Death of a Titan

Kenneth Stanley “Bud” Adams, the second-generation oil magnate who brought professional football to Houston in 1960 and, three decades later, spirited it away to Tennessee, has died at the age of 90.

The passing was first reported by Brent Zwerneman of Hearst News Services. A source said early indications are Adams’ death was of natural causes, but the source stressed the “early indications” aspect.

Adams founded the Houston Oilers in 1959 as part of the new American Football League. Until his death he remained owner, chairman of the board, and president and CEO of the franchise that became the Tennessee Titans in 1999 after a heated and  controversial departure from Houston.

He was one of only four NFL owners to reach the 350-win plateau, a milestone only shared with Ralph Wilson (Buffalo Bills), Dan Rooney (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Al Davis (Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders).

R.I.P Bud Adams.  We’ll look for that double bird in the sky.