The Tennessee Titans traded their practice gear for team polos as players, coaches and community supporters gathered for the annual Titans Foundation Kickoff Luncheon at the Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville.
Approximately 350 people attended the event, which raised money to support the Titans Foundation and highlighted the organization’s community outreach efforts.
The entire Titans team attended along with coaches and other members of the organization. Head coach Robert Saleh, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and coordinators Brian Daboll, Gus Bradley and John Fassel were among those who spoke during the program.
Johari Matthews, vice president and executive director of One Community and the Titans Foundation, introduced Simmons, who discussed his involvement with Habitat for Humanity and the importance of giving back.
Earlier this year, Simmons surprised a Habitat for Humanity family by announcing he would pay their mortgage for a year. The family joined Simmons and the Titans at the luncheon.
“Today’s Annual Titans Foundation Kickoff Luncheon is all about celebrating our commitment to using the game of football as a force for good,” Matthews said. “We highlight our players making an impact off the field, the community partners who help us empower the next generation of Titans, and raise dollars on behalf of the Tennessee Titans Foundation to continue doing good across Tennessee.”
Former Titans tackle and current Titans Radio personality Brad Hopkins led a roundtable discussion with the team’s coordinators, while Titans play-by-play announcer Taylor Zarzour spoke with Saleh about the team and the upcoming season.
The Titans Foundation focuses its work on three areas: opportunity, neighborhoods and education, with a mission of creating generational change for individuals, families and communities.
Titans President/CEO Burke Nihill concluded the event by encouraging guests to participate in a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting ALS research in honor of former Titans running back Chris Johnson.
The Titans open the regular season Sept. 13 against the New York Jets at Nissan Stadium.
