Community Partnerships Enhanced by the Tennessee Titans

For the Tennessee Titans, community impact isn’t a solo effort—it’s built on strong, long-term partnerships with local organizations that share their mission of lifting up Tennesseans. These collaborations go beyond one-time events; they’re strategic alliances designed to address systemic needs, from closing education gaps to fighting hunger, and they leverage the Titans’ platform (and resources) to amplify the work of trusted local groups. Community Partnerships Enhanced by the Tennessee Titans explores how these relationships work, the innovative programs they’ve created, and how they’ve become a model for NFL teams looking to make meaningful, sustainable change in their communities.

Community Partnerships Enhanced by the Tennessee Titans begins with the Titans’ collaboration with Nashville Public Schools (NPS) and the Tennessee Department of Education—a partnership focused on transforming education outcomes for students in underserved areas. Since 2020, the Titans have worked with NPS to launch “Titans Academy,” a program that provides after-school tutoring, college readiness workshops, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) activities to 1,200 students across 10 Nashville elementary and middle schools. The partnership combines the Titans’ resources (funding for tutors, Titans-themed STEM kits) with NPS’s expertise in curriculum design and student support. For example, the Titans donated $500,000 to fund full-time tutors at five schools with high rates of students below grade level in math and reading. By 2024, those schools saw a 22% increase in students meeting grade-level standards—double the district average. “This partnership works because we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel,” said Titans Foundation executive director Beth Brock. “Nashville Public Schools knows their students best, and we’re here to provide the resources and motivation to help them succeed.” The partnership also includes “Principal for a Day” events, where Titans players and staff shadow NPS principals, giving them firsthand insight into the challenges schools face.

A cornerstone of the Titans’ community work is their partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee—a collaboration that has become a lifeline for families struggling with hunger. Since 2018, the Titans have donated over $2 million to Second Harvest, funding mobile food pantries, school meal programs, and holiday food distributions. What makes this partnership unique is its focus on long-term solutions, not just short-term aid. For example, the Titans and Second Harvest launched “Titans Fight Hunger: Community Gardens” in 2022, building 15 community gardens in low-income neighborhoods across Nashville. These gardens provide fresh produce to families and teach kids about nutrition through after-school gardening clubs. The Titans also host annual “Food Drive Games” at Nissan Stadium, where fans who donate nonperishable food items receive discounted tickets. In 2024, the drive collected 50,000 pounds of food—enough to provide 41,000 meals. “Hunger is a complex issue, and it can’t be solved by food drives alone,” said Second Harvest CEO Jaynee Day. “Our partnership with the Titans lets us address both immediate needs and root causes, like lack of access to fresh food. That’s how real change happens.” The Titans’ players are also active participants: each month, a group of players volunteers at Second Harvest’s warehouse, packing food boxes and distributing meals to families.

A defining partnership in Community Partnerships Enhanced by the Tennessee Titans is their collaboration with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee—focused on expanding access to youth sports and mentorship programs. The Titans and YMCA launched “Titans Youth Sports League” in 2021, a free football and cheerleading league for kids aged 6–12 in low-income neighborhoods. The Titans provide funding for equipment (helmets, pads, uniforms), coaching stipends, and field rentals, while the YMCA handles registration, scheduling, and mentorship. What sets the league apart is its “Character Counts” component: every practice includes a 15-minute lesson on values like respect, teamwork, and perseverance, led by YMCA mentors and Titans alumni. In 2024, the league served 2,500 kids—up from 800 in its first year—and expanded to include Memphis and Knoxville. “Youth sports should be about more than winning—it should be about building character,” said YMCA of Middle Tennessee president Kevin Washington. “Our partnership with the Titans lets us remove barriers (like cost) and focus on what matters most: helping kids grow into kind, responsible adults.” For the Tennessee Titans, this partnership aligns with their goal of nurturing the next generation of Tennesseans. “These kids are our future fans, our future leaders, and maybe even our future players,” said Titans head coach (interim) Mike Vrabel. “Investing in them through sports is one of the best ways we can give back to the community that supports us.”

Another impactful partnership for the Tennessee Titans is their work with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN)—a collaboration focused on raising awareness about mental health and reducing suicide rates among young people. The Titans and TSPN launched “Titans Mental Health Initiative” in 2023, which includes three key programs: “Mindful Mondays” at local schools (where mental health experts lead stress management workshops), “Stigma-Free Zone” events at Nissan Stadium (bringing together mental health resources and survivors), and a free crisis text line promoted at Titans games. The Titans also donated $1 million to TSPN to fund mental health training for school counselors and coaches. In 2024, the initiative trained 500 school staff members, who went on to help 3,000 students access mental health resources. “Mental health stigma is still a major barrier for young people, especially in sports,” said TSPN executive director Danna Beal. “The Titans’ platform lets us reach thousands of people who might not otherwise seek help. When a Titans player talks about their own mental health struggles, it sends a powerful message: it’s okay to ask for help.” Titans players have been vocal advocates for the initiative: quarterback Will Levis shared his experience with anxiety during a press conference, and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins recorded a public service announcement for the crisis text line. For the Tennessee Titans, this partnership is personal: many players and staff have been touched by mental health challenges, and they want to use their voices to make a difference.

Wrapping up Community Partnerships Enhanced by the Tennessee Titans is their collaboration with the Nashville Chamber of Commerce—a unique partnership focused on economic development and workforce training. The Titans and Chamber launched “Titans Career Connect” in 2022, a program that connects high school students in Nashville’s public schools with internships and job shadowing opportunities at Nissan Stadium and other local businesses. The Titans provide internships in areas like marketing, operations, and community relations, while the Chamber coordinates with local companies (like Amazon, HCA Healthcare, and Vanderbilt University) to offer additional opportunities. In 2024, the program placed 300 students in internships—80% of whom went on to receive full-time job offers or college scholarships. “Economic mobility starts with access to opportunities,” said Nashville Chamber president Ralph Schulz. “Our partnership with the Titans lets us connect students from underserved backgrounds with careers they might not have imagined. For example, a student who shadows the Titans’ marketing team might decide to study marketing in college—and that could change their life.” The Titans also host “Career Days” at Nissan Stadium, where students meet with professionals from various fields and learn about different career paths. For the Tennessee Titans, this partnership shows that community impact extends beyond education, food, and sports—it’s about building a stronger, more prosperous Tennessee for everyone. Ultimately, Community Partnerships Enhanced by the Tennessee Titans demonstrates that the most effective community work isn’t done in isolation. By collaborating with trusted local organizations, the Titans are able to amplify their impact, create sustainable programs, and meet the unique needs of the communities they serve. These partnerships aren’t just about giving back—they’re about building a shared future where every Tennessean has the opportunity to thrive.