MUSIC CITY BLITZ

TENNESSEE TITANS COACHES, PLAYERS HOST TENNESSEE ATHLETES AT ‘CAMP 59’ THE TIM SHAW YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP

In May the Tennessee Titans hosted ‘Camp 59’ Tim Shaw Youth Football Camp at the team’s Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park indoor practice facility. Local organizations Nashville Christian, Hendersonville Titans, Backfield in Motion and Preston Taylor Ministries attended the camp led by Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, special teams coach Craig Aukerman, general manager Jon Robinson and the full Titans coaching staff.

The camp honored former linebacker, Tim Shaw, who played three seasons with the Titans from 2010-2012. In 2014, Shaw announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and has since dedicated his life to research and discovering a cure for the disease. In 2017, Shaw released a book “Blitz Your Life: Stories from an NFL and ALS Warrior.”

“This event is deeply important to the Titans organization for a multitude of reasons,” said Josh Corey, Titans Director of Marketing, Youth and Community Engagement. “Not only does it benefit young athletes in our community, but it also honors a person who best personifies teamwork and selflessness –qualities Tim always aims to instill at youth football camps. The game is important, but teaching strong character is at the top of our priority list. There is nothing more rewarding than watching these kids practice with the pros as Tim provides the best example of tackling adversity.”

The Tim Shaw Camp welcomed more than 120 kids from Middle Tennessee for skills and drills, agility, offensive and defensive stations led by Titans coaches, the 2022 Rookie Class, and several veteran players. Campers participated in sessions on throwing mechanics, footwork, tackling, run and drive blocking, cone and ladder drills and more. This camp marked the first of many community events the 2022 Titans Rookie Class will participate in. Tim Shaw attended the event and addressed campers with a motivational speech.

NISSAN STADIUM HOSTED 2022 MUSIC CITY BLITZ BENEFITING SPECIAL OLYMPICS TENNESSEE

The Tennessee Titans, Special Olympics Tennessee hosted the annual Music City Blitz Tournament at Nissan Stadium. The adult flag football tournament gives players an opportunity to play on a professional football field. The 2022 event raised $20,000 for Special Olympics Tennessee. The tournament kicked-off with Special Olympics athletes taking the field to play alongside Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel and former NFL players, Jared Allen, Marc Bulger and Matt Cassel.

“We look forward to hosting Music City Blitz at Nissan Stadium each year. The event celebrates athleticism at all levels and provides tremendous support for Special Olympics Tennessee, an organization that is extremely special to the Titans,” said Titans Director of Marketing, Youth and Community Engagement, Josh Corey. “I have served on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Tennessee for more than four years, and I am continually amazed at the talent and drive of their young athletes.”

This official 5v5 flag football tournament is played in one day on Nissan Stadium’s field. Divisions are available in Competitive (Top Gun), Recreational, Co-ed, 35 and Over, and Battle of the Badges. Teams are allowed up to 15 players; all must be 18 years of age or older to participate. Field size is 25 yards x 70 yards with each team guaranteed three games on the field at Nissan Stadium.

WINNERS OF THE 2022 MUSIC CITY BLITZ TOURNAMENT:

• Top Gun Division

(Teams who play together on a regular basis)

• Finalist – The Replacements • Champion – Mean Machine • Battle of the Badges Division

(Current or retired law enforcement, first responders)

• Finalist – MNP Donut Squad • Champion – Front Line Heroes • Co-ed Division • Finalist – Suicide Squad • Champion – Mean Machine Co-ed

“Special Olympics Tennessee offers athletes an opportunity to enjoy year-round sports and competition, something the Titans have supported for many years. Music City Blitz is one of our favorite events to highlight our athletes and welcome others to join the fun competing in Nissan Stadium,” said Adam Germek, President and CEO of Special Olympics Tennessee. “This year’s event was extra special as we watched our athletes play alongside Coach Vrabel and other NFL greats.”

All proceeds raised by flag football teams benefit Special Olympics Tennessee athletes and help foster the mission of providing year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.