Vanderbilt Announces Football Stadium Naming Rights Agreement With FirstBank

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Vanderbilt football stadium. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics/Daniel Dubois

Vanderbilt Stadium has a new name as the University and FirstBank sign a 10-year football stadium naming rights and campus collaboration agreement.

The stadium will be recognized as FirstBank Stadium starting with the 2022 Commodore football season. Through this agreement, FirstBank becomes the official bank of Vanderbilt Athletics and the Vanderbilt Alumni Association.

In addition to football stadium naming rights, the relationship includes a comprehensive multimedia arrangement with Vanderbilt Athletics for all varsity programs. FirstBank will also participate in Vanderbilt student and alumni engagement opportunities, including the sponsorship of student internships and select alumni programming, such as the Owen Graduate School of Management’s Owen Forward alumni engagement speaker series.

Additionally, FirstBank will have the opportunity to conduct on-campus workshops and provide financial products supporting innovation and startup activities at Vanderbilt.

“I’m excited for the opportunities this historic collaboration with FirstBank creates for Vanderbilt Athletics and our student-athletes,” says Candice Lee, vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director. “As the landscape of collegiate athletics continues to shift, we remain committed to our core mission. We will provide student-athletes with the tools to reach their full potential on and off the field and work to unite and inspire the city we call home. I look forward to seeing Nashville come together to support the Commodores at FirstBank Stadium for years to come.”

As Vanderbilt marks the 100th anniversary of Vanderbilt Stadium and Dudley Field this year, construction related to Vandy United will begin to transform the north and south end zones. From concerts and commencements to presidential speeches and football games, the stadium remains a place for the Vanderbilt community and the city of Nashville to come together and celebrate.

Vandy will uphold and honor the designation of Dudley Field, the venue’s original name when it opened in 1922, as the first stadium in the south to be erected exclusively for college football.

“Vanderbilt is a Nashville institution—in, of and for the city,” says Chancellor Daniel Diermeier. “This agreement with FirstBank, and the possibilities it creates, forges a new kind of collaborative connection among our university, our community and our Commodore student-athletes as we all—to use our university motto—‘dare to grow’ and realize our shared potential together.”

Headquartered in Nashville, FirstBank has 81 full-service bank branches across Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama and Georgia, and a national mortgage business with offices across the southeast. The bank serves five of the major metropolitan markets in Tennessee and has approximately $12.6 billion in total assets.

“For more than a century, FirstBank has built its reputation by believing in the power and potential of our community,” FirstBank President and CEO Chris Holmes says. “Partnering with Vanderbilt reinforces our shared commitment to the idea that world-class excellence can have local roots. We believe FirstBank Stadium is more than a name. It represents an opportunity to strengthen this community and mentor leaders who will shape an even brighter future.”

The Commodores started their 2022 season with a win, beating Hawaii 63-10 on Saturday (Aug. 27).

Press Kit: Vandy Football Looks To Continue Growth In Clark Lea’s Second Season

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Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea with linebacker Anfernee Orji. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

August is finally winding down which means that college football is back as Vanderbilt gears up for another season with growing pains ahead.

After another poor season in 2021, Vanderbilt football looks to continue to grow its program under second-year head coach Clark Lea.

In his first year, Lea led the team to a 2-10 record overall and a 0-8 conference record. The team suffered some abysmal losses, but came close to beating South Carolina (21-20) and Missouri (37-28), and were able to score double-digits in its final four games of 2021.

The road ahead will be difficult with the SEC only getting better, but Vandy has a few key players that can push them to some wins this season.

Mike Wright. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Quarterback Mike Wright is coming off a solid end to the 2021 season, throwing six touchdowns in the final four games, as opposed to only two TD’s in the previous six. He also threw 947 yards in the last six games of the year, when he started with just 95 in his first four games played.

This year with more experience, confidence and being named the starter for the 2022 season, Wright will only get better in Lea’s offense. He can also be a threat in the rushing game as he ran 152 yards against Missouri and scored a rushing touchdown against Tennessee. Earlier in the summer, the junior was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List.

Helping Wright on the offense will be wide receiver Will Sheppard. Sheppard started in 11 games last season and finished with 43 receptions, four touchdowns, 557 receiving yards, and averaged 13.4 yards per catch.

Will Sheppard. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

The Senior will be one of the most important players on the field for Vanderbilt and will be key to increasing the team’s scoring after being shutout or held to single-digit scores four times in 2021.

It’s not hard to imagine that with Wright under the center in his first full season that Sheppard can hit 1,000 receiving yards.

One of the biggest factors for the team, and probably the biggest for the defense, is senior linebacker Anfernee Orji.

Orji had a great 2021 campaign starting all 12 games and leading the team with 93 tackles and 13 tackles for loss, placing him 12th in the SEC in total tackles. He made 13 tackles against Colorado State, the most by a Commodore during the 2021 season.

Orji is set to have a stellar senior year to help set up Vandy for a few extra wins. He has been nominated for the Bednarik Award Watch List, Butkus Award Watch List and has been named to the Phil Steele Preseason All-SEC team.

Anfernee Orji. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Fans will have the opportunity to see some exciting teams visit Vanderbilt Stadium as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

Vandy kicks-off the season spending a week in Hawaii before playing the island team in Week 0 on Aug. 26. On Sept. 10, they will host No. 22-ranked Wake Forest as SEC Network programs will be on campus all weekend long.

The Commodores will also host No. 21 Ole Miss on Oct. 8. The Rebels, led by coach Lane Kiffin, had a great year in 2021, finishing with a record of 10-3 overall and 6-0 at home. They made a trip to the Sugar Bowl last year, eventually losing to Baylor 21-7, and will be looking to play a similar season in 2022.

Vanderbilt will play its final two games of the season at home against Florida and in-state rival Tennessee. Both teams were left out of the AP Pre-season Top 25, but Tennessee will be a much better team this season than in 2021.

Fifth year quarterback Hendon Hooker will be one of the top quarterbacks in the conference as UTK looks to grow the program back to its former glory.

As always, the Vandy-Tennessee game slated during Thanksgiving weekend will be must-see college football.

The Heimerdinger Foundation To Host Second Annual Fisher & Friends This September

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Courtesy of The Heimerdinger Foundation

The Heimerdinger Foundation is set to host the second annual Tale-Gating with Fisher & Friends, held on the farm of former Tennessee Titan’s coach Jeff Fisher on Saturday, Sept. 24.

This event will offer Titans fans behind the scenes stories with NFL coaching, talent, and broadcast giants to be announced soon. The outdoor event will feature a four-course farm-to-table meal inspired by the nonprofit’s Meals 4 Health and Healing Program.

“Meals 4 Health and Healing was founded by Kathie Heimerdinger whose husband, Mike–former Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator–passed away from cancer,” shares foundation Executive Director Katharine Ray. “Through their experiences, Kathie and her family became acutely aware of the burden a cancer diagnosis places on the whole family. We know food is medicine and a source of comfort but between appointments and treatments, nutritious food preparation is often sidelined. Meals 4 Health and Healing helps fill that gap and allows for caregivers to focus on their loved one.”

In addition to entertainment and cuisine, there will also be a live and silent auctions. All proceeds will benefit the Meals 4 Health and Healing program of The Heimerdinger Foundation. For more information and to purchase tickets or sponsorships, click here.

Meals 4 Health and Healing prepares organic, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory meals free of charge for cancer patients undergoing treatment and their caregivers. Since 2013, the nonprofit has provided over 150,000 servings to clients and their caregivers in Williamson and Davidson Counties.

Nearly 80% of cancer patients end up malnourished as a result of treatment, showing that nourishing meals can make a vital difference to patients as they undergo treatment. With an emphasis on serving those who are in crisis, have little or no caregiving support or are financially unable to provide nutritious foods, the program elevates the recovery process for many at high risk for malnutrition.

With over 250 active volunteers each year, the organization also educates volunteers about eating a whole food diet to reduce inflammation and the likelihood of chronic, inflammatory conditions such as cancer.

College Corner: Bruin Local Exchange, TSU Football, SEC Nation

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Belmont Expands Partnership With INFLCR, Launches Bruin Local Exchange

Belmont, in partnership with INFLICR, has launched the Bruin Local Exchange–a platform where local and national businesses can connect and communicate with Belmont student-athletes to build and fulfill Name, Image, & Likeness (NIL) agreements.

“Expanding our partnership with INFLCR reinforces our commitment to Belmont student-athletes within the NIL landscape,” says Belmont University Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Corley. “INFLCR’s industry-leading technology will benefit our student-athletes while elevating our branding and storytelling efforts as a University.”

INFLCR offers athletic departments a place to send those interested in starting an NIL conversation with student-athletes and allows businesses to access a school-specific directory to filter and contact specific student-athletes by team, sport, and customized options. For student-athletes, all NIL business conversations can live in their INFLCR account with automated payments and streamlined reporting for tax purposes. Belmont student-athletes will also be able to take advantage of INFLCR’s VIP partnerships with companies such as Meta, TikTok, WWE, Campus, DigiSign, Subtext, Mike Slive Foundation and more as part of the INFLCR Global Exchange.

Inside the platform, companies can automate their reporting of transactions with student-athletes, and utilize INFLCR’s tools to identify, communicate, and transact with student-athletes who have opted in to be contacted for educational and NIL transaction opportunities.

Belmont and INFLCR are also broadening their partnership to include the INFLCR Verified product line for all 17 Belmont NCAA Division I athletic teams. Belmont activated INFLCR for men’s and women’s basketball in 2021-22.

 

 

Three TSU Players Named To Black College Football Player of the Year Award Watch List

Tennessee State University’s Draylen Ellis, Devon Starling, and James Green have been selected to the Black College Football Player of the Year Award. The Award is presented annually by The Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) to the most outstanding football player from a Historically Black College & University.

Entering his first season at TSU after transferring from Austin Peay, quarterback Ellis was ranked among the FCS leaders and led the OVC in passing touchdowns (19), passing yards (2,625), yards per completion (13.7), and total offense (268.5 ypg). He became only the third Governors quarterback to record 2,500-plus passing yards in a season, and set program records for passing yards per game (262.5) and total offense per game (268.5).

Starling followed his OVC Co-Freshman of the Year honors by earning second-team All-OVC honors.  He was injured in the next-to-last game of the year, which limited him to 15 carries and 39 yards over the final two games, but still finished the year ranked 45th nationally with 800 total rushing yards and three touchdowns. Starling also caught 37 passes (for 312 yards) which was the most on the team, fifth most among all players in the OVC, and tied for 1st among all running backs. Against OVC champion UT Martin, he rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown and caught 12 passes for 117 yards; the 12 receptions was the most of any FCS running back in a game this season.

Green led the TSU defense with 77 total tackles (41 solo and 36 assists). He also had one sack, one interception (at Eastern Illinois), and one forced fumble/fumble recovery at Mississippi State. For his efforts at Eastern Illinois, Green was named the OVC Co-Defensive Player of the Week. His INT against the Panthers moved TSU to the two-yard line—a return of 47 yards—which set up the first score of the contest.

 

 

SEC Network’s ‘SEC Nation’ To Visit Vanderbilt 

SEC Network’s SEC Nation presented by Johnsonville will broadcast from the Vanderbilt campus on Sept. 10 in advance of the football team’s home game against Wake Forest.

SEC Nation, which airs weekly on SEC Network before the start of the day’s college football action, is hosted by Laura Rutledge and includes Paul Finebaum, Tim Tebow, Roman Harper and former Vanderbilt quarterback Jordan Rodgers.

In addition to SEC Nation presented by Johnsonville, other popular shows Marty & McGee presented by Old Trapper and The Paul Finebaum Show presented by Johnsonville will also originate from campus that weekend. All three shows will be broadcasting live from The Commons in the heart of Vanderbilt’s campus.

This is the show’s first return to Nashville since the start of the 2019 season, when it was on campus for the Vanderbilt-Georgia game.

Weekend Schedule:

  • Friday, Sept. 9
    • The Paul Finebaum Show presented by Johnsonville, 2–6 p.m. CT
  • Saturday, Sept. 10
    • Marty & McGee presented by Old Trapper, 8–9 a.m. CT
    • SEC Nation presented by Johnsonville, 9–11 a.m. CT
  • Vanderbilt vs. Wake Forest kickoff, 11 a.m. CT (SEC Network)

Titans QB Malik Willis Named TransPerfect Music City Bowl’s Youth Football Ambassador

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Malik Willis. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

The TransPerfect Music City Bowl has partnered with Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback and 2018 bowl alum Malik Willis to be this year’s Youth Football Ambassador.

Willis will visit local teams and promote youth football at leagues across Tennessee that’s assisted over 20 leagues since its inception in 2003.

“Malik has shown to not only be an exceptional football talent, but a great role model off the football field,” Scott Ramsey, President/CEO of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl says. “We’re grateful to have him serve as role model for youth football players in our region, especially as a bowl alum.”

Willis is in his rookie season with the Titans after being drafted with the 86th pick in the 3rd Round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Liberty. He led the FBS in touchdowns (47 passing, 27 rushing) in his two years with Flames guiding Liberty to two bowl victories. Prior to transferring to Liberty, Willis spent his first two seasons at Auburn where he appeared in the 2018 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. Willis completed a pass and was Auburn’s second-leading rusher in a 63-14 win over Purdue.

“I’m honored to serve as the TransPerfect Music City Bowl’s Youth Football Ambassador,” says Willis. “As a kid growing up, sports taught me about teamwork, discipline and a strong work ethic, which are important traits to being successful on and off the field. I’m passionate about what youth football can teach and I’m excited to share that with our community.”

Throughout the year, local youth leagues will receive thousands of dollars in donations to help buy/repair equipment, uniforms, maintain facilities, pay for game officials and implement new league programs. In addition to monetary donations, the leagues also receive an official bowl helmet sticker, a free ticket for each coach and player of the leagues’ championship-winning teams and a mouthguard provided by longtime supporter Delta Dental of Tennessee.

Country Radio DJ Bobby Bones Launches Sports Podcast, ’25 Whistles’

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Long-time country music DJ Bobby Bones is talking all things football with the launch of his new podcast 25 Whistles With Bobby Bones (A Football Podcast). Joining Bones are singer-songwriter Adam Hambrick, Kickoff Kevin and Producer Eddie.

The new podcast, sponsored by DraftKings Sportsbook, is a 25-episode series centered around college and NFL football. The first two episodes are available now with new episodes dropping every Friday leading up to The Super Bowl.

The inaugural episodes feature legendary sports broadcaster Dan Patrick, Bones’ hometeam favorite Arkansas Head Coach Sam Pittman, ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky, and Upperhand Fantasy Football’s Faraz Siddiq. Guests on future episodes will include Vanderbilt University’s head football coach Clark Lea and comedian Michael Rapaport.

“It’s been about a decade since my last sports show, so this is me coming out of retirement, off the bench, back to first string… all the puns,” says Bones. “I have some of my friends chatting with me, so it’s like what we do normally, just with microphones and a lot of cool new guests.”

Along with the new podcast episodes, fans can catch Bones every Monday night as the host of USA Network’s new series, Snake In The Grass, a show that tests the limits of participants as they complete challenges while aiming to figure out which person is the snake sabotaging the competition.

Bones is the host of the nationally syndicated iHeartRadio program “The Bobby Bones Show,” which broadcasts to over 185 stations and is the No. 1 country morning show with millions of monthly listeners. The show is a two-time CMA award winner, four-time ACM award winner ,and earned Bones the honor of being the youngest-ever inductee into the prestigious National Radio Hall of Fame.

Tennessee Titans Announce 11th Annual Titans Foundation 5K

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Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

The annual Titans Foundation 5K is set to take place at Nissan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 3 beginning at 7 a.m. This year’s event is presented by Corcoran Reverie, the ‘Official Real Estate Brokerage of the Tennessee Titans.’

The race will start at Nissan Stadium, continue through downtown Nashville, and finish on the 50-yard line back at the Stadium. Fans can look forward to running alongside key Titans alumni and personalities while benefiting the Titans Foundation with every step. After the race participants will enjoy a tailgate party with refreshments as well as an awards ceremony acknowledging top runners.

“The Titans Foundation 5K is one of our favorite events to host as we kickoff each season. Last year, we welcomed a record 2,700 participants and raised more than $10,000 for the Titans Foundation,” says Gil Beverly, Titans Sr. Vice President & Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer. “Football is officially back, and engaging our fans is the best way to celebrate. The 5K allows us to celebrate the season ahead, while also raising funds to benefit our community.”

For the first time ever, the Titans Foundation 5K will offer a crowd fundraising option that allows runners to tap friends and family for support while raising money for the Titans Foundation. Standard registration is $55 and includes a Titans Foundation 5K shirt and a game ticket to the Titans vs. Jaguars game at Nissan Stadium on Dec. 11.

Additional individual and Titans Foundation fundraising levels will allow runners to participate for free and include the below items:

  • $250 Pro Bowl Level
    • Special Titans Foundation 5K commemorative medal
  • $500 All Pro Level (everything included in the Pro Bowl Level):
    • A limited-edition Titans Foundation 5K 12” logo state sign
    • Two complimentary beverages at post-race tailgate party
    • Exclusive private locker room tour at Nissan Stadium
  • $1,000 Hall of Fame Level (everything included in above levels)
    • Your name on the video scoreboards during the Titans vs. Jaguars game at Nissan Stadium on Dec. 11
    • 24-inch personalized Titans Foundation 5K wooden display commemorative item

Registration is open and will close Sept. 3 at 6:30 a.m. CST. To register and learn more about crowd fundraising options, please visit tennesseetitans.com/5k.

Press Kit: Players To Watch During Titans First Preseason Game Against The Ravens

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Treylon Burks. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

After a long summer, the NFL preseason is finally here and the Tennessee Titans play their first game tonight (Aug. 11) against the Baltimore Ravens.

This season, there are a lot of new faces and a few familiar ones that head coach Mike Vrabel will be showcasing in their first game of the year–many of which will be fighting for a roster spot and some fighting for a starters spot.

Fans shouldn’t expect to see much of Ryan Tannehill or any of Derrick Henry, who’s coming off an injury from last season.

But there are few players that fans should keep an eye on for tonight’s matchup.

The player at the top of this list is quarterback Malik Willis.

Malik Willis. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

Willis was drafted in the third round of this year’s draft out of Liberty University and has been much of the talk at training camp thus far. He’s showed promise with some great throws and garnering attention on social media, but now he will make his NFL debut and attempt to compete at the highest level. Willis threw for over 5,000 yards in his two years at Liberty, throwing 47 touchdowns and only 18 interceptions.

Though Willis will most likely start the regular season on the bench, he could make an appearance later in the season pending Tannehill’s performance. After all, the Titans didn’t draft a top quarterback prospect in the third round for nothing.

The next top player to watch, who’s arguably the most important player, is first round pick wide receiver Treylon Burks.

Burks was selected after the blockbuster trade between the Titans and Eagles which sent AJ Brown to Philadelphia. Many Titans fans were upset and some are still not happy with the result of Tennessee trading its best offensive weapon behind Derrick Henry.

Burks is set to be Brown’s replacement, but will still need to earn his keep with receivers Robert Woods and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine almost guaranteed a roster spot. Burks played in 31 games for Arkansas and picked up 2,399 receiving yards with 11 touchdowns during that time.

There were some concerns about Burks’ conditioning during rookie camp but it was later announced that he has asthma. So far during training camp, Burks has shown a lot of promise, making great plays on one-on-ones and scrimmages. His preseason performance could put him in play of becoming wide receiver No. 1.

Caleb Farley. Photo: Courtesy of the Tennessee Titans

Another player to watch out for is 2021 first round pick corner back Caleb Farley.

Farley’s rookie season was riddled with bad luck, suffering a torn ACL early in the season. He is set to play tonight and is on pace to being 100 percent healthy by the time the regular season begins. A healthy Farley would be huge for the Titans defense, which is already coming off a fantastic season. His presence, along with Kevin Byard in the defensive backfield, would be devastating to any opposing offense.

Fans should also keep an eye out for running back and Titans fourth round draft pick Hassan Haskins.

Haskins rushed for over 2,000 yards at the University of Michigan where he was named 2021 First-team All-Big Ten and Second-team All-American. In his senior year, he scored 20 touchdowns for the Wolverines and could be a devastating force for the Titans. Obviously he is not taking Henry’s spot as a starter, but Haskins has real promise as the Titans No. 2 running back.

He will most likely be getting a decent amount of snaps tonight as Haskins could be a solid backup if the Titans decide not to use Henry a whole lot in the first few game of the season.

The Titans take on the Ravens at 6:30 p.m. CT at M&T Bank Stadium. Fans can catch the game on local network WKRN.