I was, am, and always will be a Vol fan.
That ain't gonna change.
I had the good fortune to be raised in Knoxville, and then Powell, where Saturdays in the fall meant UT Football. Period. I've lost count of the number of hours I spent listening to the voice of John Ward on AM radio.
I was working at the (then new) Red Lobster on Merchants Road when UT beat (#2?) Notre Dame in Knoxville, 40-18. If you had a post-game meal there, your cook was trashed. Thought you should know that.
I went almost totally hoarse watching the 1986 Sugar Bowl. Vinny who?
I was in the Med (Navy) for the '98 season. My then-wife gave me the play-by-play of the SEC Championship game over the phone on a 4-hour long international call from La Maddalena, Italy. Anybody want to chip in on the bill?
I have laughed, cried, cussed, and prayed over, about, during, and after UT football games.
I have submitted Christmas lists to my family that consisted solely of items that had "UT" or "Tennessee Football" printed, etched, or engraved on them.
I have drank way too much after a win, and a loss.
I have regretted both, on occasion.
And sometimes not.
Yeah, I'm proud to be a Vol.
I am not, however, a KoolAid drinker.
I'm a fan. I have an opinion, and a voice. It's my right to use both as I see fit. I earned that right. In dollars, tears, and pride.
Don't tell me what I should think. I can think for myself.
go vols.