Peyton Manning explains why showing up to Tennessee Vols athletic events is so important to him
Tennessee Vols legend Peyton Manning always makes it a point to return to UT for various athletic events. Manning, who lives in Colorado after finishing his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, is often seen at Tennessee games — from baseball to football — wearing orange and supporting the Vols. Since retiring from the NFL, […]
Tennessee Vols legend Peyton Manning always makes it a point to return to UT for various athletic events.
Manning, who lives in Colorado after finishing his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, is often seen at Tennessee games — from baseball to football — wearing orange and supporting the Vols. Since retiring from the NFL, Manning's presence at Tennessee events has been more frequent.
On Thursday, Tennessee debuted a new podcast called Everything Orange and the first guest was Manning.
During the 20 minute conversation, Manning was asked why continuing to show support for Tennessee is so important to him.
"Well, it's just an important part of my life," explained Manning. "My four years here in Knoxville were very impactful. I've said it before, but my first three years, I met so many great people, students, teachers, teammates, alums, people in Knoxville, people all over the state of Tennessee. And that was a big reason why I ended up staying for my senior year even though I'd already graduated. And so to me, that decision was all about Tennessee. And I never wanted to forget the four years that I had there. And the impact that it had on me. I've tried to give back in different ways. And I've enjoyed being a part of just sort of the Tennessee alumni team, if you will, with the scholarship programs that we started and doing some internships now via Omaha (Productions). It's a great way to stay connected to the university and it's just been a special place to me."
"I tell people all the time that when I went and visited the University of Tennessee, I'd never been to Knoxville," continued Manning. "Didn't know anybody. Didn't have a lot of friends there. Didn't have family there, but everybody treated me so well and kind of embraced me like I was one of their own. I've never forgotten that. And I've enjoyed being a part of the Tennessee family for all these years."
Peyton made sure to point out that he's not just a former Tennessee football player, but he's a VFL (Vol for Life) in general, which is why he makes sure to support all of the athletics programs at UT.
"I'm former football player, but I'm a Tennessee Volunteer, a VFL if you will," said Manning. "I think that certainly carries outside of football. I've enjoyed getting to know a lot of these coaches and have their phone numbers and establish a friendship with them."
There's no doubt that Tennessee is extremely important to Manning. In fact, his involvement with the university has only increased since his retirement from the NFL.
Maybe Vols fans will be seeing Peyton around even more in the not-so-distant future. After all, Manning has a 12-year old son who will likely be the center of the college football recruiting world in just a few years (it'll be here before you know it). And I'm sure Vols fans will be hoping to see the younger Manning take the field at Neyland in Orange and White just like his father did over 25 years ago.
Peyton Manning gives his thoughts on Joe Milton’s accuracy
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Featured image via Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
