The decision to bring Eddie George back as CEO is a testament to his profound connection with the organization and the state of Tennessee. George, the Heisman Trophy winner from Ohio State, was the 14th overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, who would later relocate to Tennessee and become the Titans. For eight seasons (1996-2003), George was the heartbeat of the franchise, an ironman running back who never missed a start and consistently delivered bruising, productive performances. He amassed 10,441 rushing yards and 68 rushing touchdowns in his career, making him the Titans’ all-time leading rusher. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and an instrumental force behind the team’s memorable run to Super Bowl XXXIV. His number 27, along with Steve McNair’s number 9, is retired by the Tennessee Titans, a testament to his indelible mark on the franchise.
“Eddie George embodies everything we strive for as an organization: integrity, perseverance, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” stated Amy Adams Strunk, Controlling Owner and Co-Chairman of the Titans’ Board of Directors. “His connection to our fans is unmatched, and his diverse experiences since his playing days make him uniquely qualified to lead our business operations into a new era. This is a homecoming that truly excites us all.”
George’s journey since retiring from the NFL in 2006 has been one of remarkable versatility and continued achievement, showcasing a “renaissance man” quality that sets him apart. He earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s prestigious Kellogg School of Management, demonstrating his intellectual acumen beyond the gridiron. His entrepreneurial ventures include founding EDGE Group, a landscape architecture and design firm, and serving as managing partner of The Edward George Wealth Management Group. He has also ventured into acting, notably appearing on Broadway in “Chicago,” and served as an adjunct professor at both Ohio State and Vanderbilt University.
Most recently, George garnered significant attention in the college football world as the head coach of Tennessee State University from 2021 to 2024. During his tenure, he transformed the struggling program, leading the Tigers to consecutive winning records in 2023 and 2024, including a share of the Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Championship and their first FCS playoff berth in over a decade. His success at Tennessee State, located in Nashville, further solidified his deep roots and leadership capabilities within the very community where he achieved NFL stardom. He recently accepted the head coaching position at Bowling Green State University for the 2025 season, a move that highlights his continued passion for coaching. However, this new role as CEO for the Titans marks a significant pivot back to the professional sports landscape, albeit in a vastly different capacity.
The appointment of a former player, particularly one of George’s stature, to such a high-level executive position is a rare occurrence in the NFL. While many former players transition into coaching, scouting, or player development roles, assuming the CEO position requires a distinct blend of business acumen, strategic vision, and organizational leadership. The Titans’ current front office structure includes President of Football Operations Chad Brinker and General Manager Mike Borgonzi, with Burke Nihill currently serving as President and CEO. George’s new role as CEO would place him at the very top of the organizational chart for the business side, working in tandem with the football operations leadership. This unique structure signals a commitment to integrating a franchise legend’s perspective at the highest levels of decision-making.
The significance of this move extends beyond the corporate hierarchy. It is a powerful message to the loyal Titans fanbase, who have always held George in the highest regard. His return represents a deep understanding of the team’s identity, its history, and the values that resonate with its supporters. George’s name evokes memories of toughness, consistency, and a winning mentality – qualities the franchise aims to embody.
As CEO, George will be responsible for overseeing all non-football business operations, including finance, marketing, sales, community relations, and the development of the team’s new state-of-the-art stadium, set to open in 2027. His extensive business background and undeniable charisma position him well to engage with corporate partners, drive revenue, and strengthen the team’s ties within the Nashville community and beyond.
Eddie George’s return as CEO is not just a strategic business decision; it’s a symbolic homecoming. It reunites a franchise legend with the organization he helped build, offering a compelling narrative of loyalty, ambition, and continued impact. This move will undoubtedly energize the Titans’ faithful and set a precedent for how professional sports franchises can leverage the enduring legacy of their greatest players in significant leadership roles. The “King of the Hill” is back, ready to lead the Titans from the boardroom with the same tenacity and vision he once displayed on the field
