Move Over Bon Jovi
Charliy Nash
Monday November 1, 2004
My first clue that this was something big was when I met Vice Mayor Howard Gentry on the elevator. Most of the Titans` media people were there-- very unusual since they had all their regular day after a game responsibilities. This was going to be big.
When Mr. Adams walked out to the podium he was indeed followed by someone big: the Kats` newest minority owner, country star Tim McGraw.
Football has been a huge part of McGraw`s life, from his days as a player in high school to his recent role in the movie Friday Night Lights. McGraw joked with the crowd that he really wanted to suit up and make a few plays. When the inevitable comparisons to the AFL`s other high profile musician came up, he said that the game against Jon Bon Jovi`s Philadelphia Soul is a must-win and said, "If he gets out there I`ll get out there, because I know I could cream him."
McGraw plans to be very active in promoting the Kats and Arena Football. Kats season ticket holders will see his only live performance in Nashville at a special concert. He will also have a concert special airing on NBC the night before Thanksgiving
Now there`s an opportunity to get in a plug.
The original Kats didn`t get much mileage out of having country singer Travis Tritt as part of their ownership group. Tim McGraw is enjoying crossover success, with his song "Over and Over" reaching number one on Billboard`s mainstream chart. He`s hot, easily recognized, and when people see him they connect him to football. The Kats didn`t just get a part owner, they got an ambassador.
McGraw knows what his role will be, "I`m going to do anything I can, anything that we can put together that I can be a part of, I`m going to do anything I can to help promote the team."
Charliy Nash has covered both incarnations of the Nashville Kats, and now has make the 2 hour drive to Huntsville for an Arena Football fix. He also covers the Tennessee Titans as a blogger for nfl.com and still hopes this will eventually lead to a paying gig.
