There's a narrative going around that Vols QB Joe Milton clearly doesn't like
The story about the close friendship between Tennessee Vols quarterback Joe Milton and former UT quarterback Hendon Hooker has been told more times than I can count at this point. Milton, who was initially the Vols' starter in 2021 before suffering an injury (at which point Hooker took over), maintained a close friendship Hooker — […]
The story about the close friendship between Tennessee Vols quarterback Joe Milton and former UT quarterback Hendon Hooker has been told more times than I can count at this point.
Milton, who was initially the Vols' starter in 2021 before suffering an injury (at which point Hooker took over), maintained a close friendship Hooker — really a brotherly bond — over the last two years despite the fact that they were competing with each other.
That's a story that Milton doesn't mind telling. He'll talk at length about his relationship with Hooker and the way they pushed each other and made each other better.
The part of the story that Milton doesn't care for is when people start to suggest that Milton was the "little brother" looking up to Hooker.
On Thursday, while meeting with reporters, Milton was asked about being the "little brother" to Hooker in 2022.
Milton looked perturbed before the reporter was finished even asking the question, glancing to the side and tapping his fingers on the podium.
"Dang man, y'all keep trying me with the little brother stuff," said Milton.
"I do the same thing last year that I do today," added Milton. "Nothing changed. Nothing changed, I do the same thing."
You can see the exchange at the 1:20 mark of the video below.
This isn't the first time that a similar question has irked Milton.
Milton operated as a leader for the Vols the last two seasons. He wasn't just watching Hooker and learning him — they were learning from each other. They were equals. Hooker just happened to be the player taking the snaps.
Vols head coach Josh Heupel actually pointed out earlier this week that Milton was much more of a leader last season than folks outside the program realize.
"Joe was such a great leader for us a year ago long before anybody saw him step onto the field," said Heupel. "His growth, how intentional he was in his work was a big part of why everybody believed he would play at a really high level when he got his next chance."
It doesn't seem like anyone in Tennessee's program views Milton as a little brother to Hooker. That's why it's time to leave that narrative, which never should've started, behind.
Peyton Manning gives his thoughts on Joe Milton’s accuracy
Tennessee Vols legend Peyton Manning gave his thoughts this week on UT redshirt senior quarterback Joe Milton’s accuracy
Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
