During the first half of Tennessee’s home game against Georgia on Saturday afternoon, the Volunteers’ athletic department pulled out all the stops. Not one, not two, not three but four Tennessee legends were celebrated during timeouts, each receiving a roaring reaction from the crowd.
First, former Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning was brought out onto the field. Tennessee was honoring Manning for his recent induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2021 class. While playing the Volunteers, Manning set 33 school records, seven SEC records, and two national records.
THE SHERIFF. pic.twitter.com/0pMFfQFqmP
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) November 13, 2021
Next up was the two-time NCAA champion and two-time WNBA champion that needs no introduction.
After winning the WNBA championship in her first season with the Chicago Sky, former Tennessee legend Candace Parker was back on Rocky Top this weekend. Parker was the grand marshall at Tennessee’s homecoming parade on Friday and then was celebrated during the game against Georgia. As Parker walked out onto the field to a roar of applause, her daughter was right there by her side.
Additionally, Parker spoke to the Lady Vols’ basketball team on Saturday afternoon after their win on Friday night in Orlando.
Tennessee legend and 2X WNBA Champion Candace Parker is being recognized here during the timeout.
Once again, the crowd goes wild!
Parker brought her daughter on the field with her.
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) November 13, 2021
LADY VOL 🧡 FOR LIFE@Candace_Parker back home and sharing her wisdom with our squad pic.twitter.com/WBxkSTn6q3
— Lady Vols Basketball (@LadyVol_Hoops) November 13, 2021
Next up was a former professional baseball player who has his jersey plastered on the Tennessee outfield wall at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
A five-time MLB All-Star, a four-time Silver Slugger, and a three-time Gold Glove award winner, VFL Todd Helton was brought out to the crowd. Helton, a former Tennessee baseball and football player brought his family along with him as the crowd rained down cheers from above.
Todd Helton in the building!
Huge ovation for the @Vol_Baseball legend and Tennessee Football alum. pic.twitter.com/SIB0KK5svd
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) November 13, 2021
The last of the legendary VFL’s that were introduced before halftime, although certainly not the least, is a recent Olympian and one of the most dominant Tennessee players, male or female, of all time. Team USA silver-medalist Monica Abbott received a raucous reaction from the crowd as a highlight video ran through her accomplishments.
Abbott, a University of Tennessee attendee from 2004 to 2007, led the Lady Vols to back-to-back College World Series appearances in her final two seasons in Knoxville.
Special moment.
So many legends in one place. @monicaabbott x @Vol_Softball@Candace_Parker x @LadyVol_Hoops pic.twitter.com/bfdRlfNqhI
— Tennessee Athletics (@Vol_Sports) November 13, 2021
