Bud Adams was a prominent figure in the world of American football, having made a significant impact on the sport during his career. He was the founder and owner of the Houston Oilers, which later became the Tennessee Titans, and was instrumental in the development of the American Football League (AFL).
Adams was born in Oklahoma in 1923 and grew up in Kansas. He attended the University of Kansas and later served in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he moved to Houston and began his career in the oil industry. In 1959, he founded the Houston Oilers as a charter member of the AFL.
Under Adams' leadership, the Oilers became one of the most successful teams in the AFL, winning two league championships in 1960 and 1961. The team also had a number of star players, including quarterback George Blanda and running back Billy Cannon.
In 1970, the AFL merged with the National Football League (NFL), and the Oilers became part of the newly formed AFC. The team continued to be successful under Adams' ownership, making the playoffs several times in the 1970s and 1980s.
In 1997, Adams moved the team to Tennessee and renamed them the Titans. The move was controversial, as many Houston fans felt betrayed by Adams' decision to leave the city. However, the Titans continued to be successful in their new home, making the Super Bowl in 2000 and winning several division titles.
Adams was known for his outspoken personality and his willingness to take risks. He was a strong advocate for the AFL and played a key role in the league's merger with the NFL. He was also a pioneer in the use of technology in football, introducing instant replay to the sport in the 1980s.
Adams passed away in 2013 at the age of 90. He was remembered as a visionary and a trailblazer in the world of football, having made a lasting impact on the sport and the NFL.
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