The enduring legacy of the Houston Oilers continues to influence football profoundly, shaping the game’s history with AFL championships, iconic players, and a resilient spirit. Players like George Blanda, Earl Campbell, and Warren Moon left lasting impacts.
From early successes to late 1980s resurgence, the team’s journey inspires future generations. Despite stadium issues and relocation challenges, the Oilers remain a vital part of football lore, as showcased in documentaries and media tributes. Their memory lives on through memorabilia and fan experiences, providing detailed insights into football’s past.
Established
1960
City
Houston - Nashville
League History
1970 - Present / National Football League
1960 - 1969 / American Football League
Team History
1999 - Present / Tennessee Titans
1997 - 1998 / Tennessee Oilers
1960 - 1996 / Houston Oilers
Nickname
Oilers - The Houston Oilers are one of the most beloved teams in NFL history, and their nickname has a long and exciting origin story. The team was founded in 1960 as part of the American Football League (AFL). At that time, they were known as the Dallas Texans. However, after two seasons, they moved to Houston and changed their name to reflect their new home city.
The original owner Bud Adams wanted something unique for his team's nickname, so he decided on "Oilers" because it represented Texas' oil industry heritage and its hard-working people who worked tirelessly at those jobs day after day. It also paid homage to Adams’ background – he had been an oilman before buying the franchise!
In addition, many believe there is a subtle reference within this name pointing back toward another famous football team from Texas – namely 'the Rice Owls.' This is due to how similar ‘Owls’ sounds when spoken out loud compared with ‘Oilers,’ making this an even more fitting tribute for fans all around!
As time went by, however, public opinion began shifting away from using such names, which could be seen by some people as offensive or outdated, leading them into change again during the 1997 season when they became known simply by 'the Titans.' Nevertheless, no matter what you call them, Houston Oilers will remain part of NFL folklore, thanks mainly to being one first-ever expansion franchise established within the league itself!
Championship
Super Bowl 0
AFL Championship 2
1961, 1960
Stadium
2016 - Present / Nissan Stadium
2007 - 2015 / LP Field
2002 - 2006 / The Coliseum
1999 - 2002 / Adelphia Coliseum
1998 / Vanderbilt Stadium
1997 / Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
*Houston*
1968 - 1996 / Houston Astrodome
1965 - 1967 / Rice Stadium
1960 - 1964 / Jeppesen Stadium
Owner
2013 - Present / KSA Industries
1960 - 2013 / Bud Adams
- 1960
- 1960
- 1961
- 1968
- 1970
- 1995
-
Houston Oilers Team Formation
The Houston Oilers began in 1960 as a charter member of the American Football League. They were owned by Bud Adams, a Houston oilman, who had made several previous unsuccessful bids for an NFL expansion team in Houston. Adams was an influential member of the eight original AFL owners, since he, Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt and Buffalo ... -
AFL Championship Winner 1960
The 1960 American Football League Championship Game was the first AFL title game, played on New Year’s Day 1961 at Jeppesen Stadium in Houston, Texas. With New Year’s on Sunday, the major college bowl games were played on Monday, January 2. The game matched the Eastern Division champion Houston Oilers (10–4), against the Western Division champion Los Angeles Chargers (10–4), ... -
AFL Championship Winner 1961
The 1961 American Football League Championship Game was a repeat of the first AFL title game, between the Houston Oilers and the San Diego Chargers (formerly the Los Angeles Chargers). It was played on December 24 at Balboa Stadium in San Diego, California, and the Oilers were three-point favorites. -
Astrodome – First Dome Stadium
The Oilers won the AFL Eastern Division title again in 1967, then became the first professional football team to play in a domed stadium, when they moved into Houston’s Astrodome for the 1968 season. Previously, the Oilers had played at Jeppesen Stadium at the University of Houston (now called Robertson Stadium) from 1960 to 1964, and Rice University’s stadium from ... -
NFL-AFL Merge Leauges
The years immediately after the AFL-NFL Merger were not as kind to the Oilers, who sank to the bottom of the AFC Central division. After going 3-10-1 in 1970, they went 4-9-1 in 1971, and then suffered back-to-back 1-13 seasons in 1972-73. But by 1974, the Oilers led by Hall of Fame coach Sid Gilman brought the team back to ... -
Final years in Houston
At the same time, Adams again lobbied the city for a new stadium, one with club seating and other revenue generators present in recently–built NFL stadiums, and he committed to pay for 25% of the cost of a new stadium. However, mayor Bob Lanier initially supported Adams’s bid for a new stadium privately but refused to publicly support the project. ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Houston Oilers
In the early 1960s, the Houston Oilers at present known as Tennessee Titans embarked on their journey in professional football, quickly establishing themselves as a formidable force in the AFL with back-to-back championship victories in 1960 and 1961. Their AFL dominance showcased the team’s early success and solidified player legacies that would resonate throughout the franchise’s history.
The team dynamics during this period were characterized by a combination of talent, strategy, and cohesion, leading to their consecutive triumphs. Notable players like George Blanda, Billy Cannon, and Charlie Hennigan contributed significantly to the Oilers’ success during this era, laying the foundation for future achievements.
The early AFL successes of the Houston Oilers set the stage for a storied football legacy that continues to influence the sport today.
Notable Players and Team Impact
Earl Campbell, Warren Moon, and Steve McNair, among others, stand out as key figures whose performances not only shaped the Houston Oilers’ history but also left a lasting impact on the team’s legacy in professional football.
These players showcased exceptional talent and determination, becoming synonymous with the Oilers’ identity and winning the hearts of fans across the nation. Their player legacies continue to resonate within the football community, inspiring future generations of athletes and fans alike. The impact these players had on fans goes beyond statistics, as their passion and dedication to the game elevated the team to new heights and solidified the Houston Oilers as a respected franchise in the NFL.
- Earl Campbell, known for his bruising running style, became a fan favorite both for his on-field performance and his humble demeanor off the field.
- Warren Moon’s groundbreaking success as a quarterback paved the way for future generations of African American quarterbacks and left an indelible mark on the Oilers’ legacy.
- Steve McNair’s leadership and resilience in the face of adversity endeared him to fans and cemented his place as one of the most beloved players in Oilers history.
Team Performance and Milestones Overview
The Houston Oilers’ team performance over the years has been marked by a mix of successes, setbacks, and notable milestones that have shaped their legacy in professional football. The late 1980s resurgence saw the team experience a brief period of success after a decline in the previous decade. Notably, upgrades to the Astrodome coincided with this late 1980s success, providing the team with a modernized and enhanced stadium environment. The Oilers also achieved success in the early 1990s, securing division titles and making playoff appearances. Below is a table highlighting key team performance and milestones:
|
Decade |
Performance Highlights |
Notable Milestones |
|
Late 1980s |
Brief resurgence after a decline |
Astrodome upgrades |
|
Early 1990s |
Division titles and playoff appearances |
Continued success |
|
1995 |
Drafted Steve McNair |
Last playoff appearance in Texas |
Stadium Issues and Relocation Challenges
Amidst the Houston Oilers’ legacy of success and challenges, the team faced significant stadium issues and relocation challenges that ultimately reshaped their football journey.
Challenges:
- Adams’ push for a new stadium in Houston met with resistance due to financial constraints and disagreements over funding sources.
- Talks with Nashville officials presented a viable option, leading to the Oilers’ relocation in 1998.
- Support for the team in Houston dwindled rapidly following the relocation announcement, showcasing the challenges of maintaining a fan base amidst relocation rumors.
The repercussions of these challenges were profound, with the Oilers’ final game in Houston witnessing notably low attendance, prompting an early lease termination and solidifying the team’s departure from the city.
Media Coverage and Legacy References
Navigating through various reputable media outlets and historical archives, the Houston Oilers’ legacy remains a prominent subject of discussion in the realm of football history.
Legacy tributes, documentaries, and fan nostalgia are frequently featured topics across platforms like CBSNews.com, XFL Newsroom, Sports Illustrated, ESPN.com, and NFL.com. These outlets often delve into the team’s rich history, covering significant events such as the Oilers’ move to Nashville and reminiscing about the successful 1970s Houston Oilers era.
Additionally, references to memorabilia and fan experiences further contribute to keeping the Oilers’ memory alive. External links to the NFL.com/Oilers archive, oral history of the 1993 Houston Oilers, and Houston Chronicle provide enthusiasts with detailed insights and historical context, making the Houston Oilers a perennial presence in football discussions.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
1 / Warren Moon
9 / Steve McNair
27 / Eddie George
34 / Earl Campbell
43 / Jim Norton
63 / Mike Munchak
65 / Elvin Bethea
74 / Bruce Matthews
*Blue is this team’s history