Manning to donate $1 million to UT

By CHRIS LOW TennesseanStaff Writer

Peyton Manning might be one of the world?s most recognizable and wealthiest athletes, but he obviously hasn?t forgotten his alma mater.

The Indianapolis Colts All-Pro quarterback has pledged a $1 million gift to the University of Tennessee athletics department in a letter he wrote to school officials last month.

Manning, one of three former UT football players to have his jersey number retired last year, along with Doug Atkins and the late Reggie White, asked in his letter that most of the $1 million go toward enhancing the Neyland-Thompson football complex and that the rest go toward improving the locker room at Neyland Stadium.

?Peyton Manning has been a leader for the University of Tennessee both while here in school and since his time of graduation,? UT Athletics Director Mike Hamilton told The Tennessean tonight. ?He represents everything that?s right about the student-athlete process.

"He?s always given generously with his time, his resources and his dollars to try and make the University of Tennessee a better place.?

Hamilton said the $1 million donation by Manning is the largest gift UT has received from any recent former athlete. Hamilton said Manning also made a financial gift soon after graduating that went toward the construction of the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center.

?Peyton has been a strong advocate for Tennessee football success,? Hamilton said. ?He wants to do what he can to make sure we maintain our stature nationally.?

If his schedule allows, Manning has told UT officials that he will try and attend the Vols? September 2 opener against California.

Read Thursday's Tennessean for more details on this story.