13-02-2025
Peyton Manning returns to University of Tennessee to inspire communication students
Peyton Manning surprised students in a University of Tennessee College of Communication and Information classroom this week, hearkening back to his "Professor Sheriff" days of recent memory.
Manning, a graduate of the communications college, dropped in Feb. 12 to share his knowledge and experience, from leading football teams to starting and executive producing for Omaha Productions, the college shared in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Manning obtained a degree in speech communication while leading the Tennessee Volunteers football team on the field as the quarterback from 1994 to 1997. He went on to play in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos, winning two Super Bowls in his professional career.
"The Sheriff" used his degree on the field, leading teams and yelling "Omaha" to teammates. Since retiring, he's moved toward broadcasting with appearances in commercials, hosting "ManningCast" with his brother, Eli Manning, and starting Omaha Productions.
He returned to the UT campus in 2023 as a professor of practice for the College of Communication and Information, teaching a variety of topics including sports reporting and public speaking. "Professor Sheriff" has made additional guest appearances on campus, including in the fall 2024 semester.
Keenan Thomas is a higher education reporter. Email X, formerly known as Twitter @specialk2real.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Peyton Manning returns to University of Tennessee as a class guest
