Peyton Manning returning to Tennessee as a professor in fall

Peyton Manning is now a staff member at Tennessee — with the academic faculty, not the football program.

According to the University, Manning will begin in a professor role beginning this semester:

“The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Communication and Information (CCI) has appointed Peyton Manning (’97) as a professor of practice starting in the fall 2023 term,” the team website said.

They also offered the following description of the position Manning is taking:

“As part of his appointment, Manning will join select classes during the academic year as a featured expert, bringing significant industry experience to the classroom and working alongside the college’s nationally recognized faculty to provide transformative learning experiences for CCI students.”

Further down, UT noted some other areas where Manning will help out:

“Manning will partner with CCI faculty and teach a variety of topics that align with the college’s curriculum including sports reporting, video production and performance, leadership and communication, and public speaking.”

As part of the announcement, Peyton Manning himself added a statement on the return to his alma mater.

“My time as a student in the College of Communication and Information was a foundational experience during which I learned critical skills and messaging techniques that I continue to put to use almost daily. I look forward to working with the college’s talented faculty, and directly with students  in an effort to ensure they are well prepared for their future careers.” 

Manning is not only a Hall of Fame quarterback, but also an NFL player who became a crossover star with his work in the entertainment field. Manning often featured in advertisements, even during his playing days, and since retirement he’s been a fixture on various sports channels and shows.

Just a couple of years ago, he and his brother began their own alternate Monday Night Football broadcast, “Peyton and Eli,” which has been a big success. He’s filled numerous other host and producer roles on other shows as well, and even dipped his toe in the Hollywood waters, having voiced a minor character named Guapo in the 2017 animated Disney movie Ferdinand.

His experience in the communication field is quite vast, especially since his retirement from football, which some folks may not know. So not only is Peyton Manning a fun addition for name’s sake, but he’s also got a respectable career in the entertainment field and brings insights that few others can offer.