Very early Tuesday morning, it was reported that former Vol quarterback Tee Martin was returning “home” to come coach at Tennessee. The report states that Martin has agreed to a deal to join Jeremy Pruitt’s staff at UT and is expected to be announced officially by Tennessee as early as later this day.
As soon as people saw the news and as soon as people began waking up, reaction began pouring in over Martin’s return to Knoxville.
Several former Vols — some who played with Martin and others who didn’t — welcomed Martin back to Tennessee on Twitter.
Former Vol wide receiver and current radio host Jayson Swain was up shortly after the news broke, and needless to say, he was excited about the news. Swain didn’t play with Martin, but he joined UT just a few years after Martin’s run at Tennessee ended. Swain was on roster for the Vols from 2003-06 and is still in the top 10 in program history in career catches.
Thanks a lot @coachtee17. I’m so hyped I can’t go back to sleep. Guess illl just stay up!
— Jayson Swain (@SwainEvent) January 15, 2019
#WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee
— Jayson Swain (@SwainEvent) January 15, 2019
Another former Vol wide receiver was also excited to welcome Tee Martin back. Joey Kent was a teammate of Martin’s for one season in 1996, but Kent got his UT fame by catching passes from Peyton Manning. He played from 1993-96 and finished with 183 catches for 2,814 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Welcome back @coachtee17!!! Excited for you man! Let’s gooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/3nJRlQ6MTs
— joey kent (@joeykent) January 15, 2019
Leonard Little played with Martin in 1996 and 1997, but he just missed out on the undefeated 1998 National Championship season. Little was an All-American defensive end for UT in 1997 before being drafted into the NFL where he played for the St. Louis Rams for over a decade.
Welcome back @coachtee17 Let’s get it!!! https://t.co/AEfUhLaXnb
— L. Little (@DBL_L_01) January 15, 2019
Former lineman Fred Weary played with Martin in 1998 when he was still a defensive lineman. Weary ended up switching to offensive line and had a strong career there, earning First Team All-SEC in 2001. He ended up getting drafted in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft and made 43 career starts for the Houston Texans.
WELCOME BACK TEE…IT’S GREAT TO BE A TENNESSEE VOL!!!
— Fred Weary (@big70vols) January 15, 2019
Former Vol punter David Leaverton also played with Martin, and his career at Tennessee coincided with Martin’s from 1997-99. Leaverton also played in 2000. He averaged just over 40 yards per punt in his time as a Vol.
Welcome home @coachtee17!https://t.co/BP4TcHeb6i
— David Leaverton (@DavidLeaverton) January 15, 2019
Jabari Davis just missed playing with Martin by a couple years, joining the Vols’ roster in 2001. He was known as the “Gator Killer” during his time at Tennessee and totaled 22 rushing touchdowns and 1,228 rushing yards from 2001-04.
#WelcomeHomeTee ✊???
— Juice Davis (@jabaridavis_VFL) January 15, 2019
Gerald Riggs Jr. also just missed being a teammate of Martin’s. He played for Tennessee from 2002-05 and was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2004. He finished his UT career with 1,893 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
#WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee #WelcomeHomeTee ??@coachtee17
— Gerald Riggs Jr (@VolBeast21) January 15, 2019
Michael Munoz was an All-American offensive lineman for the Vols, but unfortunately injuries kept him from having an NFL career and living up to his immense potential as a football player. He played for Tennessee from 2001-04 and was also a recipient of the Draddy Trophy — the award considered by many to be the “academic Heisman.”
.@coachtee17 Welcome Home ?#VFL #GBO Rocky Top will always be home sweet home to me!! Feels like ‘98 https://t.co/khIi60tNbr
— Michael Muñoz (@michaelmunozjr) January 15, 2019
