Tennessee football: All-time NFL Vols at each position primer

Here are the greatest Tennessee football Volunteers in the pros at each position.

There’s no doubt that Tennessee football has a long history of success in the NFL. Dating back to the days of Robert Neyland, Rocky Top has filled the pros with superstars who have enjoyed long careers at every position.

Currently, there are two former Vols in the Hall-of-Fame, one is retired and a surefire bet to go in very soon, and a fourth is still playing an likely to head there after he retires. But these aren’t the only success Vols of all time.

Numerous other players who are among the greatest legends in Tennessee football history, and some of whom did not reach that status in college, represented UT at a high level in the pros. They all gave fans on Rocky Top a sense of pride.

But what is the strongest position at that next level? Well, we decided to leave that to you guys to judge. Over the past two weeks, we’ve been ranking the best player at every position for Tennessee football, from quarterback to special teams.

Our criteria has simply been how well they performed at the NFL level, and they were listed at the position they played in the pros, not in college. Taking that into account, here is each story we did ranking NFL Vols.

Vols five quarterbacks with greatest NFL careers

Vols 10 running backs with greatest NFL careers

Vols 10 wide receivers with greatest NFL careers

Vols five tight ends with greatest NFL careers

Vols 10 offensive linemen with greatest NFL careers

Vols 10 defensive ends with greatest NFL careers

Vols 10 defensive tackles with greatest NFL careers

Vols 10 linebackers with greatest NFL careers 

Vols 10 defensive backs with greatest NFL careers

Vols five kickers, punters and snappers with greatest NFL careers

So what do you think? This list was as extensive as we could possibly make it, and Tennessee football clearly had lots of pro talent. But while being known as Wide Receiver U and then Punter U, a legitimate argument could clearly be made for other positions at the next level. That’s what these lists are all about, so read them and come away with your own judgments.