From Hentrich's early dominance to Hekker's Pro Bowl pedigree, the Titans' punting legacy is deep. Discover the surprising lineage of kickers who've shaped franchise history.
In 1997, the Houston Oilers moved their franchise to Nashville, Tennessee.
For the next two seasons, the team was known as the Tennessee Oilers before changing its name to the Tennessee Titans in 1999.
Since then, Tennessee has appeared in one Super Bowl and three AFC Championship Games. The Titans' most recent AFC Championship appearance was in the 2019 season.
The team had to go through Tom Brady and the New England Patriots and Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. The Titans defied the odds and faced the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game, losing 35-24.
Over the course of this franchise's history, multiple position groups have become staples of the Titans. At running back, there's been Eddie George, Chris Johnson and Derrick Henry.
Every Titans fan knows the impact that Steve McNair had at quarterback. McNair finished second in franchise history in career passing yards (27,141).
Even players like Drew Bennett were beloved by fans, who chanted "Drew" at home games.
Fans have been spoiled at punter over the course of the Titans' time in the NFL. Let's look back at some of the recent punters this team has had.
In the 2010s, it was Brett Kern.
Kern was with the franchise from 2009-2022 and went to three Pro Bowls as a punter. His final punt during that Patriots game in the 2019 playoffs was crucial in the Titans' 20-13 win, pinning Brady and the offense on their own one-yard line.
On the very next play, Brady threw a pick-six to Logan Ryan to seal the win.
Even after Kern, there was reliable punting. Ryan Stonehouse followed Kern and led the league in yards per punt in 2022 and 2023. He was eventually released in 2024.
In 2025, fans had the joy of watching another of the league's premier punters. Four-time Pro Bowler Johnny Hekker was the punter last season, and although he didn't have the best season in Tennessee, he's still very highly regarded.
The trend of solid punters is continuing with the new regime of General Manager Mike Borgonzi and head coach Robert Saleh.
Tennessee added former Chiefs and Houston Texans punter Tommy Townsend in free agency. Townsend went to the Pro Bowl in 2022 with the Chiefs and is bringing his premier punting pedigree to the Titans.
Before all of these great punters, there was someone at the beginning who Titans fans may not remember. Craig Hentrich started the trend back in 1998, joining the Titans after spending four seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
He was here when the franchise changed its name and held down the position until 2009. He even proved he could do more than just punt, making a 49-yard field goal against the Oakland Raiders in 2003.
What's even wilder is that Bennett was the holder for the field goal attempt.
This franchise has some very passionate fans. Even though the Titans are fresh off consecutive 3-14 seasons, the fanbase still shows up to support the team.
Just make sure not to joke around about punters with Titans fans.