FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – Camouflage and two-tone blue.
It was a beautiful sight for Titans general manager Jon Robinson.
The Titans traveled to Fort Campbell, home of the 101st Airborne Division, during their annual Titans Caravan Monday. Members of the military and their families welcomed players, the team's GM and head coach Mike Mularkey, cheerleaders and T-Rac.
Some fans began lining up at 10:30 a.m. for the 3:30 p.m. appearance.
"Obviously we love all of our fans, but our military, that's a very special thing to coach Mularkey and I and our organization as a whole because of what they do for our country,'' Robinson said.
"It is pretty outstanding. This is a pretty special bond we are trying to form with this group. What they do for our country is very important and we've formed a relationship with them here over the last year and we want to see it grow. … There's a lot of two-tone blue, mixed with some camo. It's pretty awesome."
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota and linebacker Derrick Morgan met members of the military and their families during the stop. They posed for pictures, signed autographs and shook hands with fans.
"It is all kind of a surreal deal," Mariota said. "For us, we are all fortunate to play the sport that we love. And we are here to pay our respects for what they do for us. It is the least that we could do and it is really special to meet all these people."
Morgan made the trip to the military base last year during the Caravan as well.
"Just to be able to come out here and be amongst the troops is very unique," Morgan said. "This is one of my favorite stops."
The Caravan stop was at the Fort Campbell Post Exchange, which is open to active duty or retirees and families.
Col. Alan Boyer said the relationship the 101st Airborne has with the Titans is rewarding for both sides.
Titans QB Marcus Mariota, LB Derrick Morgan, head coach Mike Mularkey and GM Jon Robinson headline Day 3 of Titans Caravan in Fort Campbell and Clarksville. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
"It is great they take the time to come here and do this for our soldiers," Boyer said. "They are on our base today and interacting with our families and soldiers, and there's all smiles here. I think it's great."
Morgan noted the crowd was much bigger coming off a 9-7 season than it was the previous year when coming off a 3-13 finish.
Mularkey said the Titans will continue to build on the relationship.
"This is great being at Fort Campbell," Mularkey said. "Just to spend some time with the troops and their families, it is a really good experience for both sides. The military is really important in all of our lives. What they do for us on a regular basis, we appreciate everything they do for us and this is an opportunity to give back"
