Just in : Peyton Manning Announces $500 Million Donation to Elevate Tennessee Volunteers Athletics
Knoxville, TN — June 17, 2025 – A claim has surfaced suggesting that former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Peyton Manning has pledged a monumental $500 million to elevate Tennessee Athletics. If accurate, this would rank among the largest private donations in collegiate sports history. However, as of now, there is no credible evidence—from Tennessee Athletics, Manning, or reputable news outlets to support this announcement.
Peyton Manning’s philanthropic efforts are well-documented and have significantly impacted the University of Tennessee. In 2015, Manning and his wife, Ashley, made a $3 million commitment to benefit both the Tennessee football program and the Peyton Manning Scholarship Endowment. This scholarship has awarded over $500,000 to 21 students since its inception. Additionally, Manning’s contributions have funded various facilities, including the Peyton Manning Study Lab and the renovation of Neyland Stadium .
While Manning’s generosity is evident, there is no record of him making or announcing a $500 million donation to Tennessee Athletics. Such a substantial contribution would likely be accompanied by official statements from Tennessee Athletics and major media outlets.
It’s possible that this claim is a result of misinformation or a misunderstanding. The $500 million figure may have been conflated with Tennessee Athletics’ broader fundraising goals or projects, which often involve large sums but are typically funded through a combination of sources, not from a single donor.
