Titans Sign Linebacker Dylan Cole, Defensive Lineman Kyle Peko

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Nissan Stadium. Photo: Donald Page/Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans made a string of roster moves early this week, including signing linebacker Dylan Cole and defensive lineman Kyle Peko.

Cole, who was originally on the Titan’s practice squad, forced a fumble on a kickoff in the team’s win over the Saints this past Sunday (Nov. 14). The 6-foot, 237-pounder appeared in 37 regular season games with one start and recorded 67 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, one touchdown, five tackles for loss and one fumble recovery in four years with Houston (’17-’20). Cole originally entered the NFL after signing with Houston as an undrafted college free agent in 2017.

Peko was also on the practice squad but was elevated to active for last Sunday’s game. He recorded two tackles after being a game day elevation. Peko also spent training camp with the team. Formerly with the Broncos and Bills, he has played in 14 games during his career. He opted out of the 2020 season during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Along with the two signings, the Titans have activated outside linebacker Derick Roberson from Injured Reserve. Roberson is in his third NFL season and will help add defensive depth heading into the upcoming game against the Texans. Roberson played in the season opener against Cardinals, but hasn’t played since. He was placed on IR before the team’s Oct. 3 game against the Jets.

Tennessee also signed offensive lineman Bobby Hart and defensive lineman Amani Bledsoe to the team’s practice squad. Both players were waived from the active roster on Tuesday (Nov. 16). Receiver Cody Hollister was also signed to the practice squad. The Titans moved tight end Tommy Hudson to the team’s “Designated for Return from Injured Reserve” list.

Darius Rucker Partners With Fanatics, NFL To Launch Apparel Line

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Award-winning country artist Darius Rucker has partnered with Fanatics and the NFL to launch NFL x Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics, inspired by Rucker’s love of music, football and fashion.

“I’ve been a huge NFL fan my entire life, so it’s a dream come true to see my logo right next to the NFL logo on these items,” says Rucker. “It has been a blast working with two great partners, Fanatics and the NFL, to make this project a reality. I’m so proud of the products we’ve created, and I can’t wait to see fans enjoying this collection throughout the rest of the season and for years to come.”

The collection is on sale now and features premium items for all 32 NFL teams including t-shirts, fleece, outerwear, sweats and more.

“Sports and entertainment have incredible crossover appeal, and this is a great example of incorporating the worlds of pop culture and music into our business,” says Vicky Picca, Fanatics SVP of Business Affairs. “Teaming up with multi-Platinum music icon Darius Rucker and our partners at the NFL has allowed us to do that through this unique, quality assortment of NFL fan gear for all 32 teams.”

The official launch of the line follows Rucker’s announcement of his 2022 tour, Darius Rucker Live, which will visit venues across the country starting early next year. He is also actively working on his next solo album, featuring current single “My Masterpiece” and recent No. 1 hit “Beers and Sunshine.”

Titans Make Roster Moves, Sign Cornerback Chris Jones

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Photo: Alison P. McNabb/Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans made a string of roster moves this week, including releasing wide receiver Josh Reynolds and signing cornerback Chris Jones.

Jones has been on the practice squad since the beginning of the season and has played in two games. He played 28 snaps on defense against the Rams and he was credited with a tackle. The Titans signed Jones as a free agent during the 2021 offseason. He spent time with the Lions (2018, 2020), Cardinals (2018-2020) and Vikings (2020) prior to arriving in Tennessee, totaling 22 games played and six starts.

On Tuesday (Nov. 9), the Titans shared that they had dropped Reynolds along with defensive back Breon Borders. Reynolds signed this offseason after playing his first four NFL seasons with the Rams. Overall, the wide receiver played in just five games for the Titans this season. Reynolds tallied 10 catches for 90 yards in those contests.

Borders, meanwhile, played in nine games for the Titans this season. He played just eight snaps–all on special teams–in the team’s win over the Rams on Sunday (Nov. 7).

On Wednesday, Tennessee moved cornerback Kristian Fulton to the team’s “Designated for Return from Injured Reserve” list. This designation opens up a 21-day window for Fulton to practice with the team, and he will not count against the team’s 53-man roster until being activated from Injured Reserve.

The Titans also made some additions to the practice squad, signing former Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan to the team’s practice squad to replace Matt Barkley. The team also signed former Tennessee State receiver Chris Rowland to the practice squad.

Tennessee returns to Nissan Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 14 when the host the New Orleans Saints. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. CT.

Former Titan Chris Johnson Joins BetMGM As Brand Ambassador

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Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson has signed with BetMGM to become its newest brand ambassador. He will be featured in upcoming marketing campaigns, promotions, social media content and fan events.

“I’m excited to join the BetMGM team and to have a new platform to engage with CJ2K fans around the country.,” says Johnson. “BetMGM is at the forefront of the excitement surrounding sports betting and is a perfect fit for me to get involved in this rapidly growing industry.”

Over the course of 10 NFL seasons, Johnson was one of the league’s most prolific running backs. He earned the nickname “CJ2K” in 2009 when he rushed for 2,006 yards for the Titans, making him one of eight players in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 rushing yards in a single season.

Johnson spent seven seasons with the Titans where was named to three Pro Bowls and 2009 Offensive Player of the Year. He rushed for over 7,965 yards during his tenure in Tennessee.

“Throughout his career, Chris Johnson thrilled fans with his performance on the football field, week in and week out,” says Matt Prevost, BetMGM Chief Revenue Officer. “As we continue to expand BetMGM’s presence in Arizona and Tennessee, Chris will play a key role in helping us provide new and engaging experiences for our customers.”

As BetMGM continues to expand into new jurisdictions, responsible gaming education remains a key focus. BetMGM readily provides resources to help customers play responsibly.

The NFL & Aristocrat Gaming Unveil Exclusive Slot Machine Licensing Agreement

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The National Football League and Aristocrat Gaming have announced an exclusive multi-year slot machine licensing agreement. Aristocrat will have an exclusive global license to build land-based NFL-themed slot machines as well as a non-exclusive license for virtual sports games, marking the first deal of its kind for the NFL.

The partnership will provide the NFL an opportunity to further drive fan engagement through a new gaming experience. The NFL-themed slot machines, which will offer fans the ability to customize their experiences based on their favorite teams, are expected to hit casino floors during the 2023 NFL season.

“The world of casino gaming is transforming, and the NFL is thrilled to be teaming up with industry leader, Aristocrat Gaming, with their proven track record in slot machine innovation and commitment to responsible gaming,” says Rachel Hoagland, Vice President, Gaming and Partnership Management, NFL. “Today’s slot machines offer engaging experiences akin to popular video game consoles that our fans adore, and we believe with Aristocrat’s vision, we can bring that exciting gaming experience to fans on the casino floor looking to show their love of football.”

Aristocrat Technologies Inc. is a subsidiary of Aristocrat Leisure Limited, a global games leader with more than 6,500 employees. The company is licensed in over 300 gaming jurisdictions, operates in more than 90 countries, and offers a blend of products and services. The company is the leading designer, manufacturer, and distributor of Class III games as well as Class II Innovations for Native American casinos and emerging markets.

“At Aristocrat, we are changing the game. In that spirit, we are thrilled to enter this agreement with the NFL, whose similar mission made this a natural partnership,” says Hector Fernandez, President of Aristocrat Americas and EMEA. “Fans worldwide love watching the NFL, and casino players worldwide enjoy Aristocrat games. This agreement presents a new opportunity to reach tens of millions of NFL and Aristocrat fans with exciting new entertainment options on the casino floor and beyond.”

The NFL recently announced the launch of an extensive, integrated league-wide responsible betting public awareness program. For more information about responsible betting tools and resources, visit responsibleplay.org.

Titans Sign Former MVP Running Back Adrian Peterson

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The Titans have officially signed veteran running back and former NFL MVP Adrian Peterson the the team’s practice squad. The signing comes just a day after Tennessee placed Derrick Henry in IR for foot surgery.

Peterson, considered one of the greatest running backs of all time, played in 16 games for the Detroit Lions in 2020 with 10 starts. He rushed for 604 yards and seven touchdowns on 156 carries with the Lions–an average of 3.9 yards per carry.

Peterson, 36, has 14,820 total rushing yards in his 14-year career, which is just 449 behind Barry Sanders for fourth-most all time.

A first-round pick of the Vikings in the 2007 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma, Peterson has played with the Vikings (2007-2016), Saints (2017), Cardinals (2017), and the Redskins (2018-19) in his career, in addition to his one-year stint with the Lions. A seven-time Pro Bowler, Peterson was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2012 and led the NFL in rushing in three separate seasons (2008, 2012, 2015).

Along with Peterson, the Titans have also added running back D’Onta Foreman to the team’s practice squad. Additions on defense have also been made as the team has signed defensive back Nate Brooks and defensive lineman Niles Scott to the team’s practice squad.

Foreman rejoins the Titans after spending the 2020 season with the team. A third-round draft pick of the Houston Texans in the 2017 NFL Draft, Foreman has spent time with the Texans (2017-19), Colts (2019), Titans (2020) and Falcons (2021) during his career.

Titan’s Running Back Derrick Henry To Have Foot Surgery

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Derrick Henry. Photo: Donald Page/Tennessee Titans

After a huge division win against the Colts on Sunday, Oct. 31, the Titans announced that running back Derrick Henry is set to undergo foot surgery on Tuesday, Nov. 2. There is no timetable for when he will return, but is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

“Derrick is going to have surgery in the morning,” said head coach Mike Vrabel at a press conference on Monday. “We are not going to put a timeline on when he may return. I know that he’ll do everything that he can to work himself back, to be able to help this football team. And whenever that is, that’s when it will be.”

So far this season, Henry has totaled 937 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns on 219 attempts, along with 18 receptions for 154 yards to give him a total of 1,091 scrimmage yards. Last season he tallied 2,027 rushing yards, earning his second rushing title of his career.

“I know that Derrick will be around our team as soon as he can,” Vrabel said. “I know that is important to him, and I know that will be important to our team… We’ll have to move on unfortunately without him in the short term and not look back.”

The Titans currently have three running backs on its roster: Jeremy McNichols, who is on the active roster, and practice squad running backs Dontrell Hilliard and Mekhi Sargent.

“Since [Jeremy’s] been here, whether that is on the active roster or the practice squad, he has always just done what the team needed him to do–special teams, run the football, protect,” Vrabel said. “He has a certain level of toughness that we respect. He has done a nice job in protection and he has done a nice job in the screen game, so we have confidence in him.”

The Titans are set to take in the red hot Los Angeles Rams in LA on Sunday, Nov. 7. The Rams have bulked up its defense by trading for Super Bowl L MVP Von Miller.

College Corner: Music City Bowl, UT’s Brad Roll, MTSU Basketball Mask Requirements

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Tickets For The TransPerfect Music City Bowl On Sale Now

Tickets for the 2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl are on sale now. The postseason game will be hosted at Nissan Stadium between a team from the Southeastern Conference and the Big 10 on Dec. 30.

This is the first Music City Bowl since 2019 after last year’s game between Iowa and Missouri was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The bowl game has been hosted annually since 1998 in Nashville at Vanderbilt Stadium prior to the opening of Nissan Stadium.

The Music City Bowl has contributed $34 million in financial payouts to participating universities and has generated more than $290 million in economic impact for the Nashville community, according to the TransPerfect Music City Bowl website.

Since its inception, as many as 1,162,197 fans have attended the Music City Bowl and over 95 million people have tuned into to watch the game on TV.

 

Tennessee’s Brad Roll Donates $250,000 For Postgrad Endowment

Tennessee Assistant Director of Olympic Sports Performance Brad Roll is making a $250,000 donation to endow a postgraduate scholarship in UT’s Haslam College of Business. Coupled with a grant from the Haslam family that will match Roll’s donation, The Brad Roll Business Scholarship Endowment—established in memory of his mentor, Bob Slater—will grow to $500,000 by 2026.

“It’s been energizing to spend time around our teams,” says Roll. “They have an incredible drive to achieve excellence. I hope this gesture inspires them to continue winning in competition and in life.”

Roll, 63, has been a member of Tennessee’s Sports Performance staff since 2016. He trains the volleyball and men’s tennis programs while also serving as a performance analyst for all UT Olympic sports.

“UT recruits top student-athletes from all over the world,” says Dean of UT’s Haslam College of Business Stephen Mangum. “Offering scholarship opportunities to pursue graduate business degrees from Haslam is an investment that will benefit both the student-athletes and all Tennesseans. Coach Roll’s generous gift is an example of the great things that happen when athletics and academics work together to provide the best possible experience for today’s athletes and tomorrow’s business leaders.”

For over four decades, Roll has made an impact through sport by challenging athletes to pursue peak performance in competition. Now, through The Brad Roll Business Scholarship Endowment, Roll can challenge and inspire Tennessee student-athletes to continue their pursuit of excellence through postgraduate academic achievement.

 

 

MTSU Not Requiring Masks For Basketball Games At Murphy’s Center

Middle Tennessee State University is welcoming back fans at full capacity to Murphy Center for the 2021-22 basketball season.

This season, masks will not be required to be worn during games, but the university still strongly encourage its fans to do so when not actively eating or drinking. This does not apply to children under 2 years old and younger.

Last season, the Blue Raiders played in an empty Murphy Arena for the first two weeks of the season before opening up to fans at a limited capacity.

The Blue Raiders men’s and women’s basketball seasons both begin on Nov. 9 in Murfreesboro as the men face Brescia University at 5 p.m. and the women take on East Carolina at 7:30 p.m.