Tennessee Volunteers Honor Peyton Manning With Bronze Statue to Celebrate His Legacy and Unwavering Support for the Program

The Tennessee Volunteers have taken a grand and symbolic step to pay homage to one of the most iconic figures in college football history. In an emotional and historic gesture, the University of Tennessee unveiled a bronze statue of legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, permanently installed at the entrance of Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. This monumental act not only cements Manning’s legendary status within the program but also celebrates the deep-rooted impact he has had on the university, the Volunteers football program, and the state of Tennessee as a whole.

Standing tall and proud, the statue captures Manning in his signature passing pose, eyes focused, arm extended, a moment frozen in time that speaks to countless Saturdays when he led the Vols with poise, grit, and precision. Commissioned by the university and crafted by renowned sculptor Blair Buswell, the statue is more than an artistic tribute—it’s a representation of loyalty, leadership, and lasting legacy. At 7 feet tall and made of bronze, it now serves as a beacon to fans and future players entering the stadium that once echoed with Manning’s cadence.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by hundreds of fans, former teammates, university officials, and Peyton Manning himself, who was visibly moved by the honor. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, UT Chancellor Donde Plowman, and athletic director Danny White all offered glowing remarks about Manning’s character, his contributions on and off the field, and his ongoing involvement with the university. A live performance by the Pride of the Southland Marching Band added a vibrant and emotional touch to the ceremony.

“This isn’t just a statue,” White said during the ceremony. “It’s a symbol of everything Peyton Manning means to the University of Tennessee. From his excellence on the field to his commitment to leadership and giving back, this statue tells his story to everyone who passes through these gates.”

Manning’s legacy at Tennessee is, of course, one written in brilliance. From 1994 to 1997, he led the Vols to 39 wins, including an SEC Championship and a top-five finish in the AP rankings. He holds numerous school records, including career passing yards and touchdowns. Though he finished second in Heisman voting in 1997, he left an indelible mark as one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in college football history. Yet, what has truly distinguished Manning in the decades since his collegiate career ended is the way he has remained deeply engaged with Tennessee.

Whether it’s contributing millions to university programs, mentoring current players, or showing up on the sidelines in support of the Vols, Manning has never turned his back on his alma mater. He’s often described by UT officials and alumni as “Tennessee’s favorite son,” and this honor only reinforces that sentiment. His voice echoes on campus through his involvement in academic programs, including the Peyton Manning Scholarship, awarded annually to top scholars who also embody leadership and character.

During his own speech at the unveiling, Manning took a moment to reflect on what the university and the state have meant to him.

“Tennessee shaped me,” Manning said, his voice steady but emotional. “It gave me a stage, it gave me a family, and it gave me a responsibility. I carry the Power T with pride everywhere I go—not because of what I did here, but because of what this place has always given back to me.”

Manning’s influence extends far beyond the football field. He’s a staple in national commercials, philanthropy, and broadcasting, but he always makes time to return to Knoxville. Whether it’s tossing passes during spring games or speaking with student-athletes about life beyond football, Manning’s involvement has never wavered. His statue is as much about that enduring connection as it is about his four legendary seasons in orange and white.

Adding to the significance of the day, the university also announced that May 22 will henceforth be known as “Peyton Manning Day” in the state of Tennessee. A proclamation signed by Governor Lee declares the day one for celebrating Manning’s impact, not just on football, but on education, philanthropy, and public service in the state.

In a fitting twist, the statue was also publicly acknowledged during a special segment at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, where lawmakers—many of whom are football fans themselves—recognized Manning’s national contributions and enduring sportsmanship. Though Manning is Tennessee through and through, his influence and reputation as one of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks and as a global ambassador for sports have resonated across state lines.

This rare moment of bipartisan appreciation showcased how sports can transcend borders, with both Tennessee and Texas honoring the same figure. At the Texas town hall, a framed photograph of the statue’s unveiling was placed alongside a proclamation praising Manning’s leadership, humility, and public service, serving as a permanent fixture reminding citizens of the impact one athlete can have on both a state and a country.

To understand the significance of this statue, one must understand the emotional relationship between Peyton Manning and the people of Tennessee. Manning famously chose to return for his senior season at UT in 1997 rather than enter the NFL Draft, a decision that still endears him to the Vols’ faithful. That choice, made with heart and loyalty, defined him as a player who saw college football not as a stepping stone, but as a cherished chapter.

He didn’t simply play football at Tennessee—he embraced the culture, the community, and the mission of the university. The statue captures this ethos. It stands as a reminder to all who pass it that greatness is not only measured in statistics, trophies, or fame—but in character, loyalty, and legacy.

In the eyes of Tennessee fans, Manning represents the best of what it means to be a Volunteer. His presence looms large in Knoxville—now quite literally. His name is already enshrined in the Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame, but this statue immortalizes him in a way that is tangible and everlasting.

And as fans walk past it on their way into Neyland Stadium, many will likely take a moment to reach out, snap a photo, or simply smile—reminded of a time when a young quarterback from New Orleans captured their hearts, and who, years later, still holds them close.

As the sun dipped low behind the stadium on the evening of the unveiling, orange and white balloons were released into the sky, drifting over the Tennessee River in a symbolic gesture of gratitude. It was a simple moment—but a profound one. Because it wasn’t just about honoring a football legend. It was about celebrating a life that continues to inspire generations of Volunteers.

The university closed the ceremony with a video montage of Manning’s most iconic moments, from his days in Knoxville to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in the NFL. The final clip showed a grinning Manning saying, “Once a Vol, always a Vol,” a fitting ending to a day built on reverence and recognition.

With this statue, Tennessee ensures that Peyton Manning’s presence is forever rooted in the heart of its campus. And in doing so, it gives future Volunteers a towering example of what it means to be not just a great player, but a great person.