Special Olympics and Unified athletes took to the field at Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans, for the Music City Blitz Invitational, presented by Nissan. In partnership with the NFL Foundation and the Tennessee Titans, an incredible flag football experience was facilitated. Playing where the pros play is a slogan that came to life, from bright stadium lights to the many stairs that led down to the turf.
The day wasn't solely about the game; athletes participated in the NFL-style fitness combine and ran through the same tunnel the Titans use on Sundays.
Athletes came from all across the United States to participate in several intense flag football games. The passion, dedication, and camaraderie among the players was something palpable. Perseverant is the word that best describes athlete Eric Scott of the Indiana Mustangs. Following a life- altering trainwreck that resulted in him developing an intellectual disability, he had thought his athletic career was something he'd have to leave behind.
“I got in a train wreck. I was supposed to be playing high school varsity as a freshman on the team. I got hit by the train and that stopped me from even being able to play with the football team for my high school and stuff like that. So I thought that this [Special Olympics] was a good way to still play and everything,” Scott said.
Special Olympics gave him a second chance at doing the sport he truly loved: football.
Among the guests at Nissan Stadium was Tony Oden, the Tennessee Titans’ Defensive Passing Game Coordinator and Cornerbacks Coach. An NFL veteran with over 20 years of experience and a Super Bowl ring, Oden is used to seeing the highest level of professional play—yet he found the gumption at the Music City Blitz Invitational just as impressive.
“I love this event. You see this kind of pure energy and effort from these players. You see the excitement. It's always nice to see them work as a team,” Oden said. “Just like anything in life, and definitely in sports, it's ups and downs that happen all the time. But it's teaching them to kind of fight through that, and you can see them coming together, uplifting each other with just the joy and fun they have out there.”
This flag football tournament, hosted by Special Olympics Tennessee, served as a catalyst for athlete empowerment, inclusion, and greater exposure for Special Olympics.
Inspired by Eric Scott's story or Coach Tony Oden's words? Learn more about the Music City Blitz Invitational here.
