Here are 10 trivia items about the Houston Oilers:
1. Founding and AFL Championships: The Houston Oilers were one of the original teams in the American Football League (AFL) when it was founded in 1960. They won the first two AFL Championships in 1960 and 1961.
2. First Head Coach: The first head coach of the Houston Oilers was Lou Rymkus. He led the team to its first AFL Championship in 1960.
3. Iconic Running Back: Earl Campbell, one of the most iconic players in NFL history, played for the Oilers. He won the NFL MVP award in 1979 and led the league in rushing yards three times (1978, 1979, and 1980).
4. Luv Ya Blue” Era: The “Luv Ya Blue” era refers to the late 1970s when the Oilers, led by coach Bum Phillips and running back Earl Campbell, became one of the most popular teams in Houston. The team reached the AFC Championship game in 1978 and 1979 but lost both times to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
5. Astrodome: The Oilers played their home games in the Astrodome from 1968 until the team moved to Tennessee in 1997. The Astrodome was the first domed stadium in sports history and was often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
6. Warren Moon: Quarterback Warren Moon played for the Oilers from 1984 to 1993. Moon was known for his powerful arm and is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
7. Run and Shoot Offense: In the early 1990s, the Oilers employed the “Run and Shoot” offense, which was a high-scoring, pass-heavy offensive scheme. It was under this system that Warren Moon set many passing records.
8. 1992 Playoff Collapse: The Oilers are known for one of the most infamous playoff collapses in NFL history. In the 1992 AFC Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills, the Oilers squandered a 35-3 lead to lose 41-38 in overtime. This game is often referred to as “The Comeback.”
9. Relocation to Tennessee: In 1997, the Oilers relocated to Tennessee and played as the Tennessee Oilers for two seasons. In 1999, they were renamed the Tennessee Titans. The move was largely due to the inability to secure a new stadium deal in Houston.
10. Legacy: Despite the team’s relocation, the legacy of the Houston Oilers remains strong among NFL fans. The Oilers’ history, colors (Columbia blue, red, and white), and logo (an oil derrick) are still celebrated, particularly by older fans and those in Houston. The Tennessee Titans occasionally wear Oilers throwback uniforms to honor the team’s history.
