The Tennessee Titans have announced their plans to pursue legal action against the New York Jets for the official rights to the "Titan" moniker. Citing unfair practices, and seeking over $400 million in damages, the Titans are hoping for justice outside of the NFL.
Over the past two seasons, the New York Jets have taken the field four times wearing uniforms that do not identify the team fans have known for over 40 years. The coaches wear shirts that read "Titans of New York," and the players are dressed in navy blue and gold to honor a history the team abandoned.
Leon Hess changed the team’s identity and uniforms when he purchased the organization in the early 1960s. The Jets were named for the sound of jet engines, courtesy of their proximity to LaGuardia Airport when they called Shea Stadium home.
"I’m not sure who these jesters think they are, but the Titans name belongs in Nashville," stated Titans’ GM Mike Reinfeldt in a brief meeting with reporters.
The Titans believe the Jets intentionally sought to confuse casual NFL fans in an effort to profit from the name that’s belonged to Tennessee since the late 1990s. Reports surfaced from Titans' fans that were given New York Jets merchandise when looking to purchase Tennessee Titans memorabilia.
The shared names has created a unique conflict of interest for the Titans.
"From now on, nothing goes down unless we’re involved," declared Titans’ owner Bud Adams. "No jersey sales, no bobble-heads, no nothing.
"A child’s pajama set gets sold in the park, we want in. Kris Jenkins got fat off the Titans’ name. Now it’s LenDale White’s turn."
The Titans cite the acquisition of Brett Favre as the move that finally forced them to take action. After being traded to New York, Favre’s replica jersey established new records for numbers sold—a record the Titans believe wouldn’t have been achieved as easily if their team name hadn’t been used.
New York Jets’ owner Woody Johnson responded to the allegations, claiming the team had intentions to revert back to the "Titans" name when Bill Parcells came to New York and changed the uniform.
"The organization knew it wasn’t 1964 anymore," said Johnson. "[Jets’] fans are no longer impressed by the sounds of roaring engines flying overhead. We wanted to update our identity for the future...and what better way to do that than with the name that’s our birth right?"
"Let the Oilers sue," challenged Jets’ head coach, Eric Mangini. "What kind of Titans wear baby blue, anyway?"
Tensions will be even higher on Nov. 23 when the Jets travel to LP Field to face the Titans. Not only will New York be fighting to cement their playoff hopes, but the contest now has the added element of integrity, pride, and honor for the long-standing franchises.
Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community. He is also the Community Leader for the New York Jets on Bleacher Report.
2 comments Last one added 8 months ago — Leave a Comment
Bruce Dickenson 8 months ago
I'm not sure how I feel about the Titan's uniforms. Considering how much pressure we are putting on quarterbacks, maybe we should go to vintage Sack Exchange uniforms.
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Angel Navedo 8 months ago
I do love those uniforms. I understood why Parcells went away from them, but I'd love to see a throwback to those.
Outside of SBIII, the Sack Exchange is all we have to smile about.. with a record that would still belong to a Jets' player had Favre not been so nice as to slide down for Strahan.
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