Oilers Trademark New Nicknames

The Tennessee Oilers have applied for trademarks for seven new nicknames: the Pioneers, Tradition, Fury, Wolves, Vipers, Commanders and Presidents.

The name would be preceded by Tennessee in all cases.

Additionally, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told The Commercial Appeal of Memphis that the league has applied for an unspecified number of other nicknames for the Oilers.

An Oilers spokesman did not return telephone calls Friday seeking comment.

Team owner Bud Adams said earlier this year he planned to change the name in December because Oilers was used in Houston and does not reflect their new home in Nashville. He has appointed a 13-member committee to make recommendations to him.

The team is holding a contest in which fans have been invited to guess what name he will pick. The winner gets a trip for two to the Super Bowl in Miami next January.

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