Filed for intro on 03/08/99 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 120 By Ferguson A RESOLUTION to honor Coach Jeff Fisher of the Tennessee Titans. WHEREAS, it is important that the members of this General Assembly should recognize those estimable Tennesseans who have contributed significantly to their profession and their community; and WHEREAS, one such person is Coach Jeff Fisher of the Tennessee Titans, who has guided the National Football League franchise to remarkable success since his arrival in 1994; and WHEREAS, one of the top defensive minds in the NFL, Coach Fisher is entering his sixth season as the Titan's head coach, and during his tenure has built a reputation for his detailed organization and game planning while displaying a strong commitment to winning; and WHEREAS, no coach in the NFL is admired more for keeping a team together and focused despite a franchise relocation and playing 16 road games, as the newly named Titans did after the team moved from Houston; and WHEREAS, a native of Culver City, California, Jeff was an All-American wide receiver at Taft High School in Woodland Hills, California, and played for the University of Southern California Trojans; and WHEREAS, as a defensive back at USC under Coach John Robinson, Jeff played in a star-studded defensive backfield that also included future NFL stars Ronnie Lott, Dennis Smith HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 120 003795 -1- and Joey Browner; a versatile player whose career statistics included five interceptions and 108 tackles, he was also a Pacific-10 Conference All-Academic selection in 1980; and WHEREAS, in 1981 Jeff’s lifelong dreams came true as he was drafted in the seventh round by the Chicago Bears, and quickly became a fan favorite for his hard hitting and aggressiveness on the gridiron; he also set the Bear’s club record for punt return yards for a season; and WHEREAS, Jeff Fisher’s transition from the playing field to the coaching ranks was an easy one, as he was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles as an assistant coach shortly after his retirement from the NFL; and WHEREAS, Jeff’s coaching prowess and ability to forge strong relationships with his players were evident early on as he was selected the St. Louis Rams’ defensive coordinator; he subsequently joined the staff of the San Francisco 49ers as defensive backs coach; and WHEREAS, in February of 1994 Coach Fisher joined the then Houston Oilers as an assistant coach and a year later was named the team’s fifteenth head coach in franchise history; and WHEREAS, known for his tenacious yet cerebral approach to the game, Jeff Fisher has developed into one of the brilliant young coaches in the National Football League, where he is widely respected by players and coaching peers alike; and WHEREAS, his achievements aside, Jeff is most proud of the love and support he shares with his wife Juli; and their children, Brandon, Trenton and Tara; and WHEREAS, it is most appropriate that we pause in our deliberations to honor one of Tennessee's most respected sports ambassadors; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE CONCURRING, That we congratulate Coach Jeff Fisher of the Tennessee Titans for his - 2 - 00379547 accomplishments on the field and his many contributions to the Nashville community, extending to him our best wishes for every continued success. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy. - 3 - 00379547.