Previously both the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Oilers before ultimately becoming the Tennessee Titans back in 1999, the current AFC South franchise has turned things around in a big way as of late, though that doesn't mean that the organization hasn't been successful before. Although the Titans have struggled for most of the team's time in Nashville, Tennessee got off to a hot start upon rebranding at the turn of the century before finally returning to the franchise's winning ways a few seasons back.
Even with a few forgotten years thrown into the mix, the Titans have managed to produce some of the more popular players in recent memory since that 1999 campaign. Known for having athletic, dual-threat quarterbacks, and a slew of workhorse running backs, there are quite a few legends in Titans history, legends that helped shape the franchise into what it is today.
However, the Titans wouldn't be where they are today without some solid leadership in addition to the players that take the field on a weekly basis.
With a few legends currently in the making down in Tennessee, there are at least a handful of well-known figures that have already established themselves as crucial parts of the team's lineage and legacy.
1. Steve McNair, Quarterback (1995 – 2005)
The face of the Tennessee Titans franchise at its inception and even now, 20 years later, longtime NFL quarterback Steve McNair is no doubt the best player to ever sport the two-tone blue. First a member of the Houston Oilers, McNair infamously led the franchise to its first and only Super Bowl appearance back in 1999, the team's initial go-round as the Titans.
Although that 1999 campaign would be highlighted by only an AFC Championship, McNair led the Titans to four playoff appearances in all while earning three Pro Bowl nods and an NFL MVP Award along the way as well.
2. Eddie George, Running Back (1996 – 2003)
Quarterback Steve McNair's right-hand man in the backfield, longtime Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George quickly became a household name among NFL fans throughout the country as the prolific rusher made his way to the organization after winning a Heisman Trophy at The Ohio State University.
The only player that can perhaps rival McNair's popularity and success with the Titans, George was part of that 1999 Super Bowl team and all four playoff teams from the early portion of the 21st century. Rushing for more than 1,000 yards seven times in eight seasons with the Titans, George was also a four-time Pro Bowler, one-time All-Pro selection and the 1996 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
3. Chris Johnson, Running Back (2008 – 2013)
Although his time with the Tennessee Titans was somewhat of a flash in the pan that never really hit any low points in terms of production on the field, former NFL running back Chris Johnson wasted absolutely no time in transforming into the legend that is “CJ2k.”
After helping the Titans reach the postseason as a result of his rookie year in 2008, Johnson followed that up by becoming the league's Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 while also rushing for more than 2,000 yards in the process. Setting the NFL record for most scrimmage yards in a single season with 2,509 as well, Johnson notably rushed for more than 1,000 yards in all six of his seasons with the Titans. He also reached three Pro Bowls and was selected to one All-Pro team between 2008 and 2013.
4. Jeff Fisher, Head Coach (1995 – 2010)
The first-ever head coach in the history of the Tennessee Titans, Jeff Fisher's stay with the franchise last a total of 15 years. Despite the fact that the organization relocated and undertook three different names under Fisher's direction, he was the stability that the team needed.
Wasting absolutely no time whatsoever, Fisher helped lead the Titans to the Super Bowl in 1999 while ultimately leading the franchise to a total of six postseason appearances. During his time along the sideline for the Titans, Fisher coached a league MVP, two Offensive Rookie of the Year Award winners, a Defensive Rookie of the Year, and an Offensive Player of the Year. Fisher led the Oilers and Titans to 142 regular-season wins alongside five postseason victories.
5. Keith Bulluck, Linebacker (2000 – 2009)
A defensive staple, a leader both on and off the field and captain of the current AFC South franchise for a memorable decade that featured tons of winning and some of the best memories in the organization's history, linebacker Keith Bulluck is arguably the best defensive player in the history of the Tennessee Titans.
Tabbed as “Mr. Monday Night” after an all-time, three-interception performance on Monday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints in 2007, Bulluck ultimately led the NFL in tackles once, reached one Pro Bowl, and earned an All-Pro nod for the Titans while leading Tennessee to five postseason appearances. The only Tennessee Titans player that can really rival Bulluck in terms of an all-time defender is former defensive end, Jevon Kearse.
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