University of Tennessee Athletics
Manning's Presence Meaningful For Vols
October 26, 2015 | Football
By Brian Rice
UTSports.com
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. --Tennessee had a famous alum on the sideline Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa and more supporting form the stands and from around the world on social media.
Peyton Manning spent part of the Denver Broncos’ bye week taking in The Vols’ meeting with Alabama from the sideline. Manning also spent time inside the Tennessee locker room before and after the game, providing encouragement and support for the current Vols. He was one of several VFLs in attendance for the game.
“Our former players have been outstanding,” Jones said. “All of the former players that have been here throughout the course of the year and the amount of support that they have provided to our coaching staff, to our players and to myself. That’s what it’s all about – one family.”
Manning was interviewed on the CBS broadcast of the game, telling Allie LaForce that there was no place he would rather be on his off Saturday than on the sideline with Tennessee. He took in UT’s game at Georgia on his bye weekend last season.
“I’m a big believer in Butch Jones,” Manning said. “He has a great plan and he’s following that plan.”
Jones was humbled to hear those words from the Vol legend.
“There isn’t anyone who knows Tennessee football better than Peyton Manning. For Peyton Manning to say those things – that means a lot – but he also sees what is going on because he has invested a lot into our football program,” Jones said. “He’s around our players now and has been around our program for the last few years so he sees the progress that we’re making. That meant a lot and he’s a great friend. Any time he can be on our sidelines and in our locker room is what Tennessee football is all about. You’re talking about the greatest football player and the greatest quarterback of all time – and he’s a Tennessee Vol.”
Manning was also impressed with the player that fills the starting quarterback role that he held for four seasons at Tennessee, a tenure that included three victories over the Crimson Tide.
“I really like Joshua Dobbs,” Manning said to CBS. “I’ve been able to get to know him over the past couple of years. He came down to work our football camp and has had a great year. All he has done is play consistent football and I really like the way he handles his business. He’s a great kid and I’m pulling hard for him.”
Manning was not alone in supporting the Vols in Tuscaloosa. Joey Kent, with whom Manning connected for a famous touchdown pass on the opening play of the 1995 game in Birmingham watched with Manning a week after supporting his former QB at the Denver-Cleveland game.
Offensive lineman Trey Teague and was at the team hotel on Friday night and watched his first road game from the stands.
First time as a spectator on the road. Didn't come close to atmosphere in Neyland. Volnation best in America @DBL_L_01 @Ran4UT @joeykent
— Trey Teague (@treyteague70) October 25, 2015
Leonard Little and Donte’ Stallworth also showed their support during the game via social media.
Carry The FighT To Alabama and Keep iT There For 60 MinuTes!!! #Vols#GBO
— L. Little (@DBL_L_01) October 24, 2015
Let's gooooo!!! Great disguise defense. Showed cover 3 and played cover 2. QB must read the coverage pre AND post snap. Result: INT Vols!
— Donté Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) October 24, 2015
The support of all the VFLs is meaningful to the current players. Looking over and seeing a future Hall of Fame quarterback can give them a little extra fire.
“It’s always good when he comes around and spends time with us on the sidelines and in the locker room,” wide receiver Josh Malone said. “It’s one of the blessings about being at Tennessee.”
Growing up in Indianapolis, linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. has been a longtime fan of Manning. Having a relationship with him through the bond of being a Volunteer has been a dream come true.
“It definitely means a lot,” Kirkland said. “He cares about the University of Tennessee. He’s a proud VFL and it’s nice to see him come back and support us whenever he can.”
Seeing Manning on the sideline not only fired up the players, but some of the parents as well.
“My mom was going crazy at home,” Kirkland said. “She was excited with me being on the sideline with Peyton Manning.”