Tales from the Titans Sideline

Book excerpt: The National Football League in Nashville, Tennessee? It'll never happen. That's what they used to say. These days, it's hard to imagine the Music City without the Titans. Much has happened since the Houston Oilers packed up and left Texas for Tennessee following the 1996 season. NFL fans in Nashville had to remain patient. Finally, in 1999, the team moved into the city's downtown stadium, and the winning began. The Titans have been making history ever since. Clearly, it was all worth the wait. Jim Wyatt's Tales from the Titans Sideline takes readers from the early days in Nashville all the way to the present. It reviews the highs and lows of the team--and the players--the city has grown to love over the years. Fans remember the way the Coliseum shook after the Music City Miracle and the heartbreaking finish to Super Bowl XXXIV. Those are among the most memorable moments in the franchise's history that are included in the book. Readers have the chance to find out more about players like quarterback Steve McNair, running back Eddie George, and defensive end Jevon Kearse, all of whom quickly became household names in Tennessee. Coach Jeff Fisher has overseen it all. He managed to keep his team together during the move from the Astrodome to the Liberty Bowl to Vanderbilt Stadium to the Coliseum, keeping the winning ways going through the twists and turns. Tales from the Titans Sideline takes a look at more than just the wins and losses, however. It also provides fans with behind-the-scenes stories surrounding the team, exploring both the lighter and serious sides. What does McNair do to get ready for games? Why is kicker Joe Nedney not welcome in Pittsburgh? Why are birthdays sohush-hush on the Titans? Tales from the Titans Sideline will answer all of those questions and many more.