The formation, team emblem, uniform, and other aspects of NFL franchises usually have a rich history that many fans are unaware of. The ‘Tennessee Titans’ and their former franchise ‘Houston Oilers’ have a long yet secret history together, which has just come to light again as a result of the team’s preseason jersey reveal.
According to CBS Sports, five NFL teams need to alter their jerseys for the 2023 season. The Titans’ team management chose to introduce a new style in their uniforms after giving it careful consideration which left many supporters in shock and awe.
Titans debut Houston Oilers-themed throwback uniforms for the 2023 season
Bud Adams originally formed the Tinnesse franchise as the Houston Oilers, and it debuted in the AFL in 1960. Even though the Oilers made back-to-back trips to the playoffs from 1978 to 1980 and from 1987 to 1993, they left Houston for Tennessee in 1996.
The Tennessee Titans are now set to wear the same uniforms that they did for nearly two decades as a way to honor their legacy. As a nod to the blue era, the light blue Oilers nostalgia will take the place of the light blue “Titans” jerseys.
Luv Ya Blue! đ pic.twitter.com/eR9BpvAIqx
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) July 24, 2023
Vice President and Executive Creative Director for the Titans Surf Melendez felt that it would facilitate them to pay tribute to the teamsâ history.
“It allows us to honor as many players as we can because it covers so much time,” said Surf Melendez. “It also represented our transition to Tennessee, because we wore these uniforms in Tennessee as well.”
NFL fans outraged over Titansâ throwback jersey: âThey belong in Houstonâ
Many Titans players participated in the photo shoot while wearing the jersey earlier in the offseason. Nevertheless, after learning this, many NFL enthusiasts thought the throwback was a poor choice, and they criticized the jersey on social media.
In 1997 the franchise moved from Houston to Tennessee, and before the 1999 season, the team’s name was changed to the Titans. Many supporters argued that the Houston Oilers who are currently not associated with Tennessee shouldn’t be linked with the team.
âThey belong in Houston,â one fan commented.
They belong in Houston.
— Ryan Reynolds (@ryanreynolds86) July 24, 2023
The original Browns franchise is now known as the Baltimore Ravens. When Browns owner Art Modell opted to move his storied franchise, the team was born. Then, in 1996, he came to an agreement with the city of Baltimore to relocate his franchise. Cleveland preserved the Browns’ name which they used to create Cleveland Browns, while Modell gave his new team the name Baltimore Ravens.
Therefore, many NFL fans make subtle jabs at the Tennessee squad while bringing up the Ravens team.
âWhat’s next, are the Ravens gonna wear Browns jersey’s & call them throwbacks??â
What's next, are the Ravens gonna wear Browns jersey's & call them throwbacks??
— âCowboyâCanuckâ (@cowboycanuck) July 24, 2023
Team decisions often don’t receive near-unanimous approval from the fans. Throwback uniforms are obviously a trend that is observed across different sports. What do you feel about the team’s choice? Tell us in the comment section.
