by: Bee Delores
September 30, 2024
7 min read
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On a memorable night in Knoxville, Tennessee, NFL legend Peyton Manning put on his old college football uniform for a special walkout at country star Morgan Wallen’s hometown concert. The event, which took place on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Neyland Stadium, was part of Wallen’s ongoing “One Night at a Time” tour.
Known for bringing out surprise celebrity guests during his stadium shows, Wallen didn’t disappoint his fans with this appearance.
Peyton Manning, who played as the Tennessee Volunteers’ starting quarterback in the mid-1990s, made the night extra special by wearing his old Vols jersey, along with full football gear. This included his helmet and shoulder pads, which brought back memories for fans who remember his glory days in college football.
Manning’s return to Neyland Stadium in his football uniform was an exciting surprise for the crowd, especially since he is one of the most beloved sports figures in the state.
A video played on the stadium’s big screens showing Manning backstage, where he shared a quick hug with Wallen before joining him for the walkout. The two stars then made their way onto the field, with Manning falling into step behind Wallen as they were greeted by the roaring crowd.
Manning’s appearance in his football gear was not just nostalgic, but also a perfect tribute to his connection with the University of Tennessee and the people of Knoxville.
While Peyton Manning’s walkout stole the show, he wasn’t the only football celebrity in attendance. Wallen was also accompanied by several other football stars, including some current Tennessee Volunteers players.
One of the rising stars of the team, quarterback Nico Iamaleava, and wide receiver Bru McCoy, joined in the walkout. The University of Tennessee’s current head coach, Josh Heupel, was also part of the formation.
Together, the group of football stars added to the celebratory mood of the night, blending the worlds of college football and country music in a unique way. The crowd’s enthusiasm was undeniable, as fans cheered loudly for both their favorite musicians and their favorite football heroes.
This walkout wasn’t just a fun gimmick, but a fitting tribute to Wallen’s deep roots in Knoxville and his love for Tennessee football. It also highlighted how important football culture is to the state, with Manning’s presence serving as a reminder of Tennessee’s proud sports history.
Morgan Wallen’s two-night concert at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville was one for the record books. The Sunday night show, which featured the walkout with Manning, was the second of two hometown performances over the weekend.
Wallen’s first show at the venue took place on Friday, September 20, and featured surprise appearances from country music icons Eric Church and Miranda Lambert.
Both nights of Wallen’s hometown shows were a massive success. According to a press release from Wallen’s team, the combined attendance across the two nights reached an incredible 156,161 people.
This broke the previous record for the most-attended concert event at Neyland Stadium, which had been held by the Jackson 5 since 1984. The legendary Motown group performed to 148,407 fans over the course of three nights back then, but Wallen’s two-night event surpassed that record, making history in his own right.
The record-breaking attendance is a testament to Wallen’s rising popularity in the world of country music, as well as the deep connection he shares with his hometown. Knoxville has always been an important place for Wallen, and these shows served as a triumphant homecoming for the singer, who has grown to become one of the most prominent figures in the genre today.
Credit: WBIR Channel 10
Although many people know Peyton Manning as a football icon, he also has a strong connection to country music. In fact, this wasn’t Manning’s first time being involved in a major country music event.
In 2023, he co-hosted the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards alongside fellow country star Luke Bryan. Manning’s natural charisma and love for country music made him a hit with fans, and his involvement in the awards show only strengthened his ties to the genre.
Manning’s relationship with country music isn’t just professional, though. Over the years, he’s expressed his personal appreciation for the genre, and he has attended several concerts and events tied to country music stars.
His appearance at Wallen’s show in Knoxville was yet another reminder of how Manning has embraced this cultural crossover, seamlessly blending his football fame with his love for music.
For Morgan Wallen, having a guest like Manning at his concert was a dream come true. The connection between the two stars reflects the broader relationship between sports and music in the South, where athletes and musicians often come together to celebrate their shared fanbases.
With only a few dates remaining on his 2024 “One Night at a Time” tour, Wallen is winding down what has been a monumental year for him. The last three shows of the tour are all set to take place in October, bringing the tour to a close after months of performing in sold-out stadiums and arenas across the country.
Wallen’s tour has been a huge success, with each stop featuring surprise guests, memorable performances, and record-breaking attendance numbers. From Nashville to New York, Wallen has proven that he is one of the biggest stars in country music today, and his hometown shows in Knoxville were the perfect way to celebrate his incredible year.
Looking ahead, fans are eager to see what Wallen has planned next. With his star continuing to rise and his fanbase growing by the day, there’s no doubt that more exciting things are on the horizon for the country singer.
Whether it’s new music, more tour dates, or even bigger collaborations, Wallen is showing no signs of slowing down.
Morgan Wallen’s Knoxville concerts, with the help of Peyton Manning and Tennessee football stars, made for a weekend to remember, blending the worlds of country music and college football in a truly special way.
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