Former Titans owner K.S. ‘Bud’ Adams is one step closer to being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is among nine semifinalists who have taken the next step toward potentially becoming a member of the Contributor Category of the Class of 2026.

Adams joins Roone Arledge, Ralph Hay, Frank “Bucko” Kilroy, Robert Kraft, Art Rooney Jr., Clark Shaughnessy, Seymour Siwoff, and Buddy Young on that list. Adams, Hay, Kilroy, Kraft, Rooney, and Siwoff all reached this point in the selection process last year, with Hay ultimately being chosen as the category’s finalist for the Class of 2025.

Adams’ influence on the game is undeniable, and his fingerprints remain on the league to this day. Joining former Kansas City owner Lamar Hunt, they founded the original American Football League in 1960 and controlled it until it merged with the NFL in 1970. In recognition of this achievement, he received the Lamar Hunt Award for Professional Football in 2008 for his role in helping the NFL reach the pinnacle of professional sports. 

Adams, who passed away in 2013, was the founder and owner of the Oilers/Titans from 1960-2012. During his time at the helm of the franchise, he oversaw the transition from Houston to Nashville and cultivated a tremendous fan base. He was also a pivotal figure among NFL owners, leading the way on many initiatives that helped shape the game into what it is today. 

The next step in the journey will be when the committee trims down to one finalist for consideration by the full selection committee. One contributor will be grouped with one coaching candidate and three senior candidates. Between one and three of those five finalists will make it into the Hall based on getting at least 80 percent of the votes from the full committee.

The virtual vote will take place on November 11. Check back with Titans Wire for all the coverage on Adams as he takes the next step toward the Hall of Fame.Â