I think there would be HUGE support before the two playoff appearances. Wins give a team identity. If we descend down into the depths of hell then I imagine people will want it again. The fact that the Tennessee Oilers existed wouldn't ward me off of the name. I like the colors a lot. However, it's not like there was a winning tradition there. The Browns were not at a stalemate when it came to a stadium. The owner just took a sweeter deal. They immediately started working on a replacement. Adams and Lanier were nowhere close to an agreement so the NFL didn't really care about Houston. I don't think the Sonics owners cared about the name. They were from OK. They were probably going to change it anyway. I'm sure they agreed to that stipulation to ease outrage in Seattle. Bud Adams created the Oilers (like it or not). The fans made the team but it was his baby. He was a big part of the AFL making it and getting into the NFL. He was a bad owner but it was his team in a way that the Thunder owners could never understand. Oh, it REALLY bothers me that there was already a professional team called the Dallas Texans. I would be ok with it if it was from an old defunt league but it was the old Chiefs franchise in the AFL. Hate that.
I would love a return to the Oilers name and uniforms (maybe with a tweak or two). Yeah that would be special. It would be like a "do over" and a "throw back" at the same time. Wonder if that would be possible?
It's not possible. The rights to the Oilers went with Bud Adams to Tennessee. The Titans hold the rights to and records of the Oilers. The Titans wore Oilers uniforms against the Bills in the 2009 Hall of Fame Game:
I almost always agree with you. But, yes and no. True, the Oilers are no more. But that is Houston history, not Tennessee history... Still, , as to the question, once again I find myself agreeing with you Uprising. : )
