KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Memorial Day has arrived with little mention of four true Volunteers. That’s not an indictment of the University of Tennessee; it’s just the way time makes memories fade, even memories of world wars.
The millennials, Generation X and perhaps even some baby boomers probably don’t know that of the seven Tennessee football players to have their jersey numbers retired, four received the honor because they died in World War II.
The other three are known by even the most casual Tennessee football fans. Peyton Manning just wrapped up a Hall of Fame career, and Reggie White and Doug Atkins were two of the most dominant defensive linemen to ever play football.