While 6-foot-5, 235-pound Joe Milton is a physical force to be reckoned with on the field (just ask the Virginia defender he ran over in the red zone on Saturday), the veteran Tennessee quarterback is also a caring family man.
Speaking with the media during training camp last month, Milton pulled back the curtain and explained how he learned leadership qualities growing up thanks to being the oldest of his siblings.
“I’ve been that my whole life,” Milton said back in August about being a leader. “I’m the oldest of seven. I’ve been that my whole life. I’m comfortable.”
Milton led No. 12 Tennessee to a 49-13 victory over Virginia to open up the 2023 season in Nashville on Saturday. After mingling with the Virginia players for a minute following the game, Milton ran over to the east side of the stadium where the turf met the stands. It was then and there that Milton brought down his one-year-old sister, Journey, onto the field.
Big brother held little sister throughout Tennessee’s postgame song and was front and center for the fans to see.
Joe Milton celebrating with his little sister after the #Vols win on Saturday in Nashville pic.twitter.com/cyLBvbhUlY
— Ric Butler (@Ric_Butler) September 2, 2023
“It’s great,” Milton said about having the opportunity to celebrate with his little sister.
More from RTI: Tennessee QB Joe Milton Throws Down Nasty Stiff Arm on Virginia Defender
All smiles for Tennessee QB Joe Milton III as he celebrates the season opening win with his little sister on the field. pic.twitter.com/KOAwGNlZcM
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) September 2, 2023
“I’ve seen a lot of guys bring their kids and bring their sisters, so why not?” Milton said. “My siblings, they look up to me. For them to have that moment with me and cherish it with the team is great.”
The genuine confidence and care when Milton is speaking about his family is impossible to miss. It’s not hard to tell how valuable and important his family has been throughout the five-year collegiate journey, no pun intended, that has led to his sixth and final season in college.
Milton racked up four touchdowns on Saturday with two on the ground and two through the air including an 11-yard strike to senior tight end Jacob Warren in the second half. The veteran Tennessee quarterback ended the game with 201 passing yards and no turnovers on 21-of-30 passing.
@rockytopinsiderTennessee QB Joe Milton III celebrates the Vols’ season opening win over Virginia with his little sister on the field during the postgame song. – – – Video by RTI
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