TENNESSEE TITANS: FLAME BROTHER

When the end zone at his home stadium became known as the "Flame Pit", Jonathan Key joined forces with his sibling and become one of the Flame Brothers. He's been firing up crowds in his custom suit and flaming hairdo since the Titans first caught fire back in '99.

How did you fall in love with your team? What is your first memory around your NFL team?

My love for the Tennessee Titans came in 1998 when Houston's former team relocated to Tennessee. The team didn't even have their real name yet, but my family and I jumped at the chance to purchase season tickets. We have continued to do so ever since. In 1999 the Tennessee Titans caught fire in Nashville and I have been fired up from the beginning.

How, when, and why did you start dressing up, collecting, or becoming more than a regular ordinary fan?

It began as a group thing with other members of our section in the stadium's seating. My brothers and I took it to the next level.

What is your favorite NFL moment or team memory?

The year of the Titans Super Bowl run really solidified the fan base here in Tennessee. Flame Heads have been the Tennessee Titans ultimate fans from the beginning in back in 1999. Getting to compete in the Super Bowl was such a privilege.

One thing that I love about being a Flame Brother is my job during the games. I get to keep the crowd cheering loudly, to get them really into the game. This energy makes the fans a major factor in the outcome of the games. The psychology of the massive support has a huge effect on both sides of the game: being cheered-on can invigorate your home team and being booed can undermine the visiting team a lot!

Just recently in 2016, I was contacted directly by the Tennessee Titans to be part of the game day Titan Jumbotron promotions during all the home games.

What distinguishes you from other fans of your team?

I had the opportunity to be in a halftime show that was featured on TV a few years back. We've been on NFL network's NFL a.m., Inside The NFL, and we've even had the privilege of doing a radio promotion for a giant national chain of stores Nashville region.

How did you develop your costume / get your nickname / develop your Superfan persona?

During 1999 season the end zone sections became known as the Flame Pit and the Flame Heads were born. My two older brothers and I started dressing all out for the games to show our support for the Tennessee Titans. We called ourselves the Flame Brothers. This journey as superfans of the Tennessee Titans has allowed us to be part of many great moments over the last decade or so.

How does it feel to be known by your friends and peers as a die-hard fan?

I love Tennessee Titans football! It is my passion. Since becoming a part of the Flame Brothers, I was nominated by a fellow Titans fan and inducted into the Pro Football's Ultimate Fan Association by my peers from all over the NFL. As a member of this great association, our mission is to promote the fellowship of all fans, to encourage sportsmanship, and support charitable activities. I've been involved with charitable organizations over the years including very powerful institutions that advocate for youth in Nashville. The charity work makes me very proud!

What is the best thing about your team?

What I enjoy most about the fan experience is the fellowship with fans and children at the games and events. I will remain a Titans fan until my last breath. I love Tennessee Titans football!

All images by Shaniqwa Jarvis.

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