Peyton Manning has joined the University of Tennessee faculty as a “professor of practice” in the College of Communication and Information, it was announced Monday.

According to a release issued on the university’s website, Manning “will join select classes during the academic year as a featured expert, bringing significant industry experience to the classroom.” Manning’s appointment is due to his being a “nationally recognized media personality, entrepreneur, sports commentator and former professional athlete.”

The 47-year-old Manning played quarterback at Tennessee from 1994-97, leading the Volunteers to an SEC championship and finishing second in the Heisman Trophy balloting his senior year. He graduated from UT with a bachelor’s degree in speech communication in 1997.

“There is no other ambassador for our college and university like Peyton Manning, and we are proud to welcome him to the college’s faculty,” said Joseph Mazer, dean of the College of Communication and Information. “Peyton is a true Volunteer, and I look forward to our students gaining invaluable knowledge from him as we continue to prepare the next generation of communication and information leaders.”

The No. 1 pick in the 1998 NFL draft, Manning played 18 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. He was NFL Most Valuable Player five times, won Super Bowl rings after the 2006 and 2015 seasons and remains among the all-time leaders in several NFL passing categories.

A well-regarded advertising pitch man, Manning began co-hosting the Emmy-winning “ManningCast” Monday Night Football simulcast alongside younger brother and fellow former NFL quarterback Eli Manning on ESPN2 in 2021. Peyton Manning was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

Manning will begin his teaching job at Tennessee during the 2023 fall semester, which begins next week. He will assist other faculty members in teaching subjects such as sports reporting, video production and performance, leadership and communication and public speaking.

“My time as a student in the College of Communication and Information was a foundational experience during which I learned critical skills and messaging techniques that I continue to put to use almost daily,” Manning said. “I look forward to working with the college’s talented faculty and directly with students in an effort to ensure they are well prepared for their future careers.”