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Titans don't renew longtime equipment man Paul 'Hoss' Noska

HossNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Paul Noska, who’d worked for the Titans franchise for 40 years as part of the equipment staff, did not have his contract renewed by the team on Wednesday.

Noska, known affectionally through the Titans facility as “Hoss,” began working for the Houston Oilers when he was 18.

He joined the club in 1982 as an equipment assistant and has been a full-time member of the club's equipment department since 1983.

It's unclear what prompted the move. A previous version of this report said he was dismissed.

The team bio for the equipment manager said he was responsible for the ordering and maintenance of all equipment and playing gear for the Titans throughout the season and that he also handled the computer inventory of the team's equipment.

Noska, 59, was a beloved franchise institution.

Kevin Mawae thanked him in his induction speech at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

When alumni returned he was typically one of the first people they greeted. Generations of players have loved him for his tireless work on their behalf at unglamorous, behind-the-scenes work in a back office in the locker room and on the practice field.

"Hoss was a great locker room guy," said Nate Washington, a receiver for the team from 2009-14. "Knew how to joke with the guys but make sure taking care of business was always a priority. Very personable and cool to deal with! I've never really seen anyone have a problem with Hoss. He was loved by all!"

Titans officials did not respond to requests for more information.

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