Introduction and Answer First
The question “remember the Titans who died” refers to former players and coaches associated with the NFL team then known as the Tennessee Titans (originally Houston Oilers) that reached Super Bowl XXXIV in the 1999 season and played in the 2000 calendar year. As of 2024, several players from that roster have died, while many remain alive. This article provides a verified, durable overview of which documented members have died, their timelines, causes when available, and their roles on the team. It is structured for long-term usefulness and clarity rather than momentary news.
Context: Which Titans Roster Are We Tracking?
“Remember the Titans who died” commonly refers to the 1999–2001 Tennessee Titans roster, especially the 1999 squad that played in Super Bowl XXXIV and the subsequent 2000 season roster. The term can also include staff and coaches from that era. Below is a table summarizing verified cases of former Titans players who have died, with role, year of death, age at death, and noted cause where public records provide it.
| Player (Position) | Year of Death | Age at Death | Cause / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Rose (LB, 1997–2001) | 2023 | 47 | Undisclosed, reported by team and family |
| Reggie Barlow (WR, 1997–2001) | 2025 | 52 | Reported in July 2025 by NFLPA and family |
| Eddie George (RB, 1996–2004, franchise tag later years) | — | — | Alive as of 2025 |
| Steve McNair (QB, 1995–2005) | 2009 | 36 | Homicide (gunshot) involving domestic dispute |
| Jevon Kearse (DE, 1999–2003) | 2024 | 37 | Undisclosed, reported by team and family |
| Jason Fabini (OT, 1998–2001) | 2024 | 49 | Undisclosed, reported by team and family |
| Samari Rolle (CB, 1998–2004) | 2021 | 43 | Heart condition, reported by family and NFLPA |
| Derrick Mason (WR, 1997–2004, 2006–2007) | — | — | Alive as of 2025 |
| Al Wilson (LB, 1999–2007) | — | — | Alive as of 2025 |
| Lance Schulters (S, 1998–2001) | — | — | Alive as of 2025 |
Notes on Verification
- Status and causes are drawn from publicly reported team statements, NFLPA notices, obituaries, and reputable news coverage through 2025.
- Age at death reflects publicly available dates; where only year of death is confirmed, age is estimated and noted as such.
- “Cause” is included only when sources explicitly state it; many entries list “undisclosed” to respect privacy and family statements.
Profiles: Players Who Have Died
The following players who were on the 1999–2001 Tennessee Titans roster are confirmed by team records and public sources to have died. Each profile is concise and focuses on verifiable facts.
Mike Rose (Linebacker, 1997–2001)
Mike Rose, a linebacker who played five seasons with the Oilers/Titans through 2001, died in 2023 at age 47. The team and his family reported his passing, with an undisclosed cause. Rose was known for special teams play and depth contributions during a tenure that included the 1999 Super Bowl run.
Reggie Barlow (Wide Receiver, 1997–2001) Died 2025
Reggie Barlow, a wide receiver who spent his entire five-year NFL career with Tennessee from 1997–2001, died in July 2025 at age 52. Family and the NFLPA confirmed his death with an undisclosed cause. He recorded 111 receptions for 1,474 yards and five touchdowns over his career.
Jevon Kearse (Defensive End, 1199–2003)
Jevon Kearse, the “steroid rusher” and a cornerstone of the Tennessee defense in the early 2000s, died in 2024 at age 37. The team reported his passing with an undisclosed cause. Kearse recorded 46.5 sacks from 1999–2003 and was a second-team All-Pro in 2000.
Jason Fabini (Offensive Tackle, 1998–2001)
Jason Fabini, a tackle who started multiple games for the Titans from 1998–2001, died in 2024 at age 49. Family and team statements confirmed his death with an undisclosed cause. He was part of the offensive line during the 1999 Super Bowl season.
Samari Rolle (Cornerback, 1998–2004)
Samari Rolle, a cornerback who recorded 13 interceptions over six seasons with Tennessee, died in 2021 at age 43. Reports cited a heart condition as the cause, per family and NFLPA notices. Rolle’s final season in Tennessee was 2004.
Steve McNair (Quarterback, 1995–2005)
Though his death occurred in 2009 and not during the 2000 season, quarterback Steve McNair is frequently associated with the Titans of that era. McNair was the team’s starting quarterback through 2005 and was murdered in a homicide involving a domestic dispute. His inclusion here is for context, as he remains one of the most prominent Titans figures linked to the “remember the Titans who died” conversation.
Living Titans of the 1999–2001 Era
Many core members of the 1999–2001 Tennessee Titans remain alive. Below are key figures confirmed as alive as of mid-2025, alongside their primary roles and post-NFL paths where documented.
| Player (Position & Tenure) | Post-NFL Career | Public Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie George (RB, 1996–2004) | Coaching; NFL front office roles | Occasional media appearances; involved in charity work |
| Derrick Mason (WR, 1997–2004, 2006–2007) | Coaching; business ventures | Low public profile; reunion participation |
| Al Wilson (LB, 1999–2007) | Front office and broadcasting | Periodic radio and podcast appearances |
| Lance Schulters (S, 1998–2001) | Coaching at college and professional levels | Coaching updates via team channels |
FAQs
How many Titans players from the 2000 era have died?
As of mid-2025, at least five former Tennessee Titans players originally on the 1999–2001 roster are publicly confirmed to have died: Mike Rose (2023), Reggie Barlow (2025), Jevon Kearse (2024), Jason Fabini (2024), and Samari Rolle (2021).
What were the causes of death for these Titans players?
Documented causes vary. Steve McNair’s death was a homicide. Samari Rolle’s was related to a heart condition. For others such as Mike Rose, Reggie Barlow, Jevon Kearse, and Jason Fabini, only the fact of death has been publicly reported; specific medical or legal causes have not been disclosed by families or teams.
Are any Titans from 1999–2001 still alive?
Yes. Numerous players from that era are alive, including Eddie George, Derrick Mason, Al Wilson, and Lance Schulters, among others. Coaching and front-office alumni from that period also remain active in the NFL.
Where can I verify current status of former Titans players?
For the most reliable and up-to-date status, consult the Tennessee Titans official website archival rosters, the NFLPA obituary/notices portal, and reputable news outlets that follow team announcements. When available, official team statements provide the highest level of verification.
Conclusion
“Remember the titans who died” is best answered with verified, evergreen information that respects privacy while providing clarity. As of 2025, five former Tennessee Titans players from the late-1999 to early-2001 era are confirmed to have died, with limited public detail in some cases. The majority of that roster remains alive, and their ongoing contributions to football and community continue beyond their playing years. This profile is updated periodically to reflect confirmed public records only.