Teresa Lawrence Phillips & John Henderson Announced As 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall Of Fame Inductees

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Teresa Lawrence Phillips and John Henderson.

Former Vanderbilt women’s basketball player, Fisk Basketball Coach and TSU Athletics Director Teresa Lawrence Phillips and former Tennessee Volunteers Defensive Tackle and Nashville Native John Henderson have been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

Phillips was told of the news Wednesday during a Title IX discussion on the Belmont University campus.

“Teresa Lawrence Phillips made positive change for sports during every level of her career. From a player, to a coach, to an athletics director, she worked tirelessly to make sports better in every way,” says Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “We’re very excited to have Teresa Lawrence Phillips as part of our 2023 Class of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”

Phillips was born in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, and attended Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga. She was the second African American student to attend GPS, and the first Black player on the basketball team. After her graduation in 1976, Phillips attended Vanderbilt University on an academic scholarship and was asked to join the university’s first women’s basketball team in 1978. As a senior in 1980, Phillips was awarded the first-ever women’s Athlete of the Year Award. After her graduation, Phillips joined Vanderbilt basketball coach Joe Pepper’s staff as an assistant coach. During that time, the team would become a legitimate contender in the SEC, playing in their first AIAW tournament in 1982 and winning the Women’s NIT Tournament in 1984.

At the age of 26, Phillips was hired as the Head Coach of the Fisk University Lady Bulldogs basketball team. Under her leadership, Fisk tallied a 62-38 record and won two conference titles. Phillips was named WIAC Coach of the Year in 1987 and 1988. In 1989, Phillips became Head Basketball Coach at Tennessee State University (TSU). From 1989-2000 she led the Tigers to their first OVC regular season and tournament championships and their first NCAA Tournament appearance. Phillips moved from coaching to administration in 2002, becoming the Athletic Director at TSU, a position she would hold until her retirement in 2020. In 2003, Phillips made history as the first woman to coach an NCAA men’s basketball team, serving as an interim coach for a game against Austin Peay.

Phillips was inducted into the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021.

Henderson was told of the news of his induction during a radio interview on 104.5 The Zone in Nashville with former Volunteers Ramon Foster and Ron Slay. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame pays homage to the state’s rich sports history and their impact within the community.

“John Henderson was a dominant football player at every level of competition. From Pearl Cohn, to Tennessee, to the NFL, John was a force to be reckoned with along the defensive line,” says Willis. “John’s accomplishments throughout his career make him an ideal candidate for the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”

Henderson was born in Nashville and attended Pearl-Cohn Comprehensive High School, where he played defensive tackle and tight end for the Pearl-Cohn Firebirds. Henderson was part of back-to-back state championship teams in his junior and senior seasons. Henderson played defensive tackle at the University of Tennessee from 1998-2001. During that time, he was a two-time All-American, two-time All-SEC and the Outland Trophy winner in 2000 for the Nation’s top interior lineman. Henderson was selected with the 9th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars and went on to spend 10 seasons in the NFL. He was named a Pro Bowler in 2004 and 2006 and All-Pro in 2006.

Henderson and Phillips join former Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck, former Memphis Grizzlies power forward Zach Randolph, former Nashville Predators Captain Mike Fisher, Memphis Football linebacker Tim Harris, MTSU baseball legend Steve Smith, golfer Loren Roberts, Bristol Motor Speedway Co-Founder Carl R. Moore, ETSU Basketball Coach and Athletics Director Les Robinson, and Lady Vol Track star and Olympic Gold Medalist Tianna Madison as 2023 Inductees. The full 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released over the coming weeks.

The induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 22 at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.

Titans’ Kevin Byard Given MTSU Student-Athletic Center Naming Rights

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MTSU Head Coach Rick Stockstill and Kevin Byard. Photo: Courtesy of Emily Cole and MTSU Athletics

They don’t call Kevin Byard the “Mayor of Murfreesboro” for nothing. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)’s Blue Raider Athletic Association announced that the current Tennessee Titans star and former Blue Raider student-athlete has given a significant gift to the Build Blue Campaign.

The gift, along with his accomplishments on and off the field, will give Byard naming rights to the strength and conditioning space in the new Student-Athlete Performance Center.

“I am super excited about the future of MTSU athletics and the impact that this new facility will have for not only recruiting, but the development of the student-athletes,” says Byard. “I am proud to be an alumnus of this great institution.”

The Build Blue Campaign has now secured over $18 million in donor cash, donor pledges and additional funds towards the over $100 million in transformational changes coming to the athletic facility landscape at MTSU. More than 300 individuals and families have contributed to the Build Blue campaign so far.

“During his time at MTSU, Kevin embodied what a student-athlete is all about in the leadership and high character he displayed in all facets of his life,” says Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. “This generous gift is another demonstration of his leadership, and we are extremely grateful for all that Kevin has done and continues to do for his university. KB was one of the hardest working student-athletes we have ever had, and we are proud to carry that legacy for generations to come. We are honored to put his name on the strength and conditioning center.”

Byard, a four-year starter for the Blue Raiders from 2012-2015, ended his career as the program’s all-time leader in interceptions (19), interception return yards (377), interception return touchdowns (4) and is one of just nine players in school history with 300 or more tackles. A team captain, Byard forced or gained 25 turnovers (19 INT, 5 FF, 1 FR) in 49 career games played.

The Lithonia, Georgia native was a First Team All-Conference selection as well as a FWAA Freshman All-American, while leading the team in interceptions all four years. MTSU retired his number 20 on Sept. 30, 2022, making it only the second football number to be retired in school history.

“I can’t thank Kevin enough for what he has done and is doing for Middle Tennessee football,” says Head Coach Rick Stockstill. “Kevin will always have a special place in my heart because of the respect, love and appreciation I have for him.”

MTSU’s goal for the Build Blue Campaign was increased to $20 million in September and construction on the $66-million Student-Athlete Performance Center is expected to begin next month.

The three-story, 85,500-square-foot performance center will provide all MTSU student-athletes with new facilities for weight training, nutrition and sports medicine. It will also be the new home for Blue Raider Football, allowing MTSU to relocate their football operations from Murphy Center to Floyd Stadium.

Tickets On Sale Now For Tennessee Vs. Virginia Kickoff Game At Nissan Stadium

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Tickets for the highly anticipated 2023 college football season opener between the Tennessee Volunteers and Virginia Cavaliers on Sept. 2 are available now.

“We look forward to having the Vols and Cavaliers kick off the opening weekend of college football here in Nashville,” says Nashville Sports Council President & CEO Scott Ramsey. “We know their loyal fanbases will converge [in] Music City and help showcase what makes this one of the best atmospheres for college football in the country.”

This will be the third time Tennessee has played in a regular season, non-conference game at Nissan Stadium since taking on Bowling Green in 2015 and Wyoming in 2002. The Vols, who are coming off of 11-2 season, last played at Nissan Stadium in December during the 2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl.

Virginia returns to Nissan Stadium for the first time since 2005, when they took on Minnesota in the then- Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl presented by Bridgestone. The Cavaliers won that game 34-31 on a late field goal, and quarterback Marques Hagans, who now serves as Virginia’s Associate Head Coach and wide receivers coach, was named MVP.

A kickoff time for the opener will be announced at a later date. Fans can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster.

Keith Bulluck Named 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall Of Fame Inductee

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Keith Bulluck. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

Former Tennessee Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck has been named a member of the 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class. Bulluck was surprised with the news Thursday night at a Titans ticket holder event at Nissan Stadium featuring Tennessee Sports Hall of Famer Mike Keith and new Titans General Manager Ran Carthon.

“Keith Bulluck was the heart and soul of the Tennessee Titans defense for many years. His leadership on and off the field was instrumental in the Titans success of the early 2000’s,” says Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “Keith has made his home in Tennessee for over 20 years, and we’re excited to have him as part of our 2023 Hall of Fame Class.”

Bulluck was born in New York, and played collegiately at Syracuse, playing safety and linebacker for the Orange from 1996-1999. As a senior, he led the Big East in tackles with 138, and was presented with the Bill Horr Award, given annually to Syracuse’s Most Valuable Player. The Tennessee Titans drafted Bulluck with the 30th overall pick in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft. Bulluck played 10 seasons for the Titans, before signing with the New York Giants for his final season. Nicknamed “Mr. Monday Night” for his ability to shine on the Primetime stage, Bulluck was a three-time All Pro and 2003 Pro Bowl. He officially retired from football in 2012.

Bulluck joins former Predators Captain Mike Fisher, Memphis Football linebacker Tim Harris, MTSU baseball legend Steve Smith, golfer Loren Roberts, Bristol Motor Speedway Co-Founder Carl R. Moore, ETSU Basketball Coach and Athletics Director Les Robinson, and Lady Vol Track star and Olympic Gold Medalist Tianna Madison as 2023 Inductees. The full 2023 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released over the coming weeks.

The induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 22nd at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.

Report: Titans To Release Veteran Center Ben Jones As Roster Shake-Up Continues

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Ben Jones. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans continue to make drastic roster moves this offseason as they’re now releasing veteran center Ben Jones, according to a report by Buck Reising.

The 6’3, 308-pounder was originally selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round (99th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. Jones has been an anchor for the Titans and for his past teams. From 2012 through 2021, Jones appeared in 160 of 161 possible regular season games, including starts in all but one game during his first six seasons in Tennessee.

From 2016-2021, the Titans averaged 137.7 rushing yards per game, posting the second-highest average in the NFL behind the Baltimore Ravens (150.6). Jones joined the Titans as a free agent in 2016, and was elected to his first career Pro Bowl in 2022 despite missing five games with concussions.

He becomes the fifth player released by the Titans this year following left tackle Taylor Lewan, receiver Robert Woods, linebacker Zach Cunningham, kicker Randy Bullock and outside linebacker Bud Dupree.

The Titans will free up $3.708 on their salary cap, with Jones counting $4.87 million in dead money.

Tennessee Titans Announce Football Development Grant Opportunity

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The Tennessee Titans have announced the opening of a statewide Football Development Grant Application. This opportunity is provided for youth and high school football programs, NFL Flag Football and nonprofit organizations working in football development.

“Youth and high school football programs play a deeply important role in our community inspiring young athletes to develop skills on the field, but most importantly character off the field,” says Josh Corey, Titans Director of Marketing, Youth & Community Engagement. “Supporting efforts in football development is a top priority for the Titans organization. We hope these grants offer teams and programs the needed support to keep championing their mission.”

Grants will be awarded in the amount of $2,500 – $5,000 to selected applicants. Organizations that support opportunities for non-traditional football participation will be given priority consideration.

The Titans Football Development Grant is one of many programs and initiatives under the Tennessee Titans Football Outreach and Development Initiative, which is committed to addressing the needs of youth and high school football organizations across Tennessee, southern Kentucky and northern Alabama.

The application deadline is Monday, March 20. For more information about the Titans Football Development Grant or to apply, click here.

Titans’ Coaches Mike Vrabel & Lori Locust To Speak At NFL Women’s Forum

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Mike Vrabel. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel and newly hired Defensive Quality Control Coach Lori Locust are set to speak at the National Football League’s seventh annual NFL Women’s Forum on Feb. 28 and March 1 in Indianapolis as part of its ongoing, league-wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The program will connect 41 women, 60 percent being women of color, with leaders in professional football to provide insight and networking opportunities for their careers in the areas of scouting, coaching and football operations.

There have been 26 NFL clubs that have hired past Forum participants and over 225 opportunities have emerged for women in all levels of football since its inception in 2017. Last summer, the NFL had 15 women in coaching roles during training camp – a record for any male professional sports league in the world.

Locust, who was hired by the Titans this past month, is an NFL Women’s Forum alum and is the first female positional coach in the NFL and Titans history.

For the first time since February 2020, the program will return to an in-person format during the NFL Combine. The two days of programming will include panel discussions, breakout sessions and networking activities with owners, executives, coaches, industry experts and hiring managers representing all 32 NFL clubs. The NFL partners with Women Leaders in College Sports to assist with the program and to create a development curriculum for the participants.

Featured speakers for this year’s virtual forum include NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Co-Owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz as well as several NFL club owners, head coaches and general managers.

The first two panels on day one of the Forum (Tuesday, Feb. 28) will be open for media attendance (the agenda for those two panels is outlined below). There will be additional interactive learning sessions for participants that evening as well. Day two (Wednesday, March 1), consists of more intimate breakout and development sessions between club and league coaches, executives and football operations staff with this year’s Forum participants, which will be closed to media and outside viewers.

Speakers for the 7th Annual NFL Women’s Forum:

  • Jane Skinner Goodell, Executive Producer, Earnin’ It: The NFL’s Forward Progress
  • Brandon Beane, Buffalo Bills General Manager
  • Andrew Berry, Cleveland Browns General Manager
  • Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Owner/President, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation/President, Glazer Vision Foundation
  • Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner
  • Brian Daboll, New York Giants Head Coach
  • Mike Vrabel, Tennessee Titans Head Coach
  • Dasha Smith, NFL Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer
  • Angela Baker, New York Giants Offensive Quality Control Coach
  • Callie Brownson, Cleveland Browns Assistant Wide Receivers Coach
  • Maral Javadifar, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Director of Rehabilitation & Performance
  • Jennifer King, Washington Commanders Assistant Running Backs Coach
  • Autumn Lockwood, Philadelphia Eagles Strength & Conditioning Seasonal Associate
  • Lori Locust, Tennessee Titans Defensive Quality Control Coach

The Titans Release Taylor Lewan, Robert Woods & Randy Bullock

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Offensive lineman Taylor Lewan and head coach Mike Vrabel. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans have released veteran offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, wide receiver Robert Woods and kicker Randy Bullock in what are the first of many roster moves this offseason.

Lewan, the team’s first-round draft pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, was released with a ‘failed physical’ designation.

During his time in Tennessee, Lewan made 106 career starts, including playoffs, and he made it to three Pro Bowls. Lewan has had two ACL surgeries in three years, however, and he’s only played in 20 games over the past three seasons.

“I hope I did enough to create something all the titan fans can be proud of, I love you all,” Lewan posted on Twitter.

The Titans acquired Woods in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams last offseason. Woods had a disappointing season where he caught 53 passes for 527 yards in 2022, with two touchdowns.

Bullock, meanwhile, joined the Titans prior to the 2021 season and kicked for the team the past two seasons. Bullock made 17-of-20 field goals for the Titans in 2022, and 28-of-28 extra points.