Report: Bud Adams has passed away

LP Field before the game between the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams has reportedly died at the age of 90, and if true, it means that he has died two days after good friend Bum Phillips passed away. Adams and Phillips are both legends in the NFL world for different reasons, as Phillips is to thank for the 3-4 defense and had successful coaching careers with the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints. Under Phillips, the Oilers were one of the league’s best teams, but the greatness of the Pittsburgh Steelers at the time prevented the Oilers from fully showcasing their abilities.

Adams was the one who founded the Oilers and gave a heartfelt statement on the death of Phillips, “Growing up in Texas and working his way up through the Texas football ranks, he was a natural match for our team. Those were such magical years, and his leadership and personality helped our team rise to the top. He became an iconic figure on our sideline.”

It’s a sad coincidence that the San Antonio Express-News and Houston Chronicle’s Brent Zwerneman is reporting that Bud Adams has died at the age of 90 in Houston. Adams was the current owner of the Titans, and he was the one who founded the Oilers/Titans organization and co-founded the entire AFL. His stamp on football is at least as big as Phillips’s, and his colorful personality and influence on the league will definitely be missed. It’s so sad to hear of Adams’s passing, and I hope all of us can continue to remember legends of the game like Adams and Phillips who were major influences on the game as coaches or owners.

Such a sad last few days for Titans fans, especially those old enough to have rooted for the Oilers franchise.

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