Were you born into this or did you just decide to pick Tennessee

I was a huge college football fan growing up but was not a TN fan as I didn’t grow up in East TN and had no real ties to the team. I ended up in high school here though and, at that time, I was an Auburn fan. After high school I chose to go to UT and my freshman year was Peyton’s Sr year (‘97) so I was there during some great years. I knew of Peyton of course since I followed college football and once I started going to the games it was impossible to not fall in love.
 
After these last 15 or so years, I must be a glutton for punishment or misery, because I'm a fan by choice.
I'm a lifer's brat born in Germany, lived all over, but; my Dad was from Jasper, Tn. and he was a fan.
Went to high school in Marion County in 1974 and Eddie Brown was somewhat of a Hometown Hero.
That sort of cemented my love of the VOLS.
 
  • Like
Reactions: UT_Dutchman
Born into it. Had no choice. Still don't, doesn't matter how much we suck or how far from home I've found myself, I can't let it go. Sometimes I don't even like sports at all anymore, but cant stop with the vols.
 
  • Like
Reactions: UT_Dutchman
I was initiated into the club via out of state tuition. My years in Knoxville were some of the best in my life. I absolutely love East Tennessee.

Right there with you. College years at UT were some of the best of my life and set me up for good things.

Athletic success might ebb and flow…but I’m a lifer.
 
  • Like
Reactions: UT_Dutchman
Lifelong Vol fan here. Started following UT football in the late ‘70’s. Loved Saturdays in the fall and hearing John Ward. John Ward calling the UT games on the radio was the first color TV we owned. It was that memorable.

Listening to John Ward doing road basketball and football games while going to UT ... damn, the memories. Greatest announcer who ever lived.
 
Born in Kentucky, graduated from two universities outside of Tennessee but I have been a lifelong Vols fan. I moved to Knoxville after retirement which caused my love for UT athletes to even grow more. Go Vols!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: UT_Dutchman
I was born in Sweetwater, Tennessee. I became a fan right before Johnny Majors started having heart problems. I remember it like it was yesterday. Sitting in my Papaw's living room watching Tennessee play and his passion for the Vols rubbed right off on me. From that day forward my dream was always to wear that orange and white jersey and run through the T. I wasn't really born a vol because my mother and both sisters were born in Florida (the number one reason for my overwhelming hate of Florida). They always ragged me. However, I will die a Vol!
 
  • Like
Reactions: UT_Dutchman
Started following UT when I moved to TN in 2008. Fell in love with the support and enjoyed Kiffin's Bravado
 
Picked it. 501 in my graduating class of Huntsville High. 250 went to Bama. 250 went to Auburn. I went to Tennessee. (ok slight exaggeration on the Bama/Barn numbers but you get the idea)

so you were the smart one….

Go VOLS
 
Born in to it. My Dad traveled the state and Northern Alabama back in the day. When he was in East Tennessee he ran with a group of guys one of which was Doug Atkins. Neither my Dad or Doug ever had a DUI as far as I know but I do recall some of the guys laughing about all the DUIs they had and wrecking their big Cadillacs and Buicks and the adventures resulting. It was a different day for drinking and driving then. Dad was on the sidelines at Neyland when Richmond Flowers played and we beat Bama and the Bear.
 
  • Like
Reactions: UT_Dutchman
I am sure somewhere along the way there has been a thread like this one. I'm just curious and figured it would make for some good stories while we wait on Saturday. Were you born into being a Tennessee fan or just decided one day that you liked Tennessee.

My story: My dad grew up in Cleveland, TN. He is obviously a lifelong Tennessee fan. I was born into it and never thought for a second to like any other team.

Went to my first game in 1966 at the request of my neighbor. He told me I could sell hot dogs (walking thru the stadium) and get to watch the game and make a dollar (literally, lol). I was addicted, went every week using my hot dog salesman card to gain entry (but not always selling, my bad). Went to school at UT in 1975 and again in 1983, never graduated. Had season tickets for 32 years before selling them in 2018. God, family, & The Vols, I have been addicted since the first time I stepped in that stadium. Love the Vols.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vol_in_NC_1999
MY dad took me and my brothers many times in 60s, 70s, 80s, & 90s. Both my younger brothers graduated from UT Knox, in the 80s.
Dad is 86, And I'd like to see the big orange rise to the top again while he's still around. incidentally, my middle son really got into the Vols in 1998 at the age of 8, and
saw a big downturn, during the Jones and Pruitt eras. Hope he can see that it was worth it, after all These years.
 
  • Like
Reactions: UT_Dutchman
My great grandfather, grandfather, father, and pretty much every immediate family member of mine were/are Vols fans. I had no choice. Family arrived in the state of TN in the late 1700s. My blood is deep orange.

Go Vols!
 
  • Like
Reactions: UT_Dutchman
Born into it. One side of family came to Tennessee just after the war of 1812. One parent received a degree from UT in the 60’s. My sibling and I have four (two a piece) with UT on the diploma’s.
 
  • Like
Reactions: UT_Dutchman
Advertisement



Back
Top