Wes Brown's Memorable Play

I'll admit it. Inside I was cheering.

As a credential holding member of the often dreaded media, SEC rules and professional standards prevent me from actually standing up and cheering at games. And I really try to maintain objectivity while covering UT football.

But Saturday night, when UT defensive lineman Wes Brown had an errant, desperate Vanderbilt pass come his way-- he made the play of the season, and one that will go down as one of the most memorable in UT football history.

Inside, I was cheering. 

The Vols were leading 24-16 with less than 1:00 to play. Vanderbilt was on their own 33 yard line. Quarterback McKenzie Adams was nearly sacked by Tennessee defensive lineman Chris Walker. As he was spinning sideways, Adams threw a short pass that  fell into Brown's hands.

The big defensive lineman started running. It was ten yards to the endzone. Then five. Then a Vanderbilt player latched on to Brown's waist.  Determined to score, Brown dragged Warren Norman to the goal line, and then reached the ball over for a touchdown.

I've covered Brown for four years. He's endured massive amounts of pain playing on bad knees. His attiitude has been nothing but the best. 

Brown was also playing his final game at Neyland Stadium. To echo the words of many, including head coach Lane Kiffin, it couldn't have happened to a better guy. Kiffin was actually seen smiling on the sidelines. Yes, it was that big.

Brown's play wasn't a game-changer. It was a memory maker. And for that reason, until someone changes my mind, for me-- it's one of the most memorable in covering twenty years of Tennessee football.

Photos Courtesy: Nick Myers, University of Tennessee