Ex-Titans coach once publicly wore a Peyton Manning jersey after losing 6 straight games: “Just wanted to feel like a winner”

In 2009, the Tennessee Titans found themselves in a disastrous situation. They had lost their first six games of the season, including three consecutive blowouts including a 0-59 defeat at the hands of the New England Patriots.

The Patriots’ loss was a black mark in their franchise trajectory till then. They endured the most lopsided defeat in franchise history, surpassing a 61–7 loss to Cincinnati in 1989. This game marked the first 59–0 scoreline since 1976 and was only the fourth such occurrence in NFL history. Additionally, the Titans entered their bye week with a 0–6 record, marking their worst start since 1984 when the franchise was known as the Houston Oilers.

Head coach Jeff Fisher, known for his steady leadership, faced immense pressure. The Titans had gone 13-3 the previous year, making their winless start even more frustrating. As the team struggled, Fisher attended a charity event alongside former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy.

To the shock of Titans fans, Fisher wore a Peyton Manning jersey at the event. Manning, the Indianapolis Colts’ star quarterback, had led his team to a perfect 5-0 record that season.

Fisher later explained his decision in a lighthearted manner.

“I wanted to feel like a winner,” Fisher joked.

Since Peyton Manning's in the house, the greatest Colts-Titans moment ever was Jeff Fisher, who as Titans' coach once opened a game with 3 onside kicks, wearing a Manning jersey at an event because "I wanted to feel like a winner." pic.twitter.com/YRBe0PY7xu

— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) November 18, 2018

At the time, his team had no wins, while the Colts remained unbeaten. Furthermore, the Indianapolis Colts had been their biggest rival and a formidable foe in their division, the AFC South. His attempt at humor did not sit well with Titans fans, who saw it as an insult during a terrible season.

Jeff Fisher ultimately stood by his decision

The Titans’ struggles that season were part of a larger issue. After their strong 2008 campaign, the team failed to replicate its success. Their defense struggled, and their offense lacked consistency. Fisher’s jersey stunt only added to the frustration of an already disappointed fan base.

Despite the controversy, Fisher stood by his actions.

If anybody was offended by it, I can’t help that. I’m not going to walk around here 0-6 with my tail between my legs. That’s just not my nature. It’s OK to have a sense of humor and have fun. That’s what I did.

Jeff Fisher admitted

The Titans responded after the bye week with five straight wins. They finished the season at 8-8, showing resilience despite their poor start. Fisher remained with the team for one more season before leaving in 2010.

Tennessee Titans and Their Troubles as a Team

Since the 2009 season, the Tennessee Titans have experienced a mix of highs and lows. After Jeff Fisher’s departure in 2010, the team struggled with inconsistency under multiple head coaches, missing the playoffs for several years.

The hiring of Mike Vrabel in 2018 marked a turning point. Led by Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill, the Titans made multiple playoff appearances, including an AFC Championship run in 2019.

Fast forward to the 2025 offseason, and the Titans are still searching for their next great quarterback. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, fans hope their No. 1 overall pick will change the team’s fortunes. Only time will tell if Tennessee can finally return to the top.

Will Levis struggled significantly throughout the past season, failing to meet expectations after taking over as the Titans’ starting quarterback. His performances were inconsistent, marked by poor decision-making, accuracy issues, and a lack of offensive production.

The Titans’ offensive line woes and lack of elite playmakers only added to his difficulties, but Levis’ inability to elevate the team’s performance was a major concern. His underwhelming season further highlighted the franchise’s decline in recent years.