Peyton Manning becomes University of Tennessee professor

Former NFL star Peyton Manning will join the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as a professor of practice at the College of Communication and Information, the school announced Monday.

"There is no other ambassador for our college and university like Peyton Manning, and we are proud to welcome him to the college’s faculty," Dean Joseph Mazer said. "Peyton is a true Volunteer, and I look forward to our students gaining invaluable knowledge from him as we continue to prepare the next generation of communication and information leaders."

He will appear in select classes as a featured expert "bringing significant industry experience to the classroom and working alongside the college’s nationally recognized faculty to provide transformative learning experiences for CCI students," the school stated.

Manning graduated from UT in 1997 and played for the school's team while there. He subsequently entered the National Football League, where he attained national fame playing for the Indianapolis Colts and later the Denver Broncos.

"My time as a student in the College of Communication and Information was a foundational experience during which I learned critical skills and messaging techniques that I continue to put to use almost daily," he said of the appointment. "I look forward to working with the college’s talented faculty and directly with students in an effort to ensure they are well prepared for their future careers."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.