Report: The Titans Can't Trade With the Patriots Because 'Amy Adams Strunk Continues to Think Too Much About How Things Ended With Vrabel'

Wesley Hitt. Getty Images.

There was a moment in World War II, about six weeks before D-Day, known as "The Knutsford Incident," that threatened to destroy the already shaky relationship between the eastern and western allies. Gen. Patton, who was already on punishment duty after slapping a soldier and reduced to sitting around in England, acting as decoy to convince the Germans he was leading the invasion of Europe at Calais instead of Normandy, was making some remarks to the Knutsford Enlisted Men's Service Club, meant to boost moral and promote the alliance between our two countries. Which included the line, "It is the destiny of the United States and Britain to rule the world." Which made the Soviets lose their Bolshevik minds, further sewed the seeds of distrust, and probably marked the start of the Cold War long before the end of the Hot War with the Axis Powers.

In the 81 years since, there's been only one other casual remark in a public address that has had such a profound impact upon the world. And it happened to also be delivered by a great leader:

In case you've forgotten, this clip is from October 22, 2023. Mike Vrabel had been inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. And seeing as he had a job elsewhere, the team had no choice but to schedule his induction on the Titans bye week. Apparently, his praise for Patriots ownership didn't sit well with Tennessee's ownership. But that use of "we've" was what really set Amy Adams Strunk off. It was The First Person Plural Pronoun Heard 'Round the World:

"This was Amy Adams Strunk making the decision based on a LOT of things. Including what happened when he went to New England for the Hall of Fame thing, and not dispelling rumors in house that he was going to be the Patriots coach."

Since that decision to fire the former NFL Coach of the Year, the Titans have the worst record in the NFL at 4-22, .154. This season, they're 1-8, losers of their last four, and have already fired the guy they replaced Vrabel with. While Vrabel has rewarded the Patriots ownership he had so much praise for two years ago by leading them to 7-2 and the current 2-seed in the AFC playoff picture.

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But according to one report, not only has Strunk refused to see the terrible mistake she made, she's still salty. If fact, she's doubling down on the grudge-holding:

Source (paywall) -  I was also told there has been some conversation league-wide that Tennessee might be unwilling to make deals with New England because the owner, Amy Adams Strunk, continues to think too much about how things ended with Vrabel and is not inclined to help his new team. We'll find out soon enough with the likes of edge Arden Key, RB Tony Pollard, and even WR Calvin Ridley available.

"Some conversation league-wide." So the entire NFL is talking about it. The Titans might have done the right thing, given up some valuable assets to obtain draft capital. To tank this season, which is already a shambles, and collect future assets that can be used to build around Cam Ward. But all they ended up doing was shipping depth edge rusher Dre'Mont Jones to Baltimore for a conditional 5th. 

Presumably they might have had a willing trade partner in New England, who at the very least could use Tony Pollard to bolster a thin backfield. But we'll never know. Because word is out around the league that there's a crazy billionaire making decisions based on emotions rather than what's in the best interests of her franchise and its fans. She acted on her hurt feelings after Vrabel's speech and it's produced the worst team in pro football. And two years later, she's acting like giving Vrabel the silent treatment is going to help her improve her team's prospects. Good luck with that. 

Now it would be wrong - WRONG I say! - to equate any of these awful, emotionally-based decisions on any demographic group Ms. Adams Strunk happens to belong to. I won't stand for such talk. Your -isms have no place in this discussion. I'm sure in the same situation, Jerry Jones would've acted on his passions instead of sound, rational, thinking. Which is why his team hasn't been to a conference championship game in 30 years. Neither gender has a monopoly on irrational behavior that puts feelings ahead of sound judgement. 

All we know for sure is it's not a way to run a multi-billion dollar operation in a highly competitive, cutthroat industry like pro football. But since the Patriots are benefiting from Amy Adams Strunk's petty resentments, I'm all for it.