Tennessee Titans: 2025 Roster, Players, Schedule, Super Bowl Wins, and More

The Tennessee Titans originated as the Houston Oilers, founded in 1960 by Bud Adams. Based in Houston, Texas, the Oilers enjoyed early success, capturing two AFL championships before the historic AFL-NFL merger in 1970. In 1997, the franchise relocated to Tennessee and officially rebranded as the Tennessee Titans ahead of the 1999 season.

The Titans made one successful chip campaign for Super Bowl XXXIV where they fell to the St. Louis Rams 23-16. Moreover, they continued to gain compound success by making the Playoffs in all but one season from 1999 to 2003. However, the club has struggled since then, making the Playoffs only twice in the next 13 seasons.

Over the last 4 seasons, beginning in 2016, the Tennessee Titans have seemingly found their footing once again. They managed to put together 4 consecutive winning seasons and made the Playoffs twice in that time period. Not to mention, their 4 straight winning seasons are the most since they were under the mantle of the Houston Oilers from their early days.

Overview of the Tennessee Titans

Historical Background of the Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans franchise traces its origins to 1960, when it was established as the Houston Oilers by oil tycoon Bud Adams. The team was a founding member of the American Football League (AFL) and quickly found success, winning the league’s first two championships in 1960 and 1961. The Oilers remained competitive throughout the AFL's existence and joined the National Football League (NFL) following the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, the Oilers were known for their high-powered offense, especially during the "Run and Shoot" era led by quarterback Warren Moon. However, despite several playoff appearances, the team failed to reach the Super Bowl.

In 1997, amid stadium disputes and financial challenges in Houston, the franchise relocated to Tennessee, initially playing in Memphis before settling in Nashville. For two seasons (1997–1998), the team was known as the Tennessee Oilers before officially adopting the name Tennessee Titans in 1999.

The name change coincided with a remarkable season: the Titans finished 13–3 and made it to Super Bowl XXXIV, narrowly losing to the St. Louis Rams in what became known as the “One Yard Short” game. Since then, the Titans have had a mixed history of success, including multiple playoff runs, division titles, and a trip to the AFC Championship Game in 2019.

The Titans are known for their resilient play style, passionate fan base, and strong identity rooted in both Houston and Tennessee football traditions.

Notable Milestones and Achievements

• Founded in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL), the franchise began as the Houston Oilers. They moved to Tennessee in 1997, played two seasons as the Tennessee Oilers, and became the Tennessee Titans in 1999.
• Claimed AFL Championships in 1960 and 1961, led by head coach Wally Lemm and Hall of Fame quarterback George Blanda. These remain the franchise’s only league titles to date.
• Made their first and only Super Bowl appearance in the 1999 season (Super Bowl XXXIV), under head coach Jeff Fisher and quarterback Steve McNair. The Titans lost to the St. Louis Rams in a dramatic finish, coming up just one yard short of a potential game-tying touchdown.
• Advanced to the AFC Championship Game in the 2002 season, powered by stars like Steve McNair and Eddie George, solidifying themselves as perennial playoff contenders in the early 2000s.
• In 2009, running back Chris Johnson rushed for 2,006 yards, becoming only the sixth player in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 yards in a season. He earned Offensive Player of the Year honors and gained fame as “CJ2K.”
• Returned to prominence in the late 2010s under head coach Mike Vrabel, highlighted by a deep playoff run in the 2019 season, which included road wins against the Patriots and Ravens, and a trip to the AFC Championship Game.
• Derrick Henry led the NFL in rushing yards in 2019 and 2020, joining the exclusive 2,000-yard club in 2020 and winning Offensive Player of the Year. His bruising running style redefined the team’s offensive identity.
• Captured AFC South division titles in 2002, 2008, and 2020, consistently competing with a foundation of physical defense and elite rushing attacks.
• Known for iconic defenders like Jevon Kearse, Albert Haynesworth, Keith Bulluck, and Kevin Byard, the Titans have fielded tough, disruptive defensive units across multiple eras.

As of the 2025 season, the Titans are ushering in a new era under head coach Brian Callahan and quarterback Will Levis, with hopes of combining their historical toughness with a modern, dynamic offense.

Major Rivalries of the Tennessee Titans

Indianapolis Colts

The Titans-Colts rivalry is one of the most heated in the AFC South, forged through decades of high-stakes matchups dating back to the Titans’ early years as the Houston Oilers. The Colts, led for years by Peyton Manning and later Andrew Luck, dominated the rivalry early, but the tide began to turn in the 2010s. Under head coach Mike Vrabel, the Titans have steadily closed the gap, fueled by fierce defensive play and a punishing ground game. With both franchises undergoing roster transitions in 2025, the rivalry is set for another intense chapter as they battle for division supremacy.

Houston Texans

This rivalry carries a unique emotional charge, as the Titans were formerly the Houston Oilers before relocating to Tennessee. Since the Texans' inception in 2002, the matchups have carried both regional significance and historical undertones. The teams have split the series fairly evenly in recent years, with games often featuring physical football and emotional flare-ups. The 2023 season’s dramatic overtime finish in Houston reignited the rivalry, and both fanbases circle these matchups each year with special anticipation.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Titans and Jaguars have been divisional rivals since the AFC South was formed in 2002, but their bad blood dates back to the late '90s when the Titans swept the Jaguars in the 1999 season—including a victory in the AFC Championship Game. That dominance gave Tennessee an early psychological edge, though Jacksonville has mounted a resurgence in recent years. The 2022 and 2023 seasons saw back-and-forth battles, with playoff implications and young stars like Trevor Lawrence and Will Levis driving the narrative forward.

Baltimore Ravens

Though not divisional foes, the Titans and Ravens share a fierce playoff-fueled rivalry dating back to the late 1990s. Physical, defensive slugfests defined their early matchups, including several playoff showdowns. In recent years, the animosity has been reignited, particularly during the 2019 and 2020 postseason, when the teams exchanged playoff upsets. The rivalry is steeped in mutual disdain and hard-nosed football, and every meeting feels like a spiritual battle echoing the league's tougher era.

New England Patriots

The Titans and Patriots share a compelling rivalry shaped by pivotal postseason clashes. Most notably, Tennessee stunned Tom Brady and the Patriots in the 2019 AFC Wild Card Round—a symbolic end to New England’s dynasty era. Longtime ties between head coach Mike Vrabel (a former Patriot) and Bill Belichick have added further intrigue, with each meeting feeling like a chess match between mentor and protégé. Even as the Patriots rebuild and the Titans reshape their roster, the rivalry remains intense and respected.

Major Contracts of the Tennessee Titans in 2025

As the Titans enter the 2025 season under new leadership and with a retooled roster, the front office has focused on youth, strategic free-agent signings, and foundational contract extensions. Here’s a breakdown of the Titans’ most significant financial commitments this season:

1. Jeffery Simmons (Defensive Tackle) Simmons is in the second year of a four-year, $94 million extension signed in 2023. A two-time Pro Bowler and the anchor of Tennessee’s defensive line, Simmons is a cornerstone of the franchise’s identity and remains one of the highest-paid interior defenders in the NFL.
2. Harold Landry III (Edge Rusher) Landry signed a five-year, $87.5 million deal in 2022 and is entering year four. Despite recovering from an ACL injury that kept him out of the 2022 season, he’s returned to form as a key edge presence in Tennessee’s defensive scheme.
3. Will Levis (Quarterback) The Titans’ second-round pick in 2023 is entering year three of his rookie contract (four years, $9.5 million). After showing flashes of promise in 2024, Levis is now expected to lead the team full-time under center, with the franchise closely watching his development.
4. Calvin Ridley (Wide Receiver) Ridley joined the Titans in 2024 on a four-year, $92 million deal to provide an explosive vertical threat. The Titans are counting on Ridley to form a lethal tandem with 2023 breakout star DeAndre Hopkins, giving Will Levis a dynamic receiving corps.
5. DeAndre Hopkins (Wide Receiver) Hopkins enters the final year of his two-year, $26 million contract signed in 2023. Though no longer in his prime, he remains a reliable target and veteran leader. The Titans may explore an extension depending on his 2025 production.
6. Peter Skoronski (Offensive Guard) The 2023 first-round pick is in year three of his four-year, $15.3 million rookie deal. Skoronski has become a steady presence on the offensive line and is a key part of Tennessee’s efforts to protect Levis and establish a consistent run game.
7. Tyjae Spears (Running Back) Spears enters the third year of his rookie deal (four years, $5.3 million) and is expected to take on a larger role following the departure of Derrick Henry. His explosiveness and pass-catching ability make him central to the Titans’ new offensive approach.
8. L’Jarius Sneed (Cornerback) Acquired in a blockbuster trade with Kansas City, Sneed signed a four-year, $76 million contract with Tennessee in 2024. As a lockdown corner, he immediately boosts a secondary that had struggled in recent seasons.
9. Treylon Burks (Wide Receiver) The 2022 first-round pick is under a four-year, $14.3 million deal and enters a pivotal season. Injuries have slowed his early career, but the Titans still hope he can emerge as a top option in the passing game alongside Ridley and Hopkins.
10. Chidobe Awuzie (Cornerback) Signed in 2024 to a three-year, $21 million deal, Awuzie brings veteran experience and depth to Tennessee’s revamped secondary, complementing Sneed on the outside.
11. Andre Dillard (Offensive Tackle) Dillard is entering the second year of his three-year, $29 million deal signed in 2024. After an up-and-down debut season, he’ll be under pressure to solidify the left tackle spot and justify the investment.
12. Nick Folk (Kicker)The veteran kicker remains on a one-year deal worth $2.5 million for 2025, offering stability in the special teams unit. Folk was near-perfect in 2024 and remains a trusted weapon in close games.

Notable Coaches and Players

• Wally Lemm (1961, 1966–1970) – Coached the franchise to back-to-back AFL Championships in 1960 and 1961. Known for his calm leadership and adaptability.
• Jeff Fisher (1994–2010) – The longest-tenured coach in franchise history. Led the Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV, multiple playoff appearances, and an identity built on toughness and discipline.
• Mike Munchak (2011–2013) – A Hall of Fame lineman who transitioned to head coach. Oversaw a rebuilding period and remained a respected figure in the organization.
• Mike Vrabel (2018–2023) – A former NFL linebacker who brought a no-nonsense, physical approach to the Titans. Guided the team to the 2020 AFC South title and a 2019 AFC Championship Game appearance.
• Brian Callahan (2024–Present) – A young offensive mind with experience developing quarterbacks. Hired to modernize the offense and help elevate the Titans into long-term contention.
• George Blanda (QB/K, 1960–1966) – A legendary figure in football history. Helped win the team’s two AFL titles and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981.
• Earl Campbell (RB, 1978–1984) – A bruising, dominant rusher and 1979 NFL MVP. Known for his physical style and unmatched strength. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
• Steve McNair (QB, 1995–2005) – Co-MVP of the NFL in 2003. Led the Titans to their only Super Bowl and was beloved for his toughness and leadership. One of the franchise’s most iconic players.
• Eddie George (RB, 1996–2003) – A durable and productive workhorse back. Four-time Pro Bowler who played a key role in the team’s success in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
• Chris Johnson (RB, 2008–2013) – Known as “CJ2K,” he was one of the fastest players in NFL history. His 2,006-yard season in 2009 is one of the most memorable in league history.
• Jevon Kearse (DE, 1999–2003, 2008–2009) – Nicknamed “The Freak” for his incredible athleticism. Set a rookie record for sacks (14.5) and became the face of the Titans’ defense.
• Derrick Henry (RB, 2016–Present) – A two-time rushing champion and 2020 Offensive Player of the Year. Known for his size, speed, and stiff-arm highlights, Henry has been the engine of the Titans’ offense.
• Keith Bulluck (LB, 2000–2009) – A consistent tackling machine and defensive leader. Anchored the Titans’ linebacker corps for a decade.
• Kevin Byard (S, 2016–2023) – One of the NFL’s premier safeties during his time in Tennessee. Known for his ball-hawking ability and leadership on and off the field.
• Will Levis (QB, 2023–Present) – Viewed as the franchise’s next cornerstone at quarterback. Entering 2025 as the projected starter with strong arm talent and high upside.

Who Are the Starters for the 2025 Season?

Offense

• Quarterback: Will Levis 
• Running Back: Tony Pollard
• Wide Receiver 1: DeAndre Hopkins
• Wide Receiver 2: Treylon Burks
• Slot Receiver: Tyler Boyd
• Tight End: Chigoziem Okonkwo
• Left Tackle: Nicholas Petit-Frere
• Left Guard: Peter Skoronski
• Center: Lloyd Cushenberry
• Right Guard: Daniel Brunskill
• Right Tackle: Jaelyn Duncan

Defense

• Left Defensive End: Denico Autry
• Defensive Tackle 1: Jeffery Simmons
• Defensive Tackle 2: T'Vondre Sweat (Rookie)
• Right Defensive End: Harold Landry III
• Outside Linebacker (SAM): Rashad Weaver
• Middle Linebacker (MIKE): Jack Gibbens
• Weakside Linebacker (WILL): Kenneth Murray
• Cornerback 1: L’Jarius Sneed
• Cornerback 2: Roger McCreary
• Free Safety: Elijah Molden
• Strong Safety: Amani Hooker

Special Teams

• Kicker: Nick Folk
• Punter: Ryan Stonehouse
• Long Snapper: Morgan Cox
• Kick Returner: Tyjae Spears
• Punt Returner: Kyle Philips

The Schedule of the Tennessee Titans in 2025

Home Games (Nissan Stadium)

• Indianapolis Colts
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Houston Texans
• Buffalo Bills
• Miami Dolphins
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Washington Commanders
• Green Bay Packers
• Kansas City Chiefs

Away Games

• Indianapolis Colts
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Houston Texans
• New York Jets
• New England Patriots
• Detroit Lions
• Minnesota Vikings
• Denver Broncos