Tennessee’s football team, as it prepares for its 2025 season opener against Syracuse in Atlanta, received a special gesture from Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Peyton Manning. The former Tennessee quarterback sent a surprise video message to the team during a Thursday meeting led by coach Josh Heupel.
Manning addressed the current Volunteers with encouraging words: “To the 2025 Tennessee Volunteers, the work you’ve put in all year has prepared you for the season ahead,” Manning said. “Now is the time that that hard work pays off. Challenge yourself and demand nothing but the best from each other. Hope these help you tune out the noise and focus on the team. Go Vols!”
Along with his message, Manning gifted custom Tennessee Beats headphones to every player. The headphones feature a checkered pattern with Power T logos on each ear.
Manning has been a strong supporter of both Tennessee football and the university since his playing career ended in 1997. The Hall of Famer regularly attends multiple University of Tennessee sporting events each season, including recent appearances at Vol baseball’s national championship game against Texas A&M and Vol basketball’s Sweet 16 matchup against Kentucky.
Tennessee opens its 2025 football season on Aug. 30 against Syracuse, entering as two-touchdown favorites.
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