NASHVILLE, TN – April 8, 2020 – The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame announced former University of Tennessee quarterback Heath Shuler, former University of Memphis and NFL running back DeAngelo Williams, and founder of Bristol Motor Speedway Bruton Smith as 2020 Hall of Fame inductees. It was announced today by Brad Willis, Chief Advancement & Operations Officer for the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
They round out a star-studded list of inductees which includes former Titans coach Jeff Fisher, NBA legend Tony Delk, advocate for women in sports Bettye Giles, “the godfather of Tennessee golf” Dick Horton, NHL player and sports analyst Terry Crisp, former ETSU and Auburn University basketball coach Sonny Smith, two-time NCAA National Championship Vanderbilt University baseball coach Tim Corbin and college football defensive coordinator Carl Torbush.
“Once again we find ourselves celebrating an extraordinary collection of inductees,” said Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Chairman and University of Tennessee Athletics Director. “The Class of 2020 collectively represents greatness across many sports from throughout our state. Their respective accomplishments as it relates to athletics are well documented, but the fact that these inductees also represent the intangible qualities and traits that the Hall values is just as powerful.”
Heath Shuler started his football career in Bryson City, North Carolina where he became a standout quarterback and led his team to two state championships. He was eventually named North Carolina High School Player of the Year; and then went on to have a shining career at the University of Tennessee where he gained national attention as one of SEC’s top quarterbacks. In 1992, Shuler had 1,712 pass yards and 10 touchdowns as Tennessee finished 9-3. The next season, he became a legend with 2,354 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, leading the Tennessee Volunteers to an appearance in the Citrus Bowl. He paved the way for Volunteer quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Tee Martin. Shuler played for the Washington Redskins and the New Orleans Saints during his NFL career. In 2013 after he retired, he led a successful campaign for U.S. Congress where he served in Washington for six years.
“There have been many elite football players in the University of Tennessee’s history, but Heath Shuler ranks among our very best,” said Fulmer. “He was ahead of his time as a quarterback, excelling as both a passer and a rusher. His toughness always stood out, and he was a terrific leader. Those leadership skills obviously carried over to his career as a U.S. Representative. I’m thrilled to see Heath receive this honor from the Hall.”
DeAngelo Williams had a shining football career at the University of Memphis where he still holds 10 school records. In four years, he rushed for 6,026 career yards and 55 touchdowns. In 2005, he was a Heisman Trophy candidate and averaged an NCAA-leading 178.55 rushing yards per game his senior year. Williams was named to 16 All-America teams including the elite Walter Camp and American Football Coaches Association squads. He was also a Doak Walker Award finalist as a senior and was given MVP honors in the 2005 Motor City Bowl and 2006 Senior Bowl. Williams played nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers and holds the franchise’s single-season rushing record with 1,515 yards along with being the Panthers’ second all-time leading rusher with 6,846 yards. He played his final two NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Overall, he had four NFL playoff appearances – three with Carolina and 1 with Pittsburgh.
Bruton Smith is the epitome of “build it and they will come.” He was a business pioneer and innovator, building Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway into a world-renowned sports entertainment destination. Smith’s Speedway Motorsports organization purchased the “world’s fastest half-mile” in 1996 and since then, fans from around all 50 states and more than 25 countries come to experience The Last Great Colosseum. He more than doubled the seating capacity to create NASCAR’s only 360-dregree seat facility along with expanding the 20 suites to 200. Under his leadership, Bristol Motor Speedway also installed Colossus TV, the world’s largest, outdoor, center-hung, four-sided display. Bristol Motor Speedway is prominently featured on NBC and FOX’s NASCAR coverage while Bristol Dragway garners nationally-televised programing on Discovery Channel, ESPN and FOX. Smith is also an active philanthropist. The Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities has raised nearly $16 million to support child-focused agencies in Tennessee.
The 2020 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony details and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks.
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame honors figures from every sport including basketball, baseball, football, golf, soccer and track & field, along with coaches, teams, sports writers and others who made an impact. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development oversees all operations along with the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors.
For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for children and can be purchased at the Visitor Center in Bridgestone Arena, right outside of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Group rates are available for 10 or more. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.