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The Tennessee Titans give back to Metro Nashville Public Schools | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 16:58 GMT by Sporting News
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Tennessee Titans Strengthen Community Bonds by Partnering with Metro Nashville Public Schools

In a heartfelt move that underscores the franchise’s commitment to the Nashville community, the Tennessee Titans announced a new partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) that promises to bring both tangible resources and lasting opportunities to students across the city. The initiative—launched in early September 2024—focuses on supplying state‑of‑the‑art athletic gear, establishing a scholarship program, and creating a mentorship pipeline that connects future athletes with the Titans’ coaching staff and alumni.

A $15,000 Donation of Athletic Equipment

At the heart of the Titans‑MNPS partnership lies a generous $15,000 donation of football equipment. According to the Titans’ official press release, the package includes:

• 100 new helmets that meet the latest safety standards, complete with reflective visors and custom Titans logos.
• 200 football pads for both offense and defense, designed to reduce impact injuries.
• 1,000 footballs in both regulation and practice sizes, distributed to high schools, middle schools, and community youth leagues.
• Specialty gear for special teams—shoes, gloves, and socks—ensuring that every player has access to professional‑grade equipment.

“Equipping young athletes with the proper gear is the first step in keeping them safe and encouraging them to pursue their dreams,” said Titans Executive Vice President Tom Telesco. “We’re excited to partner with MNPS and to see the positive impact on students across the city.”

The equipment will be distributed during a launch ceremony at Nissan Stadium on September 12, where school officials, Titans players, and local community leaders will gather to celebrate the partnership. Players like Titans’ quarterback Ryan Tannehill and defensive end Chris Jones will lead the event, offering their time for a Q&A with the students and a brief motivational speech.

The Titans Scholarship Fund for Student‑Athletes

Beyond equipment, the Titans are establishing a scholarship fund that will award up to ten full‑ride scholarships to high‑school seniors who demonstrate athletic talent, academic excellence, and community service. Each scholarship will cover tuition, fees, and books at a university of the student’s choosing, provided that the student commits to playing college football.

The scholarship selection committee will include Titans’ head coach Mike Zimmer, former NFL player and Titans alumnus Ryan Fitzpatrick, and local education experts from the MNPS board. The inaugural class will be announced in the spring of 2025.

“We believe in nurturing not just athletic ability but also the whole person,” explained Zimmer. “By pairing scholarships with mentorship, we hope to guide students toward success both on and off the field.”

Mentorship and “Titans in the Classroom”

The partnership also features a new mentorship program called “Titans in the Classroom.” Every fall, a group of Titans’ players and alumni will visit MNPS schools to conduct workshops on leadership, nutrition, time management, and life after college. These sessions are designed to help students develop the skills needed for success in higher education and professional sports.

“We want to make it clear that the path to success involves more than talent on the field,” said Telesco. “These visits provide students with real‑world advice and inspire them to set higher goals.”

Community Outreach and Historical Context

This latest initiative builds on a series of community‑focused efforts the Titans have pursued over the past decade. The franchise has long been involved in youth sports programs, health and wellness campaigns, and educational outreach. In 2021, the Titans launched the Titans Youth Sports program, offering free camps for children in underserved neighborhoods. The new MNPS partnership is seen as a natural extension of that work, providing a concrete, long‑term investment in the city’s future.

The Titans’ commitment to community service aligns with the NFL’s broader “NFL Cares” initiatives, which emphasize player engagement, philanthropic partnerships, and educational support. By collaborating with MNPS, the Titans are reinforcing the league’s mission to promote “Positive Communities.”

What It Means for Nashville

The Titans’ partnership will directly benefit more than 40 schools in the MNPS system, which serves over 180,000 students citywide. Early feedback from school administrators suggests that the influx of equipment will reduce safety concerns and encourage higher participation rates in athletic programs. In addition, the scholarship and mentorship components are expected to elevate academic engagement among student‑athletes, giving them a more balanced and holistic development.

Students themselves are already buzzing with excitement. “I’ve been waiting for a chance to try a new helmet,” said sophomore Marcus Johnson of South Nashville High School. “Now I feel safer and more motivated to play harder.”

The partnership is slated to run through the 2025–2026 academic year, with plans for a review and potential expansion in 2026 based on measurable outcomes such as increased athletic participation, improved safety statistics, and scholarship recipients’ academic performance.

Next Steps

• Launch Ceremony: September 12 at Nissan Stadium – a formal unveiling of the equipment and a welcome address from Titans’ leadership.
• Kick‑off Workshops: First “Titans in the Classroom” sessions scheduled for September 20–30 across four high schools.
• Scholarship Application Deadline: May 15, 2025, with interviews conducted in June.
• Annual Review: August 2025, to assess program impact and plan for 2026 enhancements.

As the Titans celebrate their 50th season, their renewed focus on giving back to the Metro Nashville community highlights a broader message: success on the field can—and should—translate into opportunities for the next generation. By equipping young athletes with the tools they need to succeed, providing scholarships to broaden educational horizons, and fostering mentorship to shape character, the Tennessee Titans are not only building stronger teams but also cultivating stronger, healthier communities.

For more information on the partnership and how to apply for the scholarship program, visit the Titans’ official website or contact the MNPS Office of Student Services.