The Tennessee Titans are set to thrill fans and evoke nostalgia as they announced the return of the beloved Houston Oilers throwback uniforms for two home games in the 2023 season. This exciting revival will see the Titans don the iconic “Luv Ya Blue” in matchups against the Houston Texans and the Atlanta Falcons at Nissan Stadium. The decision has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, particularly from former Oilers players, who view it as a powerful tribute to the franchise’s rich history.
Hall of Fame linebacker Robert Brazile, a legend who played his entire career with the Oilers, expressed profound emotion upon seeing the throwback uniform reveal. His reaction underscores the deep connection former players still feel to the Oilers era.
“I was in tears when I saw these uniforms, because I was so excited,” Brazile recounted. “My wife heard me and woke up, and said: ‘Robert, is everything OK?’ And I said: ‘Brenda, it’s finally going to happen! It’s going to really, really happen! My colors, my Luv ‘Ya Blue, it’s coming alive again.’ And it makes me, and it makes everybody that played with the Oilers know, ‘We’re not dead. We’re alive. The Oilers are alive.'”
Alt text: Hall of Fame Linebacker Robert Brazile emotionally reacts to the Tennessee Titans unveiling of the Houston Oilers throwback uniforms, expressing his joy and connection to the “Luv Ya Blue” era.
Brazile emphasized the unique bond shared by those who wore the Oilers uniform, highlighting the significance of the Titans organization, led by Amy Adams Strunk, in honoring that legacy. “I don’t think you can really understand it unless you were an Oiler. But I gave my heart and soul to that organization – it’s the only organization I ever played for – and for Amy (Adams Strunk) and the team to keep our memory alive, it’s heartwarming. Every time the Titans wear those Oilers jerseys, I don’t care where they are at, I want to be at that stadium.”
The Titans have officially designated two home games for the Oilers throwback uniform appearances:
- October 29 vs. Atlanta Falcons: This game will also serve as Oilers/Titans Alumni Weekend, a cherished tradition that brings together players from both eras.
- December 17 vs. Houston Texans: A particularly meaningful matchup, given the historical context between the Oilers and Texans franchises.
While the possibility of wearing the throwback uniforms for a road game remains, these two home contests are confirmed dates for fans to witness the “Luv Ya Blue” revival.
Brazile, known as “Dr. Doom” during his illustrious career from 1975-84, voiced his bewilderment at any potential negative reactions from Houston fans regarding the Titans’ decision to bring back the Oilers uniforms. He firmly asserted that the Oilers’ history is intrinsically linked to the Titans, not the Houston Texans.
“I am going to make this as plain and simple as I can for anyone who has any doubts about this: The Oilers are Titans history, not Texans history,” Brazile stated definitively. “Look at the Titans Ring of Honor, and how many Oilers are in there? It’s a good number (10). How many Oilers are in the Texans Ring of Honor? The answer is zero.”
Alt text: Image showcasing the Tennessee Titans Ring of Honor, highlighting the significant number of Houston Oilers legends enshrined, emphasizing the franchise’s historical continuity.
He concluded with unwavering loyalty, “I was born an Oiler and I’m going to die a Titan.”
The throwback uniforms themselves are faithful recreations of those worn by the Oilers for decades in Houston, including during their initial season as the Tennessee Oilers in 1998. Fans can expect to see the Columbia Blue jerseys, adorned with red trim around white numbers and names on the back. The sleeves will feature the distinctive red, white, and light blue band.
The iconic white helmets, a hallmark of the Oilers look, will make their return, complete with the oil derrick logo, red facemasks, and a red stripe flanking a thicker light blue stripe down the center. Completing the ensemble are white pants, or “britches,” with red stripes bordering a thicker light blue stripe, and light blue and white socks with red and white stripes. A poignant detail, the words “Luv Ya Blue” will be subtly placed on the back neckline of the jerseys.
Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon, who starred for the Oilers from 1994-2003, shared his long-held desire to see these uniforms return. “It’s been a long time coming,” Moon said. “I’ve been talking to Amy about this for two years now and she’s been wanting to do this for a long time, and I am glad it is going to happen.”
Alt text: Hall of Fame Quarterback Warren Moon pictured in a Houston Oilers throwback jersey, expressing his excitement for the Tennessee Titans to wear the classic uniforms.
Moon also expressed a wish to see the Titans wear the Oilers uniforms in Houston against the Texans, allowing Houston fans to witness the tribute firsthand, in addition to the home game in Tennessee.
The Oilers’ relocation to Tennessee occurred after the 1996 season. They played in Memphis in 1997 as the Tennessee Oilers before settling in Nashville at Vanderbilt Stadium in 1998. The franchise officially rebranded as the Tennessee Titans in 1999.
Moon addressed the sensitive topic of Houston’s relationship with the Oilers history, noting the Texans’ initial lack of engagement with former Oilers players. “I know this is a very sensitive subject in Houston, but the Texans never really reached out to any of the (former Oilers) and never made it feel like they wanted anything to do with the Oilers,” Moon explained. “They wanted to just create their own identity. And since Amy has taken over, she has really had a passion for the Houston Oilers – she wanted to bring everybody into one family, Oilers and Titans, and that’s why she’s had these alumni weekends, and been doing that for the last five years.”
He further emphasized the welcoming environment created by the Titans organization for Oilers alumni. “Now all the Oilers feel really comfortable going to Nashville every year for their reunion, and they never had a reunion before Amy came aboard. I know my number is retired in the stadium in Nashville, and it’s where I’m in the Ring of Honor, and that’s what I identify with now.”
Bud Adams, the father of Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk, owned the Oilers during the eras of Brazile and Moon, further solidifying the historical connection within the current Titans organization.
Former Oilers receiver Billy “White Shoes” Johnson, who played in Houston from 1974-1980, echoed the appreciation for the Titans’ commitment to preserving the Oilers’ legacy.
Amy Adams Strunk’s consistent dedication to honoring the franchise’s past has been evident through alumni events and now, the revival of the Oilers uniforms.
This fall, the Oilers throwbacks will take center stage, promising a wave of nostalgia and pride.
“When the Titans come out in those uniforms, it’s going to bring back memories, all kinds of memories,” Johnson said. “And I can’t thank Amy enough – she’s done a great job keeping the Oilers and the memory of the Oilers alive, and I know all the former players appreciate it.”
Alt text: Former Oilers Receiver Billy “White Shoes” Johnson expresses gratitude for the Tennessee Titans bringing back the Houston Oilers throwback uniforms, anticipating the memories it will evoke.
Johnson concluded by reinforcing the unified history of the two franchises. “And when you look at it, the Titans are the Oilers and the Oilers are the Titans. People forget the Tennessee Oilers wore these uniforms, too, so it just seems right. I can’t wait to see them on the field again.”
The return of the Tennessee Titans Oilers Uniforms is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a celebration of football history, a tribute to legendary players, and a powerful connection between the past and present of the franchise.
