“They were gods, giant gods.” That's how Tennessee Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk described the Titans of Greek mythology. “So we wanted that feel,” she continued. “It's going to be what you think of a Titan." Strunk was referring to the new uniforms and helmets the Titans will be wearing when they take the field for the new season.

The athletic company hired for the new uniform project was Nike. Nike used a combination of that vision of size and strength, along with the team's logo, in creating the new look uniforms and helmets. The team unveiled the uniforms at a fan event in Nashville in April of this year—a half-dozen players, including Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, modeled uniforms.

Dazzling Helmets

While the Titans' previous helmets were primarily white with a couple of navy blue stripes across the top, the new helmet design is mainly a glistening metallic navy blue. A single two-toned silver stripe has replaced the two navy blue stripes. The single, two-toned stripe carries forward the predominant sword imagery in the new design. Along with the helmet color, the facemask has changed, moving from navy blue to metallic silver.

Two-Tone Shoulders

For the first time, Nike has used a two-tone design on a jersey, creating a two-tone sword tip image on the Titans' uniform shoulders. Player numbers are placed on top of the shoulder and sword blade,e while the tip of the sword runs down the sleeve. The treatment replaces the use of secondary logos on the shoulders.

"Tennessee Spike" Numbers

The uniform numbers on the jerseys have the appearance of being carved from stone, reminiscent of ancient Greece, with a touch of customization. Each number has an angular edge at the upper right-hand portion, in recognition of the shape of the State of Tennessee. This treatment has been referred to as the "Tennessee Spike".

The Nuance of Change

Football fans are often traditionalists, reluctant to change. Some may forget that when the Titans moved from Houston in 1997, the team retained the Oilers name for two years before adopting the Titans name in 1999.  It is why both teams and fans view the nuances involved in new uniforms so critically. Casual fans may not notice the helmet crown, sword, or even the significance of the added edges on the numbers, but each has a purpose. We'll see if this change, as well as a change in the coaching staff, will come in junction with a change in the record this next season.

Sports Logo History - Guest Author
Gary Ashton
Tennessee Titans Ultimate Fan Guide