2X Super Bowl champ Peyton Manning gives big shoutout to Tennessee coach after historic MCWS title win: "Tony Vitello made it really special"

Tennessee alumnus Peyton Manning made his way to Omaha for the final showdown between the Vols and Aggies in the 2024 College World Series. The 2x Super Bowl champ witnessed his alma mater win its first national championship in college baseball.

Following the historic victory, Manning shared his thoughts with Big Ten reporter Michella Chester:

"It's an awesome night. It's a special night. Proud of Tony. Proud of this program. We've been knocking on the door these past several years. We've had our hearts broken; Tony has, all these players have, and all the Volunteer nation has bled with them. But we got over the hump tonight and did it, kinda makes all those heartaches worth it. And proud of Tony, proud of the culture he's created and special night for the Tennesse Vol family."

He also praised head coach Tony Vitello's leadership skills:

"He (Tony Vitello) has made it really special these past few years and what he did tonight was nothing short of incredible and extremely proud of him and proud to be a Tennessee Vol tonight."

Despite recording a game 1 loss in the finals, Tennessee bounced back to win the two remaining games. With this victory, they became the first No.1 seed to win since Miami in 1999.

---

Peyton Manning shares his excitement for Tennessee's athletic programs

In an interview with WBIR Channel 10, Manning talked about his appreciation for Tennessee's baseball team and their fighting spirit. He believes that there would be many more wins to come for them in the future; but overall, he is happy with the current state of Tennessee's athletic program.

"Our whole school is doing so good. All our sports are doing good. I'm telling ya: this is just the first of several to come. Tony's just kind of started it off. But I sat with coach (Josh) Heupel and coach (Rick) Barnes watching the game tonight," Manning said.

"This is a great example of what our program is. What Danny White has been nothing but exceptional. There's several to come, I promise you."

Manning played for the Tennessee Volunteers football team for four seasons from 1994 to 1997 before getting drafted as the first overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 1998. He was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.