NASHVILLE, TN – January 23, 2025 – Former University of Tennessee and NFL safety Deon Grant has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Grant was told via Zoom call by former Tennessee Head Football Coach Phillip Fulmer on Wednesday. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery,pays homage to the state’s rich sports history and their impact within the community.
“Deon Grant was an incredible talent on the football field, earning accolades from the High School to the professional level,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “Some of the biggest defensive plays in Tennessee football history include Deon Grant, and we’re thrilled to have him as part of the 2025 Class of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
Grant played safety at Tennessee from 1997-1999, serving as an integral part of the Volunteers defense during a period of time that saw the Vols go 33-5 and win a National Championship. Grant was named a consensus First-Team All-American in 1999, and finished his junior season with 69 tackles, 9 interceptions, and 8 pass breakups. Grant declared for the NFL Draft in 2000, following his junior year, and was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. Grant played in the NFL for 12 seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks, and New York Giants. Grant is a Super Bowl Champion, serving as part of the Giants team that won Super Bowl XLVI.
Grant joins Tony Allen, Elston Turner, George Pitts and Bob Brown as announced members of the Class of 2025. The full 2025 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released over the coming weeks.
The 2025 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 19nd at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket information will be announced soon.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, 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. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $7.6 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives and after-school programs. In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won more than $20.8 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $2 billion in commissions. For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
