Former Titans GM Floyd Reese Passes Away At 73

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Floyd Reese. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

Former Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers coach and general manager Floyd Reese passed away Saturday at the age of 79 after a battle with cancer.

Reese is the most successful GM in this history of the organization, building the Titans team that would eventually make its way to the Super Bowl in 1999. His leadership helped pave the way for a memorable run of success for the Titans once the team moved from Houston to Tennessee. During his tenure with the organization, the team advanced to the playoffs 11 times. As General Manager (1994-2006), he tallied 111 wins (106 regular season/5 postseason) and the Titans advanced to two AFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl (XXXIV).

During his tenure, he was responsible for hiring coach Jeff Fisher and drafting players Steve McNair, Eddie George, Derrick Mason, Jevon Kearse and other Titans greats.

“This is a sad day for our Titans family,” says Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk in a statement. “I would like to send along my deepest condolences to Floyd’s wife, Sally, to his children, grandchildren and extended family. Floyd spent over two decades with our franchise in a variety of roles–position coach, assistant general manager and ultimately, general manager–and he excelled at all of them. As general manager, he built a team that saw sustained success and helped guide our franchise in the toughest of times and the highest moments. His keen eye for talent led him to some of the best players in our team’s history, which led the team to some of our greatest accomplishments. We look forward to remembering and honoring his legacy this season as he is formally inducted into our Ring of Honor.”

Reese joined 102.5 The Game in April of 2015 before retiring in December of 2020. He spent the last four-plus years of his on-air time alongside Jared Stillman on “Jared & The GM”, weekday afternoons from 2-6 p.m.. Reese was also a fixture on the station’s “NFL Pregame” show prior to Tennessee Titans games, alongside Stillman and former receiver Chris Sanders.

Prior to his time with the Titans, Reese was an All-America defensive lineman at UCLA (1966-69), Reese played one season with the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League before entering the coaching ranks. He began his coaching career at Liberty Union High in Brentwood, California, before returning to his alma mater in Westwood as an assistant coach in 1971. Reese spent three seasons at UCLA before moving to Georgia Tech in 1974.

Reese entered the NFL in 1975, serving as the strength and conditioning coach for the Detroit Lions. Reese then joined the San Francisco 49ers for one season (1978), before joining Bud Grant’s staff as linebackers and special teams coach for the Minnesota Vikings in 1979. He served that role until 1984 when he was elevated to Defensive Coordinator. He tutored the linebackers for one season prior to joining the Oilers.

In 1986, Reese began his long association with the Titans/Oilers, where he would eventually help put the team on a national stage during a memorable period long-time fans will never forget.

Reese was set to be inducted into the Titans Ring of Honor later this year along with former head coaches Fisher and O.A “Bum” Phillips.

He is survived by his wife Sally, sons Jeremy and Sean, and four grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Tennessee Titans Sign Safety Jamal Carter

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Photo: By Alison P. McNabb/Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms with safety Jamal Carter. Carter has been in the league for four years and has played for the Denver Broncos, the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals.

Carter played at the University of Miami (Fla.) and went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. At Miami he played in 50 games–starting in 15, and accumulated 165 tackles, two interceptions, and 10 passed defended. He singed with the Broncos as an undrafted free-agent and played in 16 games for the team in 2017, where he tallied 11 tackles and one pass defensed while playing primarily on special teams. He finished his rookie season with 11 combined tackles and one pass deflection in 16 games, none of which he started in. Carter spent the 2018 season on Injured Reserve.

Carter spent the past two seasons with the Falcons, where he played in 11 games in 2019 and one game in 2020. Carter signed a futures contract with the Cardinals earlier this year, but he was waived on Aug. 10.

Titans Sign Safeties Tedric Thompson, Reggie Floyd Ahead Of First Preseason Game

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Photo: By Alison P. McNabb/Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms with safeties Tedric Thompson and Reggie Floyd ahead of their first preseason game against Atlanta tonight (Aug. 13). Along with these signings, the Titans have waived receiver and Vanderbilt standout Kalija Lipscomb and offensive lineman Adam Coon.

Thompson was a fourth-round pick by Seattle back in the 2017 NFL Draft and has spent time with the Seahawks, Chiefs, Browns, and Broncos. He’s played in 37 career games with 16 starts, and has recorded 91 tackles, three interceptions, and five passes defended. Thompson played in eight games with the Chiefs in 2020, picking up 13 tackles. He spent the final part of last season with the Browns after being released by Kansas City.

Floyd was signed undrafted by the Cardinals from Virginia Tech following the 2020 NFL Draft, but was later released. Floyd played in 51 career games at Virginia Tech, making 36 starts. He racked up 230 career tackles, including 14 for yard loss. He also picked off five passes and forced two fumbles.

Tonight’s first preseason game against Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium won’t feature starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, according to the Titans. Back-up QB Logan Woodside will start the game with newly signed Matt Barkley most likely taking over in the second half. Additionally, Derrick Henry nor 2021 first-round Draft pick Caleb Farley will play tonight, according to head coach Mike Vrabel.

Universities of Tennessee, Pittsburgh To Honor Coach Johnny Majors

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The Universities of Tennessee and Pittsburgh will pay tribute to a shared gridiron icon as the two programs announced the game’s designation as the Johnny Majors Classic, named in honor of the late legendary head coach and player.

“Honoring Johnny Majors in this way creates another really special and unique element to an already-special season as we celebrate Neyland Stadium’s centennial,” says Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. “I appreciate Pittsburgh’s partnership on this. It will be a memorable day for the Majors family as well as fans of both schools who appreciate Johnny Majors’ hall of fame legacy.”

The first meeting between the two teams since 1983 will celebrate Majors’ legacy with in-game festivities. In addition, Johnny Majors Classic apparel will be available for purchase. The two programs will reciprocate the event on Sept. 10, 2022, when they meet at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

“We are honored to join the University of Tennessee in celebrating the life of Coach Johnny Majors,” says Pitt Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. “Beyond the victories, Coach Majors made such a huge impact on the lives of his players. That’s his greatest legacy and the University of Pittsburgh is incredibly proud to be part of it. We look forward to being with the Majors family when we visit in September.”

Majors, who passed away in Knoxville on June 3, 2020 at the age of 85, served two tenures as head coach at Pitt from 1973-76 and 1993-96. He spent 16 seasons as head coach of his alma mater of Tennessee from 1977-92. In total, he produced a 185-137-10 record in 29 seasons of coaching.

“Coach Majors was synonymous with Tennessee football and that has become even more apparent to me in my short time in Knoxville,” says Tennessee Head Coach Josh Heupel. “It’s only appropriate that the two programs he impacted the most will honor him with a game in his namesake, and we are proud to take part in it.”

A 1987 inductee of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame as a player, Majors starred for the Volunteers from 1954-56. His No. 45 was retired by his alma mater in 2012—one of only eight to earn that distinction. He earned both SEC Player of the Year honors and All-SEC selection at tailback twice–in 1955 and 1956. He finished his Tennessee playing career with 1,622 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 387 carries while also completing 54.1 percent of his passes (80 for 148) for 1,135 yards and 11 scores. He rushed for 549 yards and seven touchdowns on 108 carries in 1956. A unanimous All-American in 1956, he finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting after leading the Vols to a 10-1 record, an appearance in the Sugar Bowl, and a No. 2 final ranking.

“This is an incredibly fitting tribute for Coach Majors, a true coaching legend who made such a lasting impact at both Pitt and Tennessee,” says Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi. “Every time I walk past our national championship display, I’m reminded—and inspired—by his legacy. He set high standards on and off the field during his incredible career.”

Majors’ list of coaching honors is extensive and includes the Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award, the AFCA Coach of the Year Award, the Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year Award, and an SEC Coach of the Year Award. Majors also orchestrated one of the most dramatic turnarounds in college football history in leading Pitt to the 1976 national championship. His first prize recruit—Tony Dorsett—had a spectacular career at Pitt, which included being honored with college football’s most treasured award, the Heisman Trophy.

Majors spearheaded Tennessee to back-to-back SEC championships in 1989 and 1990. The 1989 season saw his squad reel off six consecutive wins to end the year, highlighted by a 31-27 win over No. 10 Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl, which propelled the Vols to a No. 5 ranking in the final Associated Press poll.

Fans Invited To Attend Tennessee Titans Open Practice

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Photo: By Donald Page/Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans will be hosting an open practice at Nissan Stadium on Monday, Aug. 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT.

“With construction at Saint Thomas Sports Park and a jam-packed events calendar at Nissan Stadium leading up to our first home preseason game, we were hard-pressed to find a date that could work to bring fans out for an open practice,” says Titans Sr. Vice President, Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer Gil Beverly. “Thankfully, we were able to collaborate with some of our visiting events and come up with a window where we could give fans the opportunity they deserve.”

The open practice, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, will feature interactive games and giveaways, entertainment, and interviews with players and coaches. While the event is free, fans will be required to claim a free ticket and show the digital ticket to gain entrance to Nissan Stadium.

Gates will open at 4 p.m. with further details on parking and entry procedures to be released at a later date. Concessions will be open and all standard stadium policies apply.

The Titans will return to Nissan Stadium for the first preseason home game on Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. against the Chicago Bears.

Tennessee Titans’ Taylor Lewan, FGL’s Tyler Hubbard Host Together: Feeding Nashville

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Pictured: Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley And Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Spencer Combs

Artists Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, and more were the first artists to perform at the brand new FirstBank Amphitheater near Franklin, Tennessee.

The group came together to put on Together: Feeding Nashville, which benefited the nonprofit Feeding Nashville, formed by Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and his wife Hayley alongside Tennessee Titans’ Taylor Lewan and his wife Taylin to raise awareness and funds to combat local food insecurity. Net ticket proceeds as well as other event revenue and donations directly impacted the important cause with a total of over $450,000 raised.

Pictured: Thomas Rhett. Photo: Spencer Combs

The beautiful new Tennessee venue, located inside the 138-acre Graystone Quarry in Thompson’s Station at the southern border of Franklin, was the perfect spot for a benefit show giving back to Tennesseans. Intense traffic, however, put somewhat of a damper on the night, causing many show-goers and performers to arrive late. In a social media post, the venue address this problem saying “the traffic issues experienced are not at all what [they] planned with local authorities and parking experts,” and that they are “working tirelessly” to correct it.

But once inside the quarry, the show, hosted by FGL’s Hubbard and Brian Kelley, was a warm reception. The sets rotated, with FGL playing some of their hits before turning it over to another artist for a few songs, and doing a few collaboration performances with their guests.

Rising country artist Lily Rose was the very first artist to perform on the FirstBank Amphitheater stage. The charming singer-songwriter performed her breakout single, “Villian,” along with her newer releases “Know My Way Around” and “Remind Me Of You.” “This is pretty wild, I’m not gonna lie,” she said of being the first to grace the venue’s stage.

After kicking things off with “I Love My Country” and “This Is How We Roll,” FGL invited an energized Russell Dickerson out. He rocked out on his up-beat “Every Little Thing,” “Home Sweet” and “Blue Tacoma,” and played what he has dubbed his “COVID song,” his most recent No. 1 “Love You Like I Used To.”

FGL returned for another sampling of some of their biggest hits, including “Confession,” “May We All,” and their most recent No. 1 “Long Live.” The duo took a minute to recognize the honor of breaking in a new middle Tennessee venue when they reverently performed one of their best, “Dirt.” “What an honor to break in this amphitheater,” Hubbard said smiling into the crowd.

Pictured: Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris. Photo: Spencer Combs

Thomas Rhett joined Hubbard and Kelley to play an early FGL hit that Rhett co-wrote, “Round Here,” and stayed to play a few of his many hits. He was noticeably thrilled to sing his latest single, “Country Again.” “I’ve rediscovered myself in the last couple years in some ways,” Rhett said, introducing the tune. He also thrilled the crowd with his 2015 hit, “Die A Happy Man.”

Next up, FGL reappeared on stage with CCM legend Chris Tomlin for the three acts to perform their new collaboration, “Thank You Lord,” which is at Christian radio right now. “This is a little party jam for the Lord,” Hubbard said.

Chase Rice then joined FGL for a performance of the No. 1 song at country radio right now, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.”

Maren Morris sounded fabulous on her recent monster hit, “The Bones,” when she took the stage. “It was kind of tricky to get into this place,” she joked. “But I feel like I’m at Red Rocks in my own backyard.”

Morris brought out her singer-songwriter husband Ryan Hurd for a sweet rendition of their duet, “Chasing After You.” The two’s chemistry on stage was thick, and they sounded great together.

To top off the night, Nelly, Breland, and Blanco Brown surprised the packed house when they joined FGL, Dickerson, Rose and Rice for a larger-than-life performance of “Cruise.”

“We’re still on cloud nine and feeling overwhelmed with all of the love that everyone poured into Together: Feeding Nashville. So many lives will be impacted by the incredible generosity from our community and we are forever grateful,” shared Hayley Hubbard. “We’ll definitely be reliving this special night for a long time and dreaming up the next one!”

Taylin Lewan added, “Words can’t describe the support we have felt from our entire community. Our drive and devotion to serving Feeding Nashville is stronger than ever!”

Pictured (L-R): Nelly, Blanco Brown, Lily Rose, Siriusxm’s Storme Warren, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, Feeding Nashville’s Taylin Lewan and Hayley Hubbard, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, Chase Rice, Russell Dickerson, Breland. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham

Presented by Barstool Sports’ Bussin’ With The Boys, Together: Feeding Nashville was produced by Live Nation and Executive Producer Ali Harnell, President and Chief Strategy Officer at Live Nation Women. Find additional information and donate to Feeding Nashville at feedingnashville.com.

Tennessee Titans, Cumulus Nashville Agree To Multi-Year Extension With 104.5 The Zone

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The Tennessee Titans and Cumulus Nashville have entered into a multi-year partnership extension, designating 104.5 The Zone/WGFX-FM as the continuing official radio broadcasting home of the Tennessee Titans and Titans Radio. The agreement extends broadcasting rights to 104.5 The Zone for game day play-by-play with Mike Keith and color analyst Dave “Coach Mac” McGinnis, including pre and post-game programming through the 2025 NFL Season.

“The Tennessee Titans and 104.5 The Zone have had a long-standing partnership and we are excited to continue with a brand that shares our vision for the Titans,” says Gil Beverly, SVP/Chief Marketing & Revenue Officer, Tennessee Titans. “The Zone has established itself as preeminent Middle Tennessee sports leader and the Titans Radio Network will continue to create an incredible offering for passionate fans across the state.”

In addition to Game-Day coverage, 104.5 The Zone will air weekly shows throughout the season that give Titans fans access to top players and coaches via exclusive interviews on The Mike Vrabel Show, Titans Tonight, MAC TALK and weekly Players Shows featuring current Titans players.

“As the predominant sports voice in Middle Tennessee, we’re proud to extend our partnership with the Tennessee Titans,” says Allison Warren, VP and Market Manager, Cumulus Nashville. “We are committed to bringing 104.5 The Zone listeners and Titans fans the compelling sports content they seek.”

Titans Radio strongholds Keith and McGinnis will also be entering their fifth season together on Titans Radio. The combination of Keith, a Hall of Fame play-by-play announcer, and McGinnis, a former NFL head coach, provide Titans fans with high voltage excitement, information, and insight.

“The Tennessee Titans and 104.5 The Zone are among the best marriages in the NFL, and we are excited to continue as the flagship station for Titans Radio,” says Paul Mason, Operations Manager/Program Director, 104.5 The Zone/WGFX-FM and Titans Radio Network. “I am thrilled that our listeners will hear Mike Keith, Coach Dave McGinnis, Rhett Bryan, and Amie Wells on The Zone and on Titans Radio for years to come.”

Titans Sign Veteran Edge Rusher John Simon

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Photo: By Alison P. McNabb/Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans have signed eight-year veteran edge rusher John Simon. Simon has spent time with the Patriots, Colts, Texans and Ravens throughout his NFL career.

A fourth-round pick of the Ravens in the 2013 NFL Draft, Simon spent the past three seasons with the Patriots where he played in 47 games, with 30 starts, from 2018-2020. Simon, who won the Super Bowl in 2018, recorded 46 tackles and two sacks for the Patriots in 2020 where he played in 16 games, with two starts. Simon played 702 of a possible 1,017 defensive snaps (69%) for the Patriots last season. In the last three years with the Patriots, he tallied 30 starts, eight sacks, and nine tackles for a loss.

In his NFL career, Simon has played in 97 career games, with 52 starts. He’s recorded 277 career tackles, and 21 career sacks, 25 tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles, along with 11 passes defensed and two interceptions.

To make this move to pick up Simon, the Titans waived outside linebacker Tuzar Skipper. Tennessee practice in training camp for the first time on Wednesday, July 28.