Oral Histories Shared by Tennessee Titans Veterans

In the world of sports, statistics and highlight reels tell only part of a team’s story. The rest— the laughter in locker rooms, the quiet moments of doubt before a big game, the bonds that form between teammates—lives in the memories of those who lived it. For the Tennessee Titans, these unwritten tales are being preserved through Oral Histories Shared by Tennessee Titans Veterans, a collection of firsthand accounts from former players, coaches, and staff who helped shape the franchise’s legacy. Unlike formal biographies or media interviews, these oral histories are raw, intimate, and unfiltered—offering fans a rare glimpse into the human side of Titans football. From stories of the team’s transition from Houston to Nashville to the chaos of their 2000 Super Bowl run, each veteran’s narrative adds a new layer to the franchise’s history, turning players into storytellers and fans into listeners. For the Titans, these oral histories aren’t just a way to honor the past—they’re a way to keep it alive, ensuring that future generations understand the heart and hustle that define the team.

Oral Histories Shared by Tennessee Titans Veterans often begin with the franchise’s pivotal moments, none more iconic than the 1997 move from Houston to Tennessee. Veterans who lived through that transition—like offensive lineman Bruce Matthews and wide receiver Derrick Mason—paint a vivid picture of the uncertainty and excitement that came with building a new identity. Matthews, who played for the Oilers/Titans for 19 seasons, recalls the challenge of keeping the team united amid relocation. “We were a family in Houston, and suddenly we were packing our bags and moving to a city that didn’t know us,” he says in his oral history. “But Coach Fisher called us together and said, ‘This is our chance to start fresh, to build something special here.’ That mindset turned a tough situation into a opportunity.” Mason, who joined the team in 1997, shares stories of community outreach efforts to win over Nashville fans, like player appearances at local schools and charity events. “We’d go to elementary schools and see kids wearing Oilers gear, and we’d tell them, ‘We’re your Titans now,’” he laughs. “Slowly but surely, they started showing up to games in teal and navy, and we felt like we belonged.” These stories of resilience and adaptation remind fans that the Titans’ connection to Nashville wasn’t just about football—it was about building a home.

A central theme in Oral Histories Shared by Tennessee Titans Veterans is the 2000 Super Bowl run, a season that remains etched in the memories of fans and players alike. Veterans from that team—including quarterback Steve McNair (via interviews recorded before his death), running back Eddie George, and defensive end Jevon Kearse—share behind-the-scenes details that never made it to highlight reels. George talks about the team’s pregame ritual of gathering in the locker room and listening to gospel music, a tradition started by McNair to calm nerves. “Steve would put on a Kirk Franklin CD, and we’d all stand around, arms around each other, just breathing,” George recalls. “It wasn’t about X’s and O’s—it was about remembering why we were there, for each other.” Kearse, known as “The Freak” for his athleticism, describes the tension of the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where the Titans won in overtime. “I remember sitting on the bench during OT, my hands shaking, and Steve came over and said, ‘We’re gonna win this. Just keep doing your job.’ That’s the kind of leader he was—calm when everyone else was panicking.” These stories humanize the Super Bowl run, turning it from a series of games into a story of brotherhood and belief.

Oral Histories Shared by Tennessee Titans Veterans also shine a light on the quiet, everyday moments that define team culture—moments that fans never see but that shape a franchise’s identity. Former tight end Frank Wycheck, famous for his “Music City Miracle” lateral pass in the 2000 playoffs, shares a story about mentoring rookies during training camp. “Every year, I’d take the young guys under my wing—show them where to eat in Nashville, help them with their playbooks, even let them crash at my house if they were homesick,” he says. “Football’s a tough business, and I wanted them to know they didn’t have to go through it alone.” Former coach Jeff Fisher talks about the team’s “no excuses” policy, which he enforced with both discipline and empathy. “If a player made a mistake, we’d talk about it—no yelling, no embarrassment,” Fisher explains. “But I also made sure they knew I had their back. Once, a rookie missed a practice because his mom was sick, and I told him, ‘Family comes first. We’ll catch you up later.’ That’s how you build trust.” For the Tennessee Titans, these stories of mentorship and compassion are just as important as championship runs—they’re the foundation of a culture that attracts and retains top talent.

Another powerful aspect of Oral Histories Shared by Tennessee Titans Veterans is their ability to address tough times, from losing seasons to player injuries. Former linebacker Keith Bulluck opens up about the 2008 season, when the Titans started 10-0 but lost in the playoffs. “We were so close—too close,” he says, his voice softening. “After that loss, I sat in the locker room for hours, just thinking about what we could’ve done better. But Coach Fisher came in and said, ‘Be proud of what we accomplished. This team’s gonna bounce back.’” Bulluck’s story resonates with fans who’ve endured their own share of heartbreaks, reminding them that resilience is part of the Titans’ DNA. Former offensive tackle Michael Roos talks about recovering from a career-threatening knee injury in 2012, and how his teammates supported him through rehab. “Every day, someone would text me or stop by my house—bring me food, watch movies with me,” he says. “They didn’t have to do that, but that’s what Titans do. We fight for each other, on and off the field.” For the Tennessee Titans, these stories of overcoming adversity aren’t just inspirational—they’re a reminder of why fans stay loyal, even during the tough years.

Looking ahead, Oral Histories Shared by Tennessee Titans Veterans will continue to grow as more former players and staff add their voices to the collection. The Titans organization has even launched a digital archive on its website, where fans can listen to full oral history interviews, read transcripts, and watch video clips of veterans sharing their stories. The team also hosts annual “Legends Nights” at Nissan Stadium, where oral history participants are invited to speak to fans and sign autographs. For current Titans players, these oral histories serve as a guide—teaching them about the franchise’s values and inspiring them to add their own chapters to the story. “I’ve listened to Eddie George’s oral history about the 2000 Super Bowl run,” says current running back Derrick Henry. “It makes me want to work harder, to create memories that future players will talk about someday.” For the Tennessee Titans, oral histories are more than a tribute to the past—they’re a bridge to the future, connecting generations of players and fans through the stories that make the team more than just a franchise. They make it a family.