The Tennessee Titans have brought back their classic Houston Oilers uniforms and helmets for select games during the 2022 and 2023 NFL seasons. This has left many football fans wondering – why are the Titans wearing Oilers helmets when they are a different franchise?
The Oilers were an NFL team based in Houston, Texas from 1960 to 1996. They relocated to Tennessee in 1997 and were renamed the Titans. Despite the name and location change, the franchise has embraced its Oilers history and roots in recent years.
Below we will explore the history of the Oilers and Titans franchise, the NFL rules around throwback uniforms, and the reasons why the Titans are bringing back these classic Oilers uniforms and helmets for certain games.
History of the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans Franchise
Early Houston Oilers History (1960-1996)
The Houston Oilers were founded in 1959 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL). They competed in the AFL from 1960-1969 until the AFL-NFL merger, after which they joined the AFC Central division.
The Oilers found great success in the early AFL days. They won the first two AFL championships in 1960 and 1961 under coach Lou Rymkus. Hall of Fame quarterback George Blanda led the team during this era.
The Oilers struggled after their early AFL titles. From 1967 to 1980, they qualified for the playoffs only twice. But in 1987, the Oilers hired Canadian Football League legend Warren Moon and brought in new offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride. Their high-powered “run and shoot” offense lit up scoreboards, energized the fanbase and became known as the “House of Pain.”
In 1991, the Oilers moved into the Astrodome and ushered in their most successful period since the early 1960s. Powered by Moon, receivers Haywood Jeffires and Drew Hill and defensive leaders Ray Childress and William Fuller, the Oilers made seven straight playoff appearances from 1987 to 1993. Though they agonizingly never advanced to the AFC Championship, the early 1990s marked the franchise’s peak.
Relocation to Tennessee Titans and Rebranding (1997-1999)
By the mid 1990s, Oilers owner Bud Adams sought a new stadium to replace the aging Astrodrome. With no suitable options in Houston, he struck a deal to relocate his franchise to Nashville, Tennessee in 1997. This move was extremely unpopular at the time and left many Houston fans feeling betrayed.
In 1998, the newly relocated franchise played its inaugural season in Tennessee as the “Tennessee Oilers” while their new stadium was being built. They played at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis and Vanderbilt University’s Dudley Field in Nashville.
In 1999, the team changed their name from Oilers to Titans and their colors from Columbia blue, red and white to navy, red and silver. They moved into their new stadium in Nashville, now called Nissan Stadium.
With former Oilers quarterback Steve McNair leading the way, the Titans made an immediate impact in their new city. After going 8-8 in that 1998 transitional year, the newly named Titans went 13-3 in 1999 and advanced all the way to Super Bowl XXXIV. Though they lost to the Kurt Warner-led St. Louis Rams, the future looked bright for this rebranded franchise.
Tennessee Titans Era and Eventual Re-Embrace of Oilers Legacy (2000-Present)
From 2000 to 2008, the Titans enjoyed consistent success with six playoff appearances. This included an AFC Championship in 2002 behind McNair and bruising runner Eddie George. Jeff Fisher was coach for these years and helped establish an identity for the new Titans franchise.
After Fisher’s departure in 2011, the Titans struggled through several losing seasons. They rebranded their uniforms and colors in 2015, streamlining their look in an attempt to modernize.
In more recent seasons under new coach Mike Vrabel, the Titans have worked to reconnect with their Houston Oilers roots. In 2018, they retired the numbers of Oilers greats Warren Moon and the late Robert Brazile.
This coincided with the NFL loosening rules around throwback uniforms. So for the team’s 20th season in 2018, the Titans brought back their classic 1960s Oilers uniforms for two home games. Fan response was overwhelmingly positive.
The Titans expanded on this Oilers throwback in 2022 and 2023 by bringing back the white helmets and Columbia blue jerseys worn by the franchise from 1978 to 1980. Players and coaches have spoken about honoring the team’s past and exciting fans by bringing back the classic Oilers look.
NFL Rules Around Throwback Uniforms
The NFL has rules in place governing when and how teams can wear throwback or alternate uniforms honoring past eras. Here are some of the key regulations:
- Teams must gain approval from the NFL each year to wear throwback uniforms. Typically only certain anniversary years are allowed, like 10th, 20th 25th etc.
- Teams can only wear throwback uniforms for two home games each season. They must wear their standard uniforms for all away games.
- Helmet colors must remain consistent with the current helmets for safety and competitive reasons. Teams can’t wear old-style leather helmets. Facemasks must also adhere to current NFL regulations.
- Teams must declare which two home games they’ll wear throwbacks before the season schedule is made. This allows the NFL and broadcast partners time to promote and market the games accordingly.
- Only players from a team’s past decades can be honored on throwback uniforms. No current player’s names can be used.
The NFL relaxed some of these rules in recent years to allow more creative throwback and alternate uniforms if approved. Teams like the Titans have taken advantage to honor their pre-relocation histories and experiment with retro designs. But the above guidelines still provide the basic framework that alternate NFL uniforms must adhere to.
Why Are the Tennessee Titans Wearing Oilers Uniforms Now?
There are several motivations behind the Titans bringing back Oilers uniforms and helmets for select games in 2022 and 2023:
1. Fan Demand and Nostalgia
Titans fans have been vocal about wanting to see the classic Oilers uniforms make a return. The Oilers have a strong legacy fanbase, especially in Houston where they remained popular after the controversial Tennessee relocation.
The royal blue and red Oilers jerseys with the iconic derrick logo represent a nostalgic era for many football fans. Bringing them back taps into this nostalgia and overwhelming fan demand.
2. Unique Merchandising Opportunities
Alternate retro uniforms open up new merchandising opportunities for NFL franchises. Fans are eager to buy throwback jerseys and apparel featuring defunct brands like the Oilers. The Titans can tap into this demand while promoting their own brand at the same time.
3. Honoring Franchise History and Tradition
Despite the rebrand, the Titans franchise still largely honors its Oilers heritage. Greats like Warren Moon, Earl Campbell and Elvin Bethea are celebrated by both Houston and Tennessee fans.
Donning Oilers uniforms allows the Titans to pay tribute to the team’s AFL championships and strong 1990s teams under Jerry Glanville and Jack Pardee. It educates younger Tennessee fans on the franchise’s history.
4. Creates Buzz and Interest Around the Games
The Oilers throwback uniform games generate significant interest and coverage from fans and media. They’re now highly anticipated events circled on the Titans schedule.
It’s a way to create excitement and buzz that goes beyond just another regular season matchup. Fans love the nostalgia and the ability to see football history brought back to life.
Key Games Featuring Oilers Throwbacks
Here are some of the most notable Titans games where they broke out the vintage Houston Oilers uniforms and helmets:
2018 – Tennessee Titans vs. Patriots and Texans
The Titans first experimented by wearing 1960s royal blue Oilers jerseys for two home games in 2018. This coincided with the team’s 20th anniversary season in Tennessee.
On November 11 vs. the New England Patriots, they wore the 1960-61 jerseys with white helmets featuring the Oilers’ signature derrick logo. They again broke out the retro uniforms in a December 2 game against the Houston Texans.
2022 – Tennessee Titans vs. Cowboys and Commanders
In 2022, the Titans expanded their Oilers throwback uniforms by bringing back the 1978-1980 helmets and jerseys. The white helmets with single red stripe and Columbia blue jerseys were worn during the Luv Ya Blue era.
On October 9, 2022, the Titans hosted the Dallas Cowboys while outfitted in these retro Oilers uniforms. They again paid homage for their November 27 game against the Washington Commanders.
2023 – TBD
The Titans have announced they will wear Oilers throwbacks for two more home games in 2023. Their opponents and specific uniform combo have yet to be determined.
Fans speculate they may break out the powder blue jerseys from the early 1980s next season. This demonstrates the franchise’s commitment to continue honoring its Oilers legacy for years to come.
Player and Coach Perspectives on the Throwbacks
Current Titans players and coaches have voiced their support and appreciation for the retro Oilers uniforms:
Mike Vrabel
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has been a big proponent of bringing back the Oilers uniforms to connect the current team with its past.
“I’m excited for our players to be able to wear that,” Vrabel said. “And I know some of the fans are excited as well…It’ll be good for us to all collectively look back at the team’s past.”
Vrabel values educating his players on the franchise’s storied history. He wants them to understand the Oilers greats who laid the foundation for Titans football.
“We try to expose our players to the past as much as we can,” Vrabel noted. “I think that’s important for them to understand…who’s come before them.”
Derrick Henry
Star Titans running back Derrick Henry expressed enthusiasm for wearing the throwback Oilers uniforms, especially the classic helmets.
“Those white helmets are awesome. I will be rocking this for sure,” Henry said prior to the 2022 game against the Commanders. “It’s cool to go back in history.”
Henry rushed for over 100 yards and a touchdown while sporting the retro Oilers uniform.
Mike Vrabel
Veteran Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard also appreciates the historical significance of donning the Oiler throwbacks.
“Putting on this Oilers uniform, I definitely want to go out there and play for guys like Warren Moon,” Byard remarked. “You’re representing something bigger than yourself.”
By bringing back a piece of football history, the Oilers throwbacks remind Byard and his teammates they’re playing for all those who helped build the franchise.
Titans Fans
Judging by crowd noise and social media reactions, Titans fans thoroughly enjoy seeing the team honor its Oilers past.
The Oilers throwback games have become huge draws, with the retro merchandise selling out quickly. The shared history between Tennessee and Houston fans helps unite different eras of the franchise.
By overwhelming demand, it’s clear the Oilers uniforms and helmets will continue sporadically returning to the field. They keep the spirit of classic Oilers football alive.
Conclusion – Oilers Legacy Lives on Through Titans
In conclusion, the Tennessee Titans have brought back classic Houston Oilers uniforms for select games in recent years due to popular fan demand, increased merchandising potential, honoring their team history and creating exciting “throwback” matchups.
Despite the Tennessee rebranding in 1999, the Oilers logo and colors hold a special place in the hearts of football fans. For Houston supporters, they remember the “Luv Ya Blue” era fondly. For younger Tennessee fans, the retro look provides a window into their team’s beginnings.
The NFL’s loosening of rules around alternate uniforms allowed the Titans more creativity in embracing their Oilers legacy. Their execution has been met with rave reviews.
Seeing Warren Moon’s number 1 or Earl Campbell’s number 34 Oilers jersey on the field again bridges generational gaps. Having players like Derrick Henry don the Columbia blue and white brings history full circle.
The Titans have struck the perfect balance between honoring the Oilers and forging their own identity in Tennessee. Breaking out the throwback uniforms has excited fans, educated players and paid homage to players from Houston who laid the groundwork for Titans success.
For the team and its fans, the Oilers legacy lives on. The distinctive helmets and jerseys remain icons of NFL history. Though the team name and home city has changed, the Oilers spirit makes occasional returns in the form of the Tennessee Titans.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Oilers Throwbacks
Here are some common FAQs about the Titans bringing back Oilers uniforms:
Why don’t the Tennessee Titans wear the Oilers uniforms full time?
While the retro Oilers look is popular, the main reason is likely branding. The Titans want to maintain their own distinct identity they’ve built over two decades in Tennessee. Throwing back to their Oilers past only occasionally helps strike that balance.
Do the current Tennessee Titans players choose which Oilers uniforms are worn?
The Titans front office and equipment staff determine which Oilers uniform combinations will be used for the designated throwback games in collaboration with the NFL. But player input seems to be taken into account, as seen by Derrick Henry’s enthusiasm for the white Oilers helmets.
When did the Titans first start using Oilers throwback uniforms?
The Titans first wore Oilers uniforms in 2018, using the 1960s royal blue jerseys for two games celebrating their 20th season in Tennessee. They expanded the concept to include 1978-1980 white helmets and jerseys in the 2022 season.
Have the Titans ever worn Houston Oilers helmets as a throwback?
Yes, in their initial 2018 throwback, the Titans wore white Oilers helmets featuring the Oilers logo with the 1960s royal blue jerseys. However, current NFL guidelines require teams to use the same helmets all season for safety reasons.
Will the Oilers throwbacks be worn by the Titans every year going forward?
The Titans have not confirmed that Oilers throwbacks will be an annual occurrence. But given the immense popularity over the past few seasons, it seems likely they’ll continue embracing their Oilers history in this way for specific games each year.
The Tennessee Titans have struck chord by occasionally honoring their Houston Oilers roots with creative throwback uniforms. It allows new generations of fams to appreciate football history while enjoying an exciting modern NFL experience. Expect the tradition of Oilers tributes to continue as the team proudly celebrates its storied past.