NASHVILLE – Happy July 4th everyone.
And, welcome to the latest edition of the Titans mailbag.
Thanks to all those who continue to share thoughts on Chris Johnson, and to those who continue to write in to keep this mailbag hopping.
Let's jump into this weekend's mailbag as the clock ticks toward training camp…
Here's the link to submit questions: CLICK HERE
BG Green from Sharon, Tennessee
Question: With this being the last season at Nissan Stadium, what is your best memory? (The Music City Miracle does not count).
Jim: This is a great question, BG, and a tough one. So many games, so many memories.
But I think the January 11, 2003 AFC Divisional Playoff Game vs the Steelers ranks second to me, behind the miracle. The Titans beat the Steelers 34-31 in overtime in a game that's remembered as the "Music City Mulligan."
It was special for a lot of reasons, and even the build-up was awesome: Looking to add an extra piece of motivation leading up to the game, then-Titans coach Jeff Fisher turned off the lights during a meeting at the team hotel the night before the game and showed clips from the movie, Remember the Titans.
When the lights came back on, there was Herman Boone, the high school coach who was the inspiration for the movie. Boone, an honorary captain, watched the game from the Titans sideline in a leather jacket and cowboy hat.
"He told us we were going to win because we were Titans," defensive tackle John Thornton said at the time. "He told us the game was going to be close, we were going to trade scores and we were going to win at the end and that is how it happened. It's funny."
And then a wild game happened.
Here's a quick trip down memory lane, or a history lesson for younger fans…
The Titans jumped ahead 14-0 in the contest, but lost the lead and trailed 20-14 in the third quarter.
Quarterback Steve McNair led a rally, and the game went to overtime tied at 31-all.
That's when things got crazy.
After the Titans won the coin toss, McNair guided the Titans to the Pittsburgh 13-yard line, and the Titans won it on a 26-yard field goal by kicker Joe Nedney.
But it was hardly that simple.
Let me explain ...
Nedney's first field goal attempt sailed through uprights, prompting fireworks. But it didn't count because the Steelers had called a timeout.
Nedney missed his next kick, but Steelers cornerback Dewayne Washington was called for running into the kicker.
Nedney made the game-winner after that. He'd missed a potential game-winner at the end of regulation.
Many of the Steelers felt the running into the kicker should not have been called.
"The only thing that matters is the ref took the game from us, plain and simple," Steelers linebacker Joey Porter said after the game. "He should lose his job for that."
"For a game to be decided on that call is ludicrous," Steelers coach Bill Cowher angrily said afterward.
Nedney reflected on the sequence in an interview with Titans Online a few years ago.
"I remember thinking during the fireworks display (after the first kick), "I'd better make this kick." I got so excited to kick the game-winning field goal I pulled my head and pulled the ball really bad. It was a horrible kick, one of the worst kicks of my career. I can remember on the follow-through, looking up at the ball and watching it sail wide right and thinking, "Oh my gosh! I can't believe that I just missed," Nedney said.
"And then Dwayne Washington clipped me. And it was an instinct. It was, "OK, do I stand my ground and be a loser or do I hit the ground and take my team to the AFC Championship Game? I hit the ground and took team to AFC Championship. It's the playoffs. I did what I could do for my team."
Nedney's next kick -- what proved to be the game-winner -- set off a wild celebration, and it sent the Titans to the AFC Championship Game the following week in Oakland.
It also set off a firestorm, especially after Nedney kidded afterward he might take acting lessons after his playing career ended.
"I realized how far-reaching our sport really is when I was involved in that play,'' Nedney said. "I got hate mail from Steelers fans for a year. The same guy kept writing me letters. The following week in Oakland I hyperextended my knee and I got a letter telling me how horrible I was, and then I got another one telling me it was karma. The following September against the Raiders I tore my ACL in that game and the same guy wrote me another letter telling me "that's what happens to cheaters.
"… I got invitations to come to Pittsburgh to get my (butt) kicked."
That's a long answer to my second-best memory.
Jefferson Pendergrass from Rainsville, Alabama
Question: Hi Jim. No question here, I just wanted to give a shoutout to my personal favorite Tennessee Titan of all time - Chris Johnson (CJ2K). I am heartbroken to hear the news of Chris' ALS diagnosis. With that being said, I do not want to focus on that, I just wanted to say a few things about CJ2K:
1. I think that he is the most-talented and best Tennessee Titans running back of all time!
2. His records of the most yards from scrimmage in a single season (2,509), and the most 80+ yards touchdown runs still stand today. Those are records that may never be broken.
3. I started going to Titans Football games in 2008 and I have only ever bought one Tennessee Titans jersey - It says #28 Johnson on the back!
4. I was also there in attendance at the November 4, 2012 game in Nashville when the Titans got torched by the bears 51-20, but I got to see CJ2K take it to the house on a 80-yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter. That is something I will always cherish and never forget!
Anyway, I just wanted to give some love to my favorite Titan of all time - the immortal CJ2K!
Jim: Thanks for taking the time, Jefferson.
Dawn S from Horn Lake, Mississippi
Question: Hello Jim hope you are well. Just sending much love to Chris Johnson and his family. He was one of my favorite players and after seeing what he has been dealing with, it gave me a new definition for inspiration and determination Chris the Titans family loves you from east to west and we are with you as you conquer this battle remember you are and will always be a TITAN.
Jim: Thanks for sharing, Dawn.
John Giardinelli from Franklin, Tennessee
Question: Good day. Thank you for all you do, it is impressive. As a California transplant and Charger season ticket holder for 25 years I am used to rebuilding. I think what is going on here is more of a cultural shift and I am thrilled. I wonder what would have happened had Love been available at four but am happy to read about Tate's potential.
My question is about Calvin Ridley. There is a lot written about the upgrade to the receiver room. I know Ridley is still rehabbing. Has he shown signs of the old form yet or is it still too early to tell? How do you see him fitting into this rotation? Again, thank you.
Jim: Appreciate it, John. Too early to tell on Ridley. He was very limited in the offseason work. He was involved in just a few of the team period snaps as the training camp was careful with him. I think Calvin brings something different in terms of his speed, and his experience will help him. He's been great to Cam and others from a leadership standpoint. I know he's eager to bounce back and I have no reason to think he won't get back to pre-injury form. I just can't say I've seen it yet, because I just didn't see a lot of him in May and June.
John Greene from Ashland City, Tennessee
Question: Where and how can I/We donate to the CJ2KS ALS fund?
Jim: Hey John. Here's the link where fans can make a gift to ALS Research in honor of Chris Johnson: https://fundraise.massgeneralbrigham.org/fundraiser/7373630
Keenan Jonse from El Cajon, California
Question: Like many others this isn't necessarily a question but just sharing some thoughts about CJ2K.
His jersey was actually the first Titans jersey I personally purchased. He was so electric on the field and so inspiring from his play to his work off the field, getting his jersey was a no brainer. During those years on the late 2000's to 2010's gave us so much to hope and root for as Titans fans and let's be real there wasn't too much to get excited for then with only 1 playoff appearance with CJ.
But seeing that interview announcing his ALS diagnosis was truly heartbreaking and I know our whole fanbase and the entire NFL are hurting right now, but seeing his spirit not wane and encouraging everyone to have hope is I think something we all loved to hear.
We love you, CJ!
Keep fighting, brother!
Jim: Appreciate you sharing, Keenan.
Cosme Belmonte from Mexico City, Mexico
Question: Dear Jim. I started the week by seeing the news about Chris Johnson; it's terrible. You look at your idols and think they're indestructible and will live forever—wishing strength for Chris and his family.
On another note, you mentioned something in the previous mailbag that I can't overlook: retro uniforms. I like the current ones, but I love the Oilers' throwbacks. If I recall correctly, it was back in 2009 for the AFL anniversary, "chulada" of a uniform; it would be fantastic to see them wear those for a couple of games. I'll sign off now, wishing you continued enjoyment of the lead-up to the season. Best regards.
Jim: Appreciate it, Cosme. I guess I'm more interested in seeing the team wear the new uniforms, along with the Rivalries unis.
Ryan Alleyne from Orlando Florida
Question: Hi Jim, Met you a few years ago at a Pro Bowl even in Orlando. My question is: What really goes into getting on to the ring of honor. We have yet to get a "Titans era" player up there. I really believe there is a handful of candidates but maybe CJ2k should be the first. It would be great for him to be a part of the ceremony before it's too late. We gotta stop waiting so long to give folk their flowers.
Jim: Hey Ryan. Hope all is well. I'm with you on this, and I know there are a lot of worthy candidates.
Tytitans Moten from Germantown, Tennessee
Question: Haven't heard much about the rookie running back Singleton, has he been balling out, or has he been mediocre, with his speed I'm hoping he can be the still of the draft, I would like to hear more about his progress, I'm looking for some encouragement, please and thank you.
Jim: Nick Singleton was limited early on in the offseason while he worked his way back from last year's injury. But he did more in June, and I was impressed with his quickness. Nick will be able to show more of what he's about when the pads come on, but he's going to have to earn it. The coaching staff is really high on Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears.
Max Tidwell from Nashville, Tennessee
Question: Hey Jim. It's Max here. Was wondering how Mason Kinsey fits into this offense because he had a limited role last season, and with the plethora of wide receivers there do you think he will have a big role there. Because I think in some cases he can show a big impact.
Jim: Hey Max. Mason is a great competitor, and a survivor. He's been counted out again and again, and again and again he keeps doing what he needs to do to stick around. I'll be honest: It's hard for me to forecast a big role for him, because his top concern – along with others – is to stick around. This team is as deep as it has been at the receiver position in a while. I can get to five or six really quick when counting up guys who I think will make the 53, and the group doesn't include him. The competition will be fierce to make the practice squad as well. Mason just needs to keep doing what has worked for him – competing, staying healthy, and impressing those around him. He's an easy guy to root for, and he has his work cut out for him again this year.
Ron Brenner from Dickson, Tennessee
Question: Jim. Pleased and honored to send you a statement. I just wanted to say I was fortunate enough to be a long time season ticket holder and seen all but 3 Titan home games, and saying that it was an honor and privilege to watch CJ work the field with that athleticism that's seldom been seen on an NFL field. Peace out and have a safe and Happy Fourth of July.
Jim: You're right, Rob. C.J. was a one-of-a-kind player. Thanks for chiming in.
Jennifer Webb from Cookeville, Tennessee
Question: No questions. I am praying for Chris and his family. Next is merely a suggestion, I would also like to see the Titans team up with his family and create a foundation in his name. Whether it is to raise funding to fight ALS, a cause that is close to Chris and his family, or it could fund both. This would be a great legacy for CJ2K alongside his great football career with the Titans.
Jim: Thanks for sharing, Jennifer.
Dan Mar Aguilera from Los Angeles, California
Question: Hey there Jim. No questions for you, simply a two thumbs up to you. As a fan and follower of this organization since 1972, with it's many - MANY ups and downs, I'd just like to say thanks to you. You do a great job - keep it up! Now let's make some overdue history - it's time! Be well, Dan Mar.
Jim: Hey Dan Mar. I appreciate you taking the time to send this. My bosses read this (at least I hope) so I might as well include it. 😊
I do think better days are ahead for this franchise. Best to you.
Have a great 4th of July weekend everyone!
