It's an image Tennessee football fans will remember for years to come. It was Aug. 30, 1987 at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. Darren Miller scooped up the football at UT's 4-yard line and headed up field. Running along side him was defensive back Terry McDaniel. As Iowa defenders came from each direction, McDaniel got a hand on them to keep Miller's path to the goal line a clear one.

Ninety-six yards later Miller had reached his destination and McDaniel was there to congratulate him. The Vols went on to the win the Kickoff Classic 23-22 but McDaniel wanted no credit for his efforts on the play.

That image is a perfect illustration of how McDaniel lives his life. His full focus is on running side by side with people in Knoxville trying to lead them to a different kind of promised land. McDaniel is the Sunday School Superintendent at the Children of God Ministries Church on Deadrick Ave in Mechanicsville.

"I call myself retired," McDaniel said. "I'm working full time for the Lord now. I teach an adult Sunday School class and am the administrator for six other classes.

McDaniel had a very successful pro career after his days at Tennessee. He spent 11 years in the NFL, 10 of them with the Oakland Raiders. And, despite the perception that the Raiders are the bad boys of the NFL, McDaniel said there have been some very good guys in Oakland.

"Sure there was some bad apples, but there were some true men of God on the team," McDaniel said. "I still stay in touch with Chester McGlockton and Vince Evans. I found my first true church home in the Oakland area while I played with the Raiders. It was the Glad Tidings Church of God in Christ."

McDaniel was a five-time Pro Bowler with Oakland, but his all-time-favorite game was the same one many Tennessee fans will bring up when asked the same question.

"I loved that '86 Sugar Bowl win over Miami," said McDaniel. "I just remember we weren't supposed to win but we played great that night."

When his playing days came to an end in 1998, McDaniel did what a lot of former Vols do, and that was to move back to Knoxville. McDaniel, his wife Janna and their two children - Shayla and Isiah - are very happy to live in East Tennessee. But, unlike many former Vols, McDaniel hasn't reconnected himself with the program.

"I'm a big fan of UT," he said. "I've been to a few games, but not that many. It's not that I don't support the program. I just think that my focus has been so much on the ministry that I haven't made that effort. I help coach my son's little league football team and am heavily involved in my church. My church is just my main priority in life right now. I guess the best way to say it is that I'm disconnected with UT football, but still connected because of my love for the Orange.

"Pastor Phillip Hamilton Sr. has done a great job with our church. We're changing lives in Knoxville."

McDaniel has gone from the spotlight of big time college and NFL football to a quiet life with his faith and his family.

So the illustration of McDaniel running along side Miller to the promised land - or the end zone - really is the perfect illustration of how he lives. McDaniel runs side by side with people trying to get to the promised land of heaven.

And, when McDaniel and his friend get there together he won't ask for any credit but don't think he won't make it a huge celebration.

Mark Packer hosts the Locker Room at 10 p.m. on Sunday on My East Tennessee TV.