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Tennessee football: 10 Vols who should be in CFB Hall of Fame

By Caleb Calhoun

Oct 10, 2009; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Eric Berry (14) celebrates with his family following their defeat of the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 45-19. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2009; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers cornerback Eric Berry (14) celebrates with his family following their defeat of the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee defeated Georgia 45-19. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee teammates Gary Theiler, left, Jackie Walker and Phillip Fulmer pose together during Picture Day at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Aug. 25, 1971.
Tennessee teammates Gary Theiler, left, Jackie Walker and Phillip Fulmer pose together during Picture Day at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Aug. 25, 1971. /

Linebacker. 1969-71. 3. 839. Scouting Report. Jackie Walker. player. Pick Analysis

As an African American gay man, Jackie Walker broke down numerous barriers, earning All-American honors in 1970 and 1971.

When it comes to breaking down barriers and shattering glass ceilings, nobody in college football did that more than Jackie Walker. Add in his accomplishments on the field, and the guy should have been an All-American decades ago. There’s a reason the Vols erected a statue to him, just like Tee Martin, Condredge Holloway and Lester McClain, outside of Neyland Stadium last year.

Walker was part of the same recruiting class that included Phillip Fulmer. He first saw action in 1969 and played in 10 games, coming away with two interceptions, including a pick-six to help Tennessee football win its second SEC Championship in three years. The next year, Bill Battle took over, and Walker flourished on defense.

In 1970 and 1971, Walker earned All-American honors. He led the Vols to records of 11-1 and 10-2 with back to back top 10 finishes, one top five finish and a Sugar Bowl win. Walker became the first Black player in the SEC to be named team captain when he earned the honor in 1971.

As the first Black captain of an SEC team and a two-time All-American, it’s pretty clear that Walker has the combination of breaking down barriers and production on the field. Either alone would put him here, but he’s got both. He was also a Gay man in the 1970s, so he broke another barrier that still seems hard to break to this day.

It’s hard to avoid the fact that, given his production, Walker’s absence from the Hall is connected to his sexual orientation. Heck, he’s from Knoxville, and he wasn’t inducted into the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame until 2008. That’s insane. He should easily be in.

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