FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Titans found a way to break up the monotony of the opening week of training camp: Their first ever Friday night lights excursion.
The Titans loaded onto buses for the short drive south of Nashville to this historic town for their first night practice of camp. Coach Mike Mularkey, who has his own good memories of playing high school games on Friday night, called it a fun night.
“I’ve always enjoyed this,” Mularkey said. “I’ve done this before other places I’ve been. It’s a great environment. It’s fun for everybody. I know the players’ energy level was great coming down here. They didn’t fail to perform.”
The Titans chose Centennial High for its location right off Interstate 65 along with plenty of parking and bleachers on each side of the field. The team’s grounds crew worked with the high school this summer to make sure the field was ready for the NFL team. The team also brought along inflatables with food trucks on hand.
So when the Titans got off the buses, they found a crowd of 6,822 waiting for a practice on a perfect summer night with temperatures in the mid-70s. They signed autographs before taking the field and then lined the edge of the field for the national anthem to kick the night off in style.
“That’s a great turnout,” Mularkey said. “Yeah I think it is. For a Friday night? There’s lots to do in Nashville and to have them come out here and support us I think that’s a great number.”
Eric Decker had some of the highlights with three key catches from Marcus Mariota in a 2-minute drill despite being covered tightly by cornerback Logan Ryan. The offensive line won a 1-on-1 drill against the defensive line late in the session.
“I thought our players really enjoyed the environment based on the way they practiced, and I think we got a lot done we got a lot done, and I think people were pleased to see what kind of team we have,” Mularkey said.
Notes: The Titans will practice Saturday night inside Nissan Stadium with a scrimmage featuring 10 scheduled drives.
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