NASHVILLE – Robert Brazile strolled out of the tunnel at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, and he felt a sense of peace.
Wearing his gold Pro Football Hall of Fame jacket, the former Houston Oilers linebacker was on hand for the Titans-Chiefs contest on a "boys trip." And he loved every minute of it.
"It's good to be home," Brazile said with a smile.
Brazile, who played from 1975-84 with the Oilers, attended the team's Saturday walkthrough at Saint Thomas Sports Park prior to Sunday's game. Flanked by three of his life-long buddies from Alabama, along with his brothers, the 66-year-old Brazile cheered on the Titans as they rallied to beat the Chiefs, 35-32. Brazile was in the locker room after the contest, hugging players and celebrating with them.
Nicknamed "Dr. Doom" during his playing days, Brazile was adamant when speaking about his affection for the organization he played for in Houston, and he once again showered praise on Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk for making him feel so welcome. Brazile served as the Honorary 12th Titan for a game last season, and he's also in the team's Ring of Honor. Brazile said all the former Oilers have appreciated Strunk's efforts in hosting reunions for former players.
"When I left the league and the Houston Oilers moved, I felt like I didn't have a home, so this is now home to me, in Tennessee," Brazile said. "When Amy reached out to me, that was the first time I felt like someone cared about me, and that touched me in so many ways.
"I am just so happy to be a part of this organization. … The Houston Oilers moved to Tennessee and became the Titans so that means everything that dealt with the Houston Oilers became a Titan in Tennessee -- that's how I feel. I am from Mobile, Alabama, but I am a Titan."
A first-round pick by the Houston Oilers in 1975, Brazile played 10 seasons and never missed a game. He was voted to seven consecutive Pro Bowls and was named to three All-Pro teams.
Bud Adams, father of Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk, was the owner when Brazile played for the Oilers. Brazile helped the Oilers to three consecutive 10-win seasons, and he started at linebacker in back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances.
During his weekend visit to Nashville, several Titans had a chance to spend time with Brazile.
"I have a ton of respect for him," Titans safety Kevin Byard said of Brazile. "He has a ton of respect from all of us. He just has that Hall of Fame presence. He is definitely welcome here.
"He was in the locker room at the end of the game congratulating us on our big win. Everybody shows him a lot of love. When you have a Hall of Famer walking around our locker room, he brings a presence for sure."
Brazile said he plans to keep coming back.
At the beginning of the season, Brazile said Strunk asked him what game he wanted to come to on the schedule, and he picked Sunday's game against the Chiefs. As he left town, he knew he'd picked the right game, as the Titans won in memorable fashion.
"I wanted to see the Kansas City game because I wanted to see what (Chiefs quarterback) Patrick Mahomes was all about, and I wanted to see the Titans against him," Brazile said. "It was a great game, and it was fun rooting for the Titans.
"I promise you I will be rooting for the Titans the rest of my life. I want this organization to make it."
Franchise great Robert Brazile receives his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring, and is inducted into the Titans-Oilers Ring of Honor on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018 at Nissan Stadium. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
The Tennessee Titans take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10 of the 2019 season at Nissan Stadium. (Photos: Donald Page)