Peyton Manning showcases Tennessee sports and Adidas on social media
The University of Tennessee has recently rekindled its partnership with Adidas, marking a return to the global sports apparel giant after a hiatus since 2015. This rekindled relationship began on July 1st and is the result of a 10-year agreement between the university and Adidas, heralding an innovative era in athletic apparel deals. The prominent figure leading this new chapter is none other than the iconic Peyton Manning.
In an expressive social media post, Peyton Manning took center stage, narrating a promotional video that showcased various athletes from different sports within the Tennessee Vols athletics program. Manning’s narration highlighted the breadth of the partnership, emphasizing Adidas’ sponsorship of athletes across all sports at the University of Tennessee. From football to soccer, and even rowing, basketball, softball, baseball, tennis, swimming and diving, track and field, cross-country, volleyball, and golf – Manning playfully reiterated “Yes, Yes, Yes” for each sport before humorously commenting, “You know who else is getting signed for some reason? Old quarterbacks.”
The collaboration between Adidas and Tennessee, established in August 2025, involves Adidas contributing to Tennessee’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) programs across all sports as a significant financial component of the renewed deal. This venture signifies a significant evolution in the partnership, with Adidas offering top-notch footwear, apparel, and equipment for training and competition, along with unparalleled NIL opportunities for student-athletes across all 20 of the university’s varsity programs.
Chris McGuire, the Vice President of Sports Marketing for Adidas, North America, expressed how the dynamics of college athletics sideline partnerships have evolved since their prior collaboration with Tennessee Athletics. McGuire explained that Adidas is setting a new standard for investment in NIL through this partnership, aiming to sustain Tennessee’s robust athletics program and empower the university to compete for championships for years to come.
For the University of Tennessee, this collaboration with Adidas marks a new era in Knoxville, symbolizing a future where Vol fans can anticipate triumphs across multiple sports, donned in Adidas-clad orange jerseys. The union between Tennessee and Adidas is not merely about apparel and sponsorship; it represents a commitment to fostering athletic achievement and providing unparalleled opportunities for student-athletes to navigate the evolving landscape of college athletics.