HOUSTON, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- K.S. "Bud" Adams, who owned an NFL franchise -- first in Houston and then in Tennessee -- for 54 years, has died. He was 90.
Adams died Monday in Houston. A release from the Tennessee Titans said Adams, "passed away peacefully from natural causes at his home."
Adams and Lamar Hunt, who died in 2006, on Aug. 3, 1959, announced the founding of the American Football League. Adams started the league's franchise in Houston, which became the Houston Oilers.
The Oilers, absorbed into the NFL as part of the merger with the AFL, moved to Tennessee and began play as the Titans in 1997.
In 54 years as an owner, Adams was the longest tenured owner in the NFL. His teams won more games (409) than any other NFL owner can claim. The Oilers won the AFL titles in 1960 and '61. The franchise made the playoffs 21 times but have never appeared in a Super Bowl.
Adams is survived by two daughters. Nancy Adams, his wife of 62 years died in 2009. A son, Kenneth S. Adams III died in 1987.
Adams is the second notable Houston Oilers personality to die recently. Former Oilers Coach Bum Phillips died Friday. He was also 90.
