The Sports Xchange

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is donating $3 million to the University of Tennessee’s football program and his scholarship endowment.

Manning, a five-time Most Valuable Player who is entering his 18th NFL season, and his wife, Ashley, made the announcement Friday in Knoxville, Tenn., one day before the Volunteers’ annual spring game. Manning, who played for Tennessee from 1994-97, plans to attend the game.

The Peyton Manning Scholarship is awarded to freshman honors students at the university.

“We are grateful for the opportunities we have had to give the gift of an education to deserving UT students every year through the scholarship program,” Manning said in the statement. “It means a great deal to us to give young people an edge in maximizing their potential.”

Manning’s donation honors Gus Manning, who isn’t related to the quarterback, and Carmen Tegano. Gus Manning has served Tennessee’s athletic program for 64 years in many roles. Tegano, an associate athletic director, has worked at Tennessee for over three decades.

“Gus and Carmen both personify what it means to be a Vol for Life, and both have made the University of Tennessee a better place,” Manning said. “No one has served Tennessee and its athletics program better than Gus, and Carmen has also served this University with tremendous distinction.”

Manning has been a primary donor for Neyland Stadium renovations.

“I believe very strongly in the direction in which coach (Butch) Jones is leading our football program,” Manning said. “There is a great deal of momentum and energy surrounding Tennessee football right now, and I look forward to what this team will accomplish in the coming years.”