The Tennessee Volunteers mascot, Smokey, holds special significance for the University of Tennessee community. Smokey, an American Bluetick Coonhound, has been the beloved mascot of the Tennessee Volunteers since 1953. Each new Smokey is selected from a specific bloodline, and the line has continued unbroken since the original Smokey's debut. Smokey represents the spirited and tenacious nature of the Tennessee Volunteers as they compete in various athletic events. The choice of a hound as the university's mascot is rooted in the state's hunting tradition. The Bluetick Coonhound breed is known for its endurance, agility, and loyalty, which aligns with the attributes desired in the university's athletes and fans.
How Tennessee's beloved football team became the Volunteers
The University of Tennessee’s nickname was born out of its state’s incredible history of sacrifice.
It screams of courage and bleeds of brave souls, who volunteered to fight for America’s freedom and wouldn’t run from a challenge.
Two centuries later, the Tennessee Volunteers who play at Neyland Stadium try to act and play with those same qualities to win football games, not wars.
What’s in a school’s nickname? Well, at Tennessee, pretty much everything.
Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Volunteers. It’s far from the Wildcats, Bulldogs or Tigers, fine nicknames but very common ones. As common as Volunteers is so incredibly different. It strikes a chord of curiosity.
It should beg a fan of any team, and especially those born into fandom of the team in Knoxville, to ask aloud, “Why are we the Volunteers?”
The answer arrives straight out of an American history book, which in itself should make Tennessee players and fans proud. The answer in effect helped keep America afloat after it had just gained its independence from England during the Revolutionary War. The answer, simply, is rooted in hard-earned victory.
Because tensions were still simmering between the U.S. and England after the American Revolution, which eventually led to the War of 1812.
“The fledgling American republic was in a vulnerable position: young, not so far removed from a major war and unable to agree on the merits of having a standing army,” explained Evan Scott Schwartz of SI.com.
A guy named Andrew Jackson, a Tennessee native, was appointed colonel of the Tennessee militia, and states were being asked by President James Madison to raise militias to help fight the war. So Jackson gathered an army that was made up almost entirely of volunteers, or “non-professional soldiers” as Schwartz called them.
Some estimated this Tennessee army of volunteers to be an astounding 20,000, and the Jackson-led force was instrumental in securing big victories for America, highlighted by its triumph over the British at the Battle of New Orleans.
“Winning that battle made Jackson a hero (and eventually president), and when Tennessee raised another massive volunteer army of 30,000 men for the Mexican-American War in 1846, there was no longer a doubt: Tennessee was the Volunteer State,” Schwartz wrote.
Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
According to Tennessee’s university website, the secretary of state asked for 2,800 Tennessee volunteers during the Mexican-American War and got 30,000 respondents.
About 50 years later, “volunteers” with a lowercase letter became Volunteers with a capital letter, as the football team at the University of Tennessee was given the nickname to celebrate and honor the thousands who put their lives on the line for the U.S. without even full training.
Tennessee trotted out its first football team in 1891, the ghosts of those volunteer war heroes giving way to the Volunteers of the gridiron, though according to the Tennessee website the Atlanta Constitution was the first to call Tennessee’s athletes “Volunteers” after a Tennessee-Georgia Tech game in 1902.
The football Volunteers were now carrying the ultimate motivation with them every time they took the field. They were named after heroes, winners, in wars that helped shape their country’s history. And now they were trying to win battles of their own, albeit much smaller and less significant ones.
Nickname provides inspiration
Imagine being a football player at Tennessee, opening up a history book and reading about what those original volunteers sacrificed and ultimately brought home with them. Each history lesson would be a pregame pep talk in itself.
Tennesseehistory.com described one particular welcoming to those courageous volunteers after the Mexican-American War:
“The brave Tennesseans who had ventured off to Mexico returned home to heroes’ welcomes across the state. The City of Nashville hosted a barbecue for the thousands of returning soldiers. The veterans were honored with parades in every Tennessee city and town. The men had officially brought home with them not only a tradition for strength and courage under grueling conditions, but a reputation for service under fire. One that would forever in the annals of American history earn Tennessee the ‘Volunteer’ nickname.”
The Tennessee football program has played more than a century of games since taking that honorable Volunteer badge, and all they have ever been are just games. The players aren’t fighting wars. They are just fighting to win a game.
But the words used in praise of those original volunteers should surely have inspired a player wearing those orange-clad jerseys to gain a few extra yards or make an open-field tackle.
Strength. Courage. In grueling conditions.
Service under fire. In football terms, that would be a player’s toughness in the face of adversity.
And, maybe, like in 1998, a heroes’ welcome, not for something so enormous like a war victory but for a national championship.
At some programs, legendary coaches inspire. Or the tradition of winning inspires the next group.
In Tennessee’s wonderfully unique case, it’s the nickname that should always provide the inspiration.
Why is Tennessee the Volunteer State? Learn the Story Behind the Nickname at the Tennessee State Library & Archives’ TN225 Lunchtime Speaker Series
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee State Library & Archives is inviting guests to learn how Tennessee became known as the Volunteer State at their Lunchtime Speaker Series event with special guest speaker Dr. Timothy Johnson on Friday, Nov. 5, from noon to 1 p.m.
“This year the Volunteer State is celebrating our 225th anniversary of statehood, so this is the perfect time to learn how we earned our unique nickname,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I encourage anyone who wants to know more about the history of our great state to join us on your lunch break for this TN225 Lunchtime Speaker Series event.”
The lecture will explore how over the course of several decades, Tennessee earned the Volunteer State nickname because of Tennessean’s eagerness to step forward to serve in times of war.
The speaker, Johnson, has authored or edited two dozen articles and eight books that deal primarily with the Mexican-American War and other military conflicts that occurred before the U.S. Civil War. He is on the history faculty at Lipscomb University, where he received the Outstanding Teacher Award and was designated as a University Research Professor. He has been a research fellow at Yale University and the Virginia Historical Society and has appeared on C-SPAN, The History Channel and Public Television. A native of Chattanooga, Johnson, received his Ph.D. from The University of Alabama.
“We are excited to host our second Lunchtime Speaker Series event with our distinguished speaker, Dr. Timothy Johnson, and learn the history of the Volunteer State nickname of which many are so proud,” said Chuck Sherrill, Tennessee State Librarian and Archivist.
This Lunchtime Speaker Series event will be in person and live-streamed on the Library & Archives’ Facebook page and the Secretary of State’s YouTube channel. In-person attendees are welcome to bring their lunch. This event is free to the public. To make a reservation to attend in person, visit bit.ly/TN225VS. Seating is limited.
After the presentation, in-person attendees can view items related to Tennessee’s military service from the Library & Archives’ collections. Guided tours of the new state-of-the-art facility will also be available at the conclusion of the presentation.
The Library & Archives is located at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way North on Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, across from the Tennessee State Museum. Parking is available for guests in the Library & Archives garage on Jackson Street/Junior Gilliam Way.
The Library & Archives’ other Lunchtime Speaker Series events will take place on Feb. 11 and May 6. Topics for these events include how Tennessee’s topography and geology impacted where pioneers settled and Native American life and culture in early Tennessee.
For the latest information about the Lunchtime Speaker Series, follow the Library and Archives social media channels, Facebook: Tennessee State Library and Archives and Instagram: @tnlibarchives.
To attend the Lunchtime Speaker Series in person, reserve your spot at visit bit.ly/TN225VS. To learn more about the Library and Archives or schedule a research visit, call 615-741-2764, email [email protected] or visit sos.tn.gov/tsla/plan-your-visit.
The Rifleman Logo: A Vol Trad History Lesson
There's no doubt about it, tradition plays a huge part in both our company and The University of Tennessee.
Since the founding of our company on the UT campus, there was a question that kept popping up from those that understood our brand best. Fans wanted some timeless, classy apparel to support the Vols, something their dad and graddad would be proud to wear. Instead most merchandise they found being made for the Tennessee was flat bill hats, growling smokey logos, and polos with abrasively large Power T’s on them.
When we were approached several years ago by the University in an official capacity about possibly creating licensed products, we knew exactly what we wanted to create. Nothing says Classic Tennessee like the Rifleman logo. Featuring Davy Crockett wielding a hunting rifle and coonskin cap, it defines the name “Volunteer." The Rifleman Logo was introduced in 1983 and used as an alternate Volunteers logo until 1996, when it was placed in the Vault to make more room for the Power T. It was paired with the famous script featuring a star in the ‘O’ of VOLS. We’re sure you remember it. We can't forget it.
At the time that we initially introduced the Rifleman Collection a few years back, we focused on a couple of core products made specifically for those that remember sitting on their dad's shoulders during the Vol Walk, watching Johnny Majors lead his troops to battle while wearing their coonskin cap during the years affectionately known as "the Decade of Dominance," and the memory of shedding tears of joy when Peyton announced his return. with the Rifleman logo as his backdrop.
Now more than ever, we're excited about the collection and eager to expand as the demand for the concept has been beyond what we could have imagined. At Volunteer Traditions we are passionate about UT Sports history and want to see logos like these remain on new and old fans alike. Removing the “Star Vols” and leaving just the Rifleman has helped differentiate our brand on Polos & Tees.
It's a logo that reminds us of our past while ushering in the new era for Tennessee.
This season, we're expanding even further and the entire Rifleman Collection can be found below.
To view our entire selection of Vols Licensed Products click here
The Bluetick Coonhound breed is known for its endurance, agility, and loyalty, which aligns with the attributes desired in the university's athletes and fans. Smokey's presence at Tennessee Volunteers' games and events generates excitement and camaraderie among the fans. The mascot embodies the pride and dedication associated with the university and its athletic programs.
Smokey has become an endearing symbol for the Tennessee Volunteers, inspiring their teams to play with determination and supporting their loyal fans throughout the year. Moreover, Smokey's significance extends beyond the athletic field. He serves as a representative of the university's values and traditions to the wider community. Smokey often participates in various community service events, bringing joy and goodwill to Tennessee residents. Additionally, Smokey serves as a symbol of school spirit, encouraging students to support their teams and excel in their studies. Overall, the Tennessee Volunteers' mascot, Smokey, serves as a powerful symbol of spirit, determination, and community. He represents the rich traditions of the University of Tennessee and inspires both the athletes and fans to give their all in support of the Volunteers. Whether at a game or involved in community service, Smokey is a beloved figure that unites the Tennessee community and promotes the values of the university..
Reviews for "The Tennessee Volunteers Mascot: Symbolism and Representation"
1. John - 1/5 -
I was really disappointed with the meaning behind the Tennessee Volunteers mascot. As a fan, I expected something more exciting and representative of the team. The idea of having a mockingbird as a mascot just doesn't resonate with me. It lacks the fierce and intimidating aura that other mascots bring to their respective teams. I think the mascot should symbolize strength and determination, and unfortunately, the Tennessee Volunteers' mascot falls short in that aspect.
2. Sarah - 2/5 -
The meaning behind the Tennessee Volunteers mascot is underwhelming. I appreciate the historical significance of the state bird, but it doesn't translate well into a sports mascot. It lacks the charisma and excitement that other mascots bring to the game. I would prefer the university to consider other options that better represent the team's spirit and energy. Overall, I don't find the Tennessee Volunteers mascot meaning inspiring or captivating enough to rally behind.
3. David - 2/5 -
I don't understand the rationale behind choosing a mockingbird as the mascot for the Tennessee Volunteers. It feels out of place and doesn't align with the intensity and competitiveness of college sports. The symbol of a mockingbird doesn't evoke a strong sense of team spirit or intimidate opponents. It would be more fitting to have a mascot that represents the team's strength and unity. Unfortunately, the current mascot meaning falls flat and fails to incite passion among the fans.
4. Emily - 1/5 -
I find the meaning behind the Tennessee Volunteers mascot to be quite disappointing. A mockingbird doesn't invoke a sense of pride and excitement that one expects from a sports team mascot. I believe a mascot should inspire and rally fans, but the choice of a mockingbird fails to do so. It feels like a missed opportunity to create something more impactful and memorable for the Tennessee Volunteers. I hope the university reconsiders their mascot choice and finds a symbol that truly represents the team's spirit.