Looking Forward to Throwbacks -- And More

It is mid-July, which means the report dates for Tennessee Titans rookies (July 22) and veterans (July 25), as well as the first practice (July 26), is just weeks away. Even the first preseason game (Aug. 12 at Chicago) will occur in a month. ... Franchise officials also have revealed when they will reveal the throwback uniforms that will be worn for one -- maybe two games -- during the 2024 NFL season. The perceived excitement over this occurrence is a far cry from 1998, when franchise founder Bud Adams gave into pressure from Nashville sports fans and decided to abandon the franchise's traditional nickname, colors and uniforms. The Oilers became the Titans in 1999. ... Speaking of Mr. Adams, he is a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist in the coach/contributor category, as is former Oilers/Titans scout C.O. Brocato. Former Oilers wide receiver/return man Billy "White Shoes" Johnson is a semifinalist in the senior category. All three face long odds for induction. ... Free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins still has not settled on his next team, but oddsmakers suddenly see Tennessee as the prohibitive favorite to sign him eventually.