In his 83 years, Bud Adams has led a fascinating life. He played college football at Kansas, served in the Navy during World War II and founded an oil company which became the first of many successful businesses.

Adams also made professional football history in 1959 when he took a huge risk and co-founded the American Football League with Lamar Hunt. During the 1960s, the AFL changed the landscape of professional football, helping to create an exciting brand of football that captured the imagination of fans everywhere.

From the AFL's rise came a merger with the NFL, increased television ratings, and the creation of the Super Bowl. In other words, the decision to create the American Football League profoundly and positively changed professional sports forever.

Adams is also a historic figure in Tennessee sports history for one decision: his move of the Houston Oilers to Nashville. His 1995 phone call to Nashville Mayor Phil Bredesen dramatically changed the landscape of sports in Tennessee. The Titans and their fans have made the Coliseum one of the most respected sports venues in the country in less than a decade.

Last season, the Coliseum's sellout streak reached 73 games. The Titans' on-field success has also translated into many special moments r for Tennessee sports fans. "The Music City Miracle" in the January 8, 2000 playoff game against Buffalo is one of the most famous plays in NFL history. Many say that the Titans-Rams showdown in Super Bowl XXXIV was the league's most exciting championship game ever.

From 1999-2003, the Titans won an NFL-best 56 games. Along with their Super Bowl appearance, the team also won two division titles, went to the playoffs four times, appeared in the AFC Championship Game twice, had the best record in football in 2000, and featured the league's Co-Most Valuable Player in 2003 (Steve McNair).In 2006, the Titans will celebrate their tenth season of playing football in Tennessee.

Another area Adams has made an incredible difference is through his lifelong charitable endeavors. He and his wife, Nancy, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this October ; they have long supported many charities. In just the decade that the franchise has been in this state, charities across Tennessee have received approximately $15 million in donations from Adams, his Titans' Foundation, and through team-related NFL funding. One of the greatest beneficiaries of Adam's giving has been youth football. His core belief that an NFL team should help promote the positives of football (on and off the field) is evident through his financial support of youth football organizations.

Because of Bud Adams' decision to move his NFL franchise to our state, Sundays in Tennessee have never been the same! It is only fitting that Adams is now the first person with the Tennessee Titans organization to be inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.