Peyton Manning is a living legend at the University of Tennessee, eventually transitioning from the school into being the number-one overall pick to becoming one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. His legacy is already written in the annals of Vols’ history. However, you can always go home again.
Vols Coach Josh Heupel | WBIR Channel 10
The University of Tennessee in Knoxville announced Monday that the College of Communication and Information has appointed Manning as a professor of practice in the fall 2023 term. The Hall of Fame quarterback will join select classes during the academic year as a featured expert and work alongside the college’s faculty.
Manning, 47, famously stood under center for Tennessee from 1997-99. After racking up a stellar career in college, he led both the Colts and Broncos to Super Bowl Championships, and re-wrote the record books until his retirement in 2017.
Considered one of the game’s most intelligent players, the move to the broadcast booth was an easy one, as well as numerous appearances on TV shows and commercials. He has become a household name in American pop culture and is considered a sacred son at UT.
“There is no other ambassador for our college and university like Peyton Manning, and we are proud to welcome him to the college’s faculty,” said Joseph Mazer, dean of the College of Communication and Information.
“Peyton is a true Volunteer, and I look forward to our students gaining invaluable knowledge from him as we continue to prepare the next generation of communication and information leaders.”
The Volunteers finished 11–2 (6–2 SEC) in 2022, under head coach Josh Heupel, who Manning will work alongside. The two were both quarterbacks in college, with Heupel never achieving any success at the pro level. However, he has done one thing in his career that Manning never did: Quarterback his team to an NCAA title. Heupel guided Oklahoma to the BCS National Championship in 2000.