For everyone who thought Tennessee Oilers sounded a little weird, be patient. When the 1998 season ends, the Oilers' nickname will become a piece of NFL history.
Owner Bud Adams announced yesterday that he had decided to bow to the fans wanting a new nickname and will rename his Nashville-based team in time for the 1999 season.
"We'll play the 1998 season as the Hou -- Tennessee Oilers," said Adams, momentarily referring to the team's former home of Houston. "But as we start 1999 in our new stadium our team will have a new name."
Adams, who had promised fans a name contest three years ago when he signed a relocation deal, had a hard time deciding to go ahead with a name change. He heard from former Oilers players such as Earl Campbell and was personally attached to "Oilers," since both his father and grandfather were oilmen.
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An advisory council made up of people from around Tennessee will sort through suggestions from fans. NFL Properties and Commissioner Paul Tagliabue will be involved, but Adams will make the decision. COLTS: Quarterback Peyton Manning, the richest rookie ever in the NFL after signing a $42.7 million contract yesterday morning, took to the field with Indianapolis and did, well, so-so.
"I'd have wanted 3 for 3," Coach Jim Mora joked after Manning went 1 for 3, was "sacked" in a non-contact drill, and drew a pass-interference call. The highlight was a 60-yard touchdown pass.
"He looked good mentally. He was reading the defenses right," Mora said of Manning, who missed five days and eight workouts by holding out. CHIEFS: Having lost his top two rushers from last season -- Marcus Allen retired and Greg Hill was not re-signed -- Coach Marty Schottenheimer is considering signing Bam Morris, who spent 89 days in jail this year for possession of six pounds of marijuana.
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Schottenheimer said he had received a "heartfelt" letter from Morris, who helped lead Pittsburgh to the 1996 Super Bowl but was suspended for parts of the past two seasons. Morris was released by Baltimore in January. BILLS: Guard Joe Panos is expected to miss the preseason because of a sprained ligament in his right knee. Panos, who signed an $11.5 million, four-year deal in the offseason, had to be carted off the field late in Tuesday's practice after a teammate fell on his leg. 49ERS: Defensive tackle Shane Bonham will be lost for two to three months after tearing his left biceps in a pass-rush drill.
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