kids, the players answered questions, and shared stories of their own reading habits. They also shared stories on their favorite books from childhood. Defensive back Caleb Farley said his favorite book series as a kid was “Captain Underpants.” Outside linebacker Rashad Weaver revealed he loved the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series. “Whenever I think about this kind of stuff, I get a little teary-eyed, because this is why I play football,” Molden said. “My youngest sibling is seven-years old, and he doesn’t care that I play football. To him, I am just his big brother. And these kids look up to us, and I’m sure they’ll remember (this).”

159

159 Reading Feature.indd 159

9/30/21 5:28 PM

‘TENNESSEE TOUGH’ MURAL UNVEILED IN NASHVILLE As a surprise component of Tennessee Titans 2020 Kickoff Week, the Titans unveiled a mural in downtown Nashville called “Tennessee Tough,” designed and painted by Nashville muralist Eric “MOBE” Bass.The project is believed to be the first NFL team mural to incorporate augmentedreality (AR) technology. “Tennessee Tough” is located at the corner of Sixth Avenue South and Korean Veterans Boulevard, across the street from Music City Center.The mural spans the full wall of the building, measuring 135 feet by 26 feet. Key components of the design include: • A football player with his arms wide, “615” as his jersey number and “Nashville” on his name plate • Quotes from significant Tennessee figures such as John Lewis, Pat Summitt and Wilma Rudolph

access and point their camera at the mural, which will animate once tapped on the screen. “The Titans are one of the first sports organizations to innovate during the pandemic and bring a first of its kind AR experience to their fans,” said James Giglio, CEO of MVP Interactive. “Our team was so excited to work with everyone at the Titans to help bring their vision to life and use the latest in emerging technology to provide fans and residents a greater emotional connection to Tennessee.” Bass’ artwork is displayed in private residences and more public locations throughout the world. In Nashville, some of his most well-known murals include “Spaceman” in Midtown, the “Nashville” mylar balloons in Five Points and various murals inside The Valentine on Broadway. “It feels incredible to paint the first mural for the Titans,” Bass said. “To be on this scale and this location for the home team for the state, being from here and watching the Titans since I was a little kid, I feel blessed.” Fans can expect to see the Titans embracing the “Tennessee Tough” mentality throughout the season. The message can also be found written on the free yard signs distributed throughout the region during Titans Kickoff Week. “Tennessee Tough really just explains the resiliency of the people of Tennessee,” said Titans Creative Director Surf Melendez. “Tennessee Tough are people who get their hands dirty for a living and do what they have to do, like our first responders, essential workers and teachers. Tennessee Tough is our football team.”

• A representation of Tennessee’s counties, painted on the mural and illustrated in the AR experience “This project is extremely special for the Tennessee Titans as an organization for many reasons, but particularly because it’s dedicated to the people of this great state,” said Titans Sr. Vice President, Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer Gil Beverly. “Our region has seen many challenges in 2020 and we’re conquering them as a community. This mural represents unity and hope that our efforts together will create an even stronger Tennessee.” The AR experience was created by consumer engagement technology company MVP Interactive, which has created interactive fan experiences for many sports teams and entertainment venues. To activate the technology, viewers can visit the wall and go to www.titansmural.com on their mobile device. They will then be instructed to allow camera

160

160 Mural.indd 160

9/30/21 5:32 PM

The curious. The truth seekers. Those willing to try harder and go further. Including you. Join us as a Special Agent.

When applying, select Referral Source: Tennessee Titans Yearbook

FBIJOBS.GOV The FBI is an equal opportunity employer.

21FBI029_PAD_Brand_SA_TennesseeTitansYearbook_Sep_8-375x5-375_M.indd 1

9/17/21 9:04 AM

As a salute to the Nashville community, the Tennessee Titans invited fans to participate in “Celebrate 615” on June 15. The day featured opportunities to win prizes and free giveaways from the Titans and their partners, visit with Titans mascot T-Rac and Titans cheerleaders, and support the community with a limited edition Celebrate 615 shirt benefitting The Titans Foundation. Celebrate 615 kicked off at 6:15 a.m. with the $615 Sweepstakes. One fan was randomly selected every hour to win $615 from Pinnacle Financial Partners or a $615 gift card to the Titans Pro Shop. T-Rac and the Titans cheerleaders participated in a 615 Celebration Tour, visiting neighborhoods around Nashville throughout the day handing out free giveaways and visiting with neighbors in the community. The limited edition Celebrate 615 t-shirt was made exclusively available at the Titans Pro Shop store at Nissan Stadium and online at TitansProShop.com, with proceeds benefitting The Titans Foundation and its work in supporting local non‐profits, schools and community centers. Hip Hues provided a screen-printing station to customize Celebrate 615 t-shirts with various local Nashville neighborhoods for free, and the Titans mural located at 6th Ave S and Korean Veterans Blvd unveiled a new augmented-reality experience. Throughout the weekend, the team partnered with the Tennessee Department of Health to provide information on COVID-19 vaccines and nearby vaccination sites, as well.

CELEBRATE 615

162

162 Celebrate 615.indd 162

9/30/21 11:57 AM

Only a Couple Hours Away

GOCADIZ.com/TN

ZIPLINE & CLIMBING FUN! We’re the newest and largest adventure park in Nashville, with outdoor axe throwing too!

15 ziplines - 156 challenges 3 outdoor axe throwing lanes Just minutes from downtown Nashville myAdventurePark.com/NAP (615) 610-9500 801 Percy Warner Blvd Nashville TN 37205

MASSAGES FAC I A L S WAXING & TINTING

BODY TREATMENTS ENHANCEMENTS

Adagio Massage Co & Spa Whether you’re here for a serious skin fix, relief from sore muscles, a celebration of friendship, a couples massage or simply to have an hour or two of ‘me time’ to decompress, our extremely talented massage therapists and aestheticians are here to give you what you’re looking for. 1300 DIVISION STREET NASHVILLE, TN 37203 615-777-0602 Services provided 7 days a week for your convience clientcare@adagionashville.com adagionashville.com

Nashville's Caramel Cakes

COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL / RESIDENTIAL

Serving the Southeast since 1977

850 Hillwood Blvd, Suite 1 • Nashville, TN 37209 www.DessertDesignsbyLeland.com • 615.354.9555

NOW HIRING EXPERIENCED FIRE PROTECTION PERSONNEL

Consulting Design Inspection Contracts

Installation Maintenance & Repairs Fire Pump Testing

252 US Hwy 412 East, Jackson, TN, 38305 (731) 424-0130 (731) 424-9285 info@keyfireprotection.com keyfireprotection.com

Garage Door Repair & Maintenance Garage Door Installation Broken Spring Replacement Garage Door Replacement Garage Door Opener Replacement

FREE ESTIMATES with no obligations

(615) 456-6654

aaronsdoorservice.com

MUSCLES & MIMOSAS

The Tennessee Titans hosted the team’s firstever Muscles and Mimosas event, a workout on the field at Nissan Stadium coached by celebrity trainer Erin Oprea. Over 200 people attended, with a post-workout party in the stadium concourse following the event. Oprea led an hour-long workout accompanied by Nashville native and TRUMAV owner, Wirth Campbell. Following the program, guests were treated to a Q&A with Oprea, Campbell and special guests James Crumlin (8x Iron Man and Capitol Steps Co-Founder) and Jaimie Robinson, co-host of the Titans’ new “Out of Bounds” podcast. Following the workout, attendees enjoyed complimentary brunch and other fun activities. To conclude the event, participants moved to the concourse, where they enjoyed brunch and mimosas, shopping opportunities, a photo booth, and other activities. Every participant left with their own yoga mat and swag bag filled with exclusive items.

165

165 Muscles Mimosas.indd 165

10/5/21 4:19 PM

BATTLE OF THE BANDS The first annual Titans Battle of the Bands presented by Gibson was a rocking success, crowning Nashville’s own Juke of June as the champions. Held at the new Assembly Hall Rooftop Showcase Stage, five up and coming bands of all genres competed in front of an audience of 400 for a Gibson Guitar Equipment prize back and the opportunity to play at halftime during the Titans vs. Dolphins game on Sunday, January 2. The competition was hosted by Titans public address announcer Matt Rogers, who pumped up the crowd with games and giveaways during set breaks. The event also featured an all-star judging lineup, including Moon Taxi bassist Tommy Putnam, EA Sports’ Worldwide Executive and President of Music Steve Schnur, WME Partner Risha Rodgers, Nashville Scene EditorIn-Chief D. Patrick Rodgers and singer/songwriter ERNEST.

166

166 Battle of the Bands.indd 166

9/30/21 11:50 AM

PLANNING TO INSTALL A NEW ROOF FOR YOUR HOME? DYE Exteriors and Construction can help you choose the material, and then install it for you perfectly.

Roof Installations & Replacements Roof Repairs • Siding • Gutters

120 21st Ave N Nashville, TN 615-663-0769 (629) 237-0358

ALL NEW ROOFS COME WITH A 10-YEAR WARRANTY.

Call or visit our website to learn more and see how we can help.

(615) 922-0066

dyeexteriorsandconstruction.com

THE BEST PEOPLE. THE BEST FOOD. THE BEST

EXTERIOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES IN THE SOUTHEAST

EVERYTHING.

Serving Nashville, TN & Huntsville, AL for OVER THREE DECADES • Decontamination • Pressure / Soft Washing • Gutter Cleaning • Window Cleaning • Driveway Cleaning • Caulking Services • Handyman Services

NASHVILLE 4117 Hillsboro Pike #103 Nashville, TN 37215 615-474-4921

HUNTSVILLE 7950 Highway 72 – Suite G Madison, AL 35758 256-414-2244

allbritecleaningsys.com

20yrs IICRC Technician Residential/Commercial

Carpet • Upholstery • Tile/Stone • Area Rugs 24hr Water Extraction Services

On-The-Spot CARPET CARE

/onthespotcarpetcare

615-977-5920 onthespotnashville@yahoo.com

230 Wilson Pike Circle Brentwood, Tennessee 37027 P. 615-254-7160 www.shaubconstruction.com

Good doesn’t quite cut it at Levy. From Michelin-starred restaurants to 100,000-seat stadiums, we bring our best to the table. Every time. www.levyrestaurants.com

TITANS KICKOFF LUNCHEON

The Titans held a Kickoff Luncheon on August 25 at Nissan Stadium where fans were provided a “Chalk Talk” look at this year’s team. More importantly, the team raised money for the Titans Foundation, and those funds will be used to help those who need it in the Middle Tennessee community. Over $150,000 was raised during the event, which featured presentations from Titans leadership and coaching staff, including team president and CEO Burke Nihill, general manager Jon Robinson, head coach Mike Vrabel and others. Members of the team’s ownership group were also on hand. Burke said Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk has been a driving force in the organization’s efforts to give back to the community through the Titans Foundation. The team’s mission, Nihill noted, is to Win, Serve, and Entertain. “It is something that will get the fans excited,” Nihill said of the luncheon, attended by roughly 350 Titans fans. “But just as importantly, it is something that gives us an opportunity to amplify what we do in the community. This is about raising funds for the Titans Foundation, and the Titans Foundation is a big part of who we are. First and foremost, we are a football team, but we also want to be good leaders and stewards in our community. This weekend is a reminder of the fact that this community always has needs, and the Foundation is going to be there to deliver on those needs.” Today’s luncheon was hosted by Titans play-by-play man Mike Keith, along with Amie Wells, and Dave “Coach Mac” McGinnis of Titans Radio. Titans safety and 2020 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee Kevin Byard also made an appearance via video conference call. All tables for the event were sold, and there was a silent auction to benefit the Titans Foundation. The Titans Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports communities within the Tennessee Titans region. Through its work, the Titans contribute to schools, non-profit organizations, community centers and

other neighborhood assets. At the event, Nihill shared the team’s plans to help those impacted by the devastating flooding in Waverly and Humphreys County. The team plans to make a $50,000 donation to those impacted by the floods, and it also plans to help in other ways as well. Nihill revealed the organization’s plans to offer the Waverly High football team a chance to play at least one home game at Nissan Stadium. More details will be revealed in the coming days, Nihill said. Last year, the Titans helped with tornado relief in Nashville, and earlier this year the team volunteered with flood relief in the city. “It’s really been unbelievable how often this community has had to dust itself off,” Nihill said. “As community leaders, we just feel like it is an absolute obligation on our part to be there when our community needs us. “We are going to find ways to serve. We almost always will write a check to help out with monetary needs, but it is also important for us to find tangible ways to get out and get our fingernails dirty and serve in the community, because those are our neighbors, and we want to show leadership and hopefully inspire others in the community to get out and do the same, to serve when there is a need.”

168

168 Kickoff Lunch.indd 168

9/30/21 5:46 PM

If you love them enough to listen to “Hot Cross Buns” for two hours straight, then surely you’ll check to make sure they’re correctly buckled in the back seat. NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat

Untitled-1 1

3/20/19 9:43 AM

2021 TENNESSEE TITANS

CHEERLEADERS

BRENNA

AMY

AUGGIE

BRANDEE

BECKY ANNA

BRENAN 170

170-173 Cheer.indd 170

9/30/21 11:54 AM

2021 TENNESSEE TITANS

CHEERLEADERS

DONIVOUS

BRITTANY

COURTNEY P

COLIN

CHELSEA

COURTNEY C

DERECK

171

170-173 Cheer.indd 171

9/30/21 11:54 AM

2021 TENNESSEE TITANS

CHEERLEADERS MORGAN HEATHER

MCKENNA KITTRELL

KAYLEY

MARK

MELANIE

172

170-173 Cheer.indd 172

9/30/21 11:55 AM

2021 TENNESSEE TITANS

CHEERLEADERS

ZEPHANIE

ROBB

TALOR

SAM

RYAN

SUSANNA

TYLAR

173

170-173 Cheer.indd 173

9/30/21 11:55 AM

2021 TENNESSEE TITANS

T-RAC

HEIGHT: REAL TALL WEIGHT: HEAVY AGE: YOUNG AT HEART BIRTHPLACE:

THE PARTHENON, NASHVILLE

COLLEGE: TENNESSEE ACADEMY

FAVORITE COLOR: TITANS BLUE

HOMETOWN: NASHVILLE, TN

FAVORITE TEAM: THE TITANS! (DUH, DO YOU EVEN HAVE TO ASK!)

WHERE CAN YOU FIND T-RAC?

FAVORITE NUMBER: #00

OF FINE ARTS AND HYSTERIA

FROLICKING IN THE BEAUTIFUL TENNESSEE STATE PARKS

(T-RAC’S NUMBER)

174

174 TRac.indd 174

9/30/21 11:59 AM

As we social distance, COVID-19 pushes us apart. As we help children around the world, we pull together. The pandemic shows how connected we all are, how the quality of life anywhere affects everyone’s health and well-being, everywhere. Children in the world’s poorest places face the gravest risks — not just from COVID-19, but also from its ripple effects, especially hunger. Because when parents can’t work, children can’t eat. We’ve never seen a crisis like this. But ChildFund is helping millions of children across Africa, Asia and the Americas stay connected to what they need to grow up healthy, educated and safe. In the biggest emergency response of ChildFund’s 80-year history, we and caring people everywhere are pulling together to make sure that children not only survive the pandemic but thrive beyond it.

CHILDFUND.ORG

2021 TENNESSEE TITANS

BLUE CREW

ADAM A

COREY ANDREW

GARRET

ADAM S

DAN CHRIS

GREG 176

176-177 Blue Crew.indd 176

9/30/21 12:05 PM

2021 TENNESSEE TITANS

BLUE CREW

T-RAC

JACK KEVIN JOSH

NOAH JON Not Pictured: Neal, Dustin, AJ, Sam B

SAM K

KAITLYN 177

176-177 Blue Crew.indd 177

9/30/21 12:06 PM

NOW HEAR THIS: TITANS TAB MATT ROGERS AS NEW PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCER AT NISSAN STADIUM

Matt Rogers, 42, has earned recognition with his voice, and personality. As a sports broadcaster for Turner Sports, he covered the nation’s top college football teams. From there he hosted “Really Big Things” on Discovery Channel and he continues work with the network to this day. He also served as the host for Lifetime’s “Coming Home,” which honored service men and women coming home from deployment and surprising their families. Many of those reunions took place at nearby Fort Campbell. Rogers, who won the 2001 Rose Bowl while at Washington, was a finalist on Season 3 of American Idol. Judge Simon Cowell bluntly told him on stage he made a bad decision when he sang ‘Amazed’ by Lonestar after nailing his earlier performances. It resulted in Rogers going home. “Matt, you absolutely blew it with the choice of song. Totally blew it,” Cowell told Rogers on national television. “Chance of a lifetime, and you blew it.” Rogers, who moved to Tennessee in 2015, laughs about it now. He’s had other big TV moments, from appearing on the Price is Right with Bob Barker, to winning on Family Feud. He hosted “The Goes the Neighborhood” on CBS. Rogers is currently the host of a new reality show titled “Summer Camp” that airs on USA Network on Thursday nights. But his new reality is what excites him most – he’ll fill the seat, with the microphone, that was occupied by Duke Donegan for years. Donegan, the public address announcer for the Titans organization since the 1998 season, worked the first Tennessee Oilers game during the 1998 season played at Vanderbilt Stadium, was the voice Titans fans heard every game – preseason, regular season, and playoffs -- since the team began playing at Nissan Stadium in 1999. He retired at the end of the 2020 season. “Duke was the man, and it’s hard to follow someone who has been doing it for 23 years,” Rogers said of Donegan. “I think you have to walk a fine line of honoring your predecessor, but at the same time you’re not trying to copy your predecessor. … Take 3rd down, for instance. I can’t do it like Duke has always done, and I am not going to try to do it like he did. But I am going to honor what he did. I do see myself prolonging that thiiiiiirrrrrrd dooooowwwwn. But I am going to hype it up, and I’m going to try and fire people up. … I want to make that intense, and I want to make Nissan Stadium even louder. “I’ve listened to Duke from the cheap seats, and I don’t take it lightly. My goal is for him to say, ‘You know what? I am glad he took my spot.’ That would make me happy.”

Rogers already knows this: He’s thrilled for the opportunity. Titans lineman Taylor Lewan delivered the news on Rogers in a surprise on the Nissan Stadium video board this week. Rogers was decked out in a No.77 jersey, the number Lewan wears with the Titans, and the number Rogers wore during his playing days. After college, Rogers briefly spent time with the Bengals, but he said it’s hardly worth mentioning because his stint under then-Bengals coach Dick LeBeau didn’t last long. Rogers was pumped when he got the news of his new opportunity at Nissan Stadium, and he got emotional when he later delivered the news at home to his wife and three kids – sons Braden (15) and Mason (13), and daughter Sam (6), named after his late mom. Rogers has spent a lot of his time over the years raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, since his two youngest children were born with the disease. Raising awareness, and money, for CF has become a passion. “I’m so proud of my family, and of course we all love the Titans,” Rogers said. “When I told my sons the news, their reaction, it was priceless. It was ‘Let’s Go! Let’s Go!’ I can’t talk about it without getting choked up. It was a beautiful moment. … As a dad, you’re always telling your kids: ‘I’m proud of you. I’m proud of you.’ My oldest son patted me on the cheek and said, “I’m proud of you, dad.’ It was like a faucet of tears. Oh man, I get choked up thinking about that.” Rogers imagines game days on Sundays will bring out even more emotions, and he hopes others will hop on board with him. While he’ll miss his seat in the stands with family and friends, he’s more than happy to slide into his new gig. The job description, when he applied, read like this: Provides all pregame and in-game announcements during Titans games at Nissan Stadium, including starting line-ups, down and distance, play results, penalties, gameday features, promotional reads, and other announcements as needed. Now, Rogers will just need approval for his gameday attire. “I’d love to wear a cowboy hat with Titans swag on it, and a different jersey every game, depending on what color jersey the team is wearing,” Rogers said with a smile. “And I want to tuck the front of the jersey in and I want a big ‘ol Titans belt buckle. I don’t know if they’ll let me wear that, but that’s what I want to do. “And I want to do everything I can to make Nissan Stadium louder and more intense that it’s ever been. I want to give them about a 75 times injection of energy and enthusiasm. I’m telling you, I am so pumped about this.”

178

178 PA Announcer.indd 178

9/30/21 12:12 PM

FOUNDATION

A Pro on the Field.

H-ABC

A Hero off the Field.

TO FIGHT

Every disease needs a cure. And every child deserves a hero. H-ABC, a rare degenerative neurological disease with no known cure, affects approximately 150 children today. That number is on the rise. Each child is waiting for research to discover a lifesaving treatment. Each child is waiting for a hero. Fund Research. • Find the Cure. • Fight H-ABC.

Learn about the symptoms, current research efforts, and how to fight H-ABC at www.h-abc.org/habc.

Our inspiration is the 150 children and their families. Yours could be to help save them!

Untitled-1 1

7/15/20 10:39 AM

TITANS RADIO THE MIKE VRABEL SHOW MONDAYS | 6-7 PM CT TITANS RADIO NETWORK The first segment of the show features a national guest, Mike Vrabel is on from 6:15pm6:45pm and Coach Dave McGinnis is on the final segment of the show.

TITANS TONIGHT WEDNESDAYS | 6-7 PM CT TITANS RADIO NETWORK “Voice of the Titans” Mike Keith, former Titans great Keith Bulluck and Amie Wells host this hour-long show which gets fans’ thoughts on the most recent Titans game and get them ready for Sunday’s upcoming game.

MAC TALK TUESDAYS | 6-7 PM CT (ON 104.5 THE ZONE ONLY) AT BUFFALO WILD WINGS’ LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT MIDDLE TENNESSEE Titans Radio gameday analyst Dave McGinnis and gameday host Rhett Bryan get fans ready for the upcoming NFL weekend with their own show each Tuesday night.

183

183 Radio.indd 183

9/30/21 12:16 PM

TITANS PODCASTS TITANS AMIE AND COACH MAC PODCAST With the ultimate goal of entertaining and informing, The Coach Mac and Titans Amie podcast will cover a wide range of topics in a single episode. Hosted by Amie Wells and Dave (“Coach Mac”) McGinnis.

OTP: THE OFFICIAL TITANS PODCAST Hosted by “Voice of the Titans” Mike Keith and presented by Farm Bureau Health Plans,The OTP was created in 2018 as the brainchild of Amie Wells. In three-plus years, The OTP has become the podcast that every Titans fan turns to for the best in great interviews and stories, Titans information, insight, and discussion of the days event. The OTP will feature contributions from www.tennesseetitans.com senior writer/editor Jim Wyatt, and various Titans players and guests each week throughout the season. The OTP is available at www.tennesseetitans.com/podcast.

OUT OF BOUNDS WITH JAIMIE AND ABBY Out of Bounds is a podcast created by women, for women. We want to create a community where women can tune in and feel like they’re listening to their two best friends talk about their highs, their lows, and everything in between. Hosted by Titans GM Jon Robinson’s wife, Jaimie Robinson, and the founder of NashvilleGuru.com, Abby Flittner.

184

184 Podcasts.indd 184

10/5/21 12:24 PM

Every child

deserves a loving family. But so many children don’t have one. You can give a child healthy food, an education, medical care— and a family of their own.

Sponsor a child today!

www.sos-usa.org/sports SOS Children’s Villages provides loving homes for orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children in 137 countries—including the United States.

TITANS TV THE MIKE VRABEL SHOW TUESDAYS | 6:30-7 PM CT WKRN The Mike Vrabel Show is the place the Titans head coach Mike Vrabel shares his final thoughts on the previous game, answers the important questions about what’s going on with the team and looks ahead to the next opponent. “Voice of the Titans” Mike Keith serves as the host of The Mike Vrabel Show, with Amie Wells sitting down for a one on one interview with a Titans player each week!

TITANS ALL ACCESS WEEKENDS ON SINCLAIRNASHVILLE STATIONS AND STATIONS AROUND THE MID-SOUTH The Titans’ 30-minute, official magazine-style TV show returns for its 18th season. Mike Keith and Amie Wells co-host the show, joined by Titans general manager Jon Robinson.

TITANS BLITZ WEDNESDAYS | 6:30 PM CT MYTV30 FRIDAYS | 10:35 PM CT FOX17 Host Lance Smith and guests preview each week’s upcoming matchup.

187

187 Broadcasts.indd 187

9/30/21 12:18 PM

In schools to instill confidence. Feeling like she didn’t fit in, DeeAndra struggled to find her place in school. As a result, her motivation was low and her attendance was suffering. Najee from Communities In Schools became her cheerleader, helping DeeAndra see that she was capable of much more. Within one year, her attendance went from 59% to 89%. She’s now an honor roll student, working toward her long-term goal of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. There are millions of at-risk kids like DeeAndra who need a caring adult to help them stay in school and succeed in life. See how we help all kids succeed. | CommunitiesInSchools.org

TITANS LAUNCH ISBELL-SHIRES KULTURECITY SENSORY ROOM AT NISSAN STADIUM

KultureCity family is making that possible.” The room was designed by medical professionals specifically for the needs of those who may need a quieter and more secure environment while attending an event. It is outfitted with bean bags from Yogibo, the visual light panels by Nanoleaf, activity panels, bubble walls, and a custom tactile artwork created by an autistic artist. It is located in the north endzone of Nissan Stadium. The Titans and KultureCity began their partnership in 2019. Titans staff received training on how to recognize guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. In addition, Nissan Stadium was equipped with sensory bags available upon request, which include noise canceling headphones, verbal cue cards produced in conjunction with Boardmaker, fidget tools, and weighted lap pads. KultureCity has partnerships with several venues in the state of Tennessee. “We’re so grateful for our partnership with KultureCity and the tools they’ve provided us to become more inclusive and accommodating of families with sensory needs,” said Gil Beverly, Titans Sr. Vice President, Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer. “The sensory room is a gamechanger for us in that we now have physical space for those individuals to feel safe and secure in the event of a sensory overload. We’re proud to be the first Nashville sports venue to provide this space and hope it’s the first of many in our community.” Prior to attending an event, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying an event.

KultureCity and the Tennessee Titans announced on April 7 the launch of a sensory room at Nissan Stadium to accommodate and welcome fans with sensory needs.The Isbell-Shires KultureCity sensory room, sponsored by music artists and husband/wife Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires, is the first sensory room in a Nashville sports venue. Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to overstimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like Nissan Stadium. “Amanda and I are happy to work alongside KultureCity to encourage acceptance and inclusion in public spaces like sporting events and businesses,” Isbell said. “Individuals with autism and specific sensory needs and their families should feel welcome wherever they go. The work of the

189

189 Stadium Sensory Room.indd 189

9/30/21 12:19 PM

NISSAN STADIUM

The Tennessee Titans and the City of Nashville announced that they are engaged in formal discussions regarding the future of Nissan Stadium. The discussions aim to secure the Titans’ future in Nashville and facilitate the creation of a new Nashville neighborhood surrounding the facility. While preliminary talks between the Titans and previous administrations have taken place over several years, Mayor Cooper’s administration has advanced the conversations markedly to create the framework of a solution beneficial to all parties. “A bold vision brought the Titans to Nashville more than 20 years ago, and a renewed vision will secure the Titans’ future in our great city,” said Mayor John Cooper. The vision for the East Bank neighborhood project would foster the creation of thousands of jobs and generate millions in new tax revenue annually that would be used to mitigate the city’s direct financial burden outlined in the present lease. The development would be privately funded and resulting tax revenue used to fund substantial upgrades to Nissan Stadium. Current concepts for the neighborhood include a gathering of mixed public and private use facilities such as riverfront parks, green space, housing, offices, retail and restaurants.

“Today is a big day for the Tennessee Titans organization, as we look to the future of Nissan Stadium and surrounding area,” said Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk. “Our biggest priority throughout this process has been to envision a space that Nashvillians would be proud of, built with the community in mind. The idea of our stadium in a neighborhood where locals can live, work and enjoy, is something we’ve been focused on for a long time. “Not only will the project serve generations of Nashvillians to come, but it will generate the revenue needed to provide Metro with substantial financial relief. We’re so appreciative of Mayor Cooper’s enthusiasm for this project.” In coming weeks, leadership from both Metro Nashville and the Titans front office will continue to meet to discuss further details of the project and lease extension. “The plan for a vibrant neighborhood along our city’s East Bank, bringing people closer to parks and creating opportunities for local businesses, is a huge opportunity for our community,” said Cooper. “I am committed to a solution that best fits the needs of Nashville, and I know the Titans share that same commitment.”

191

191 Stadium.indd 191

9/30/21 12:21 PM

CHANGING THE WORLD IS A CONTACT SPORT. People with intellectual disabilities are excluded and discriminated against every day. It’s time we team up and take to the field to change this. Together, as one, intolerance and injustice don’t stand a chance. Game On! Join the team at playunified.org

Special Olympics.indd 1

7/7/15 10:04 AM

NCRM-TN-Titan-Yearbook-ad.pdf

CMY

7/29/21

11:03 AM

THIS IS THE GREATEST CIVIL RIGHTS STORY EVER TOLD.

level up with a graduate degree from trevecca

Leadership Business Administration Public Administration Healthcare Administration Affordable • Flexible • Accredited Discover the Next Level of You. Visit trevecca.edu/nextlevel

trevecca

2021 Yearbook

Articles inside

Mike Vrabel

Walter Payton Man of the Year

Executives

Assistant Coaches

Burke Nihill

Jon Robinson

Free Agency Recap