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"It has been great meeting the fans," said Washington, who signed with the Titans as an unrestricted free agent from the Pittsburgh Steelers last month. "I can really see the southern love here in Tennessee…I love the people."
Along with six-time Pro Bowl mascot T-Rac and the "Voice of the Titans" Mike Keith, Washington's appearance was the culmination of a 24-hour period that led him from Florence, Ala. to four stops in Tennessee, including Waynesboro, Mt. Pleasant, Lawrenceburg, Pulaski and Franklin.
Several fans had already lined up in anticipation of meeting the speedy receiver. While Washington was busy signing autographs, T-Rac amused the kids with his skills on a bicycle as he rode through the store. Thrilled to be in Washington's presence, fans took pictures and requested autographs on posters, baseball caps, T-shirts, and other valuable Titans' collections.
Inside Academy Sports and Outdoors, decorative signs were posted throughout the store that read, "Come meet the Tennessee Titans Here!" The visual announcements guided customers in the right direction to meet and greet Washington, two Titans cheerleaders (Shauna and Valerie) and T-Rac. In the entrance, a Titans' display was arranged filled with Titans' apparel, and mini footballs; which made it easily accessible for the fans to run and grab items to be autographed.
Washington added a personal touch to every fan that he met. One family introduced their young daughter to Washington. Holding tight to her mother, she was skeptical about being held by someone else. But with a charming, calm approach, Washington won the little girl's heart and had the opportunity to hold her in his arms.
"I didn't know how much of an honor that it was to be apart of the Caravan, until I came on it," Washington said. "I didn't know how big of a deal it was. It's beyond a great honor to be selected."
Among the fans were Cheryl and Phil Parker, from Antioch, Tenn., who arrived at 3:30 p.m. They were first in line as Washington made his appearance. The Parkers have a history of loyalty to the Titans.
"We have followed the Titans since they first came to Nashville," Parker said. "I followed them since they were the Houston Oilers. We are just ready for another good year."
"It's great being here today," Cheryl said. "We drove all the way to Huntsville, Alabama on Thursday to see Kerry (Collins). It's just a two-hour drive, and we were fourth in line there."
After spending four years with the Steelers, Washington is charting new territory in Tennessee. The 6-1, 185 pounder appeared in 49 games with seven starts during his four seasons in Pittsburgh, catching 104 career passes for 1,705 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Now he's looking to make his mark in Nashville. Starting out strong in the community is one of his top priorities.
"It gives me an opportunity to be on the scene," Washington said. "I can meet the fans and prepare for a great season."
Washington chuckled when he met Michael Nichols, a native of Columbia, Tenn. after finding out that Nichols wanted to get his soccer cleats autographed. However, without any hesitation, Washington proceeded with his request.
"I went to Soccer U.S.A. down the road, but I saw the Titans Caravan bus passing by and wanted to follow them," Nichols said. "It's awesome getting to see an NFL star in person because I have never seen one; especially a super bowl champion."
Before the Caravan's departure, fans said their last good-byes and gave hugs to Washington. It was a fun day inside Academy Sports and Outdoors, both for the fans and for store employees. Sandy Thompson,
Regional Marketing Manager for Academy Sports and Outdoors was delighted the Caravan stopped in Franklin.
"We are big supporters of the Titans," Thompson said. "We were happy to get Nate in the store."
The sixth day of the Caravan began Monday in Clarksville. Titans Caravan XII will end with a special visit on Thursday, April 23 with soldiers and family members of the 101st Airborne Division and the 160th SOAR(A) of the US Army at Fort Campbell, Ky. Multiple players, cheerleaders, T-Rac and staff will be part of the day, as they take the opportunity to thank our troops and their families on the military base.
