Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback
1. Peyton Manning
Seriously, does anybody have a question about this one? Peyton Manning is arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history, and he definitely is the greatest quarterback in Tennessee football history.
The all-everything superstar went 39-6 as a starter, won an SEC Championship and three bowl games, went 3-1 against the Alabama Crimson Tide, and also holds nearly every passing record possible in Tennessee history.
Manning’s most notable performance, contrary to popular belief, came on the biggest stage. In the 1997 SEC title game, he led the Vols back from a 20-10 halftime deficit to beat the Auburn Tigers 30-29, throwing for four touchdowns and nearly 400 yards.
Manning’s NFL career only adds to his mystique. He is definitely the best in Tennessee history.
2. Condredge Holloway
Before Peyton Manning, there was the trail blazer. Condredge Holloway does not have the same stats as other quarterbacks, nor does he have the same team success.
But he played for a Tennessee team that was in the process of falling off the face of the Earth under Head Coach Bill Battle, and he single-handedly delayed that downward slide. Holloway was a dual-threat who was hell for coaches to prepare for, leading the Vols to records of 10-2, 8-4, and 7-3-2.
His legacy of changing SEC football by being the first black quarterback in the history of the conference counts for something, but it means more because of the fact that he was so good and entertaining to watch.
Holloway’s success in the Canadian Football League after that is just a major bonus.
Next: Running Back