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Country star Kenny Chesney has been around the world, and he’s one of the biggest stars in music, period. But there’s nothing quite like becoming friends with a childhood hero.
Chesney is producer, narrator and co-director of the “The Color Orange: The Condredge Holloway Story,” a documentary on the legendary University of Tennessee quarterback. The film was given a private “orange carpet” premiere Wednesday night at the Tennessee Theatre and will be shown as part of ESPN’s “Year of the Quarterback” at 8 p.m. Sunday.
“I was 6 when he was a senior at Tennessee,” said Chesney on Wednesday, sitting in the East Skybox lounge at Neyland Stadium. “He is one of the first guys that I remember looking up to. I saw that orange No. 7 out there and my grandfather and my dad would listen to the games and watch the replay of the games on Sunday. And that’s where I learned to love sports.”
Chesney had taken a break from touring in 2010, and one of his projects was making the “The Boys of Fall,” a documentary on high school football, which ESPN had aired.
John Dahl, ESPN films and content executive producer, was struck by the friendship that seemed evident between Chesney and Holloway in the rough cut of the film.
“Then I saw the school picture where Kenny was wearing (Holloway’s) No. 7 and I said, ‘I think there’s a film there,’ ” said Dahl.
Holloway was a natural to be featured on ESPN’s “Year of the Quarterback” series, and Chesney seemed like a natural person to help tell the story.
“I was honored that they wanted me to tell it,” said Chesney. “But with that came a certain amount of responsibility. I didn’t think about that until I had already agreed to do it.”
Chesney said he woke up in the night thinking about how important it was to represent Holloway and his family and friends accurately and fairly.
Holloway said he probably wouldn’t have agreed to participate in the film had it been another filmmaker, and he wanted to make sure Chesney had complete creative control.
“I’d gotten to know Kenny,” said Holloway. “I knew what a big star he was, so I figured he had as much to lose on this as I had. And he’s a Tennessee fan and I trust him. … And, of course, Kenny’s the only person that asked.”
Holloway’s story has plenty of historical significance. He was the first black starting quarterback in the Southeastern Conference and led the Vols to three bowl games between 1972 and 1974. He later became a star player in the Canadian Football League and has since been inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. He returned to UT in an administrative position in 1998 and is now assistant athletics director for student-athlete relations and lettermen.
For Chesney, helping tell the story of a friend and childhood hero was unforgettable. He said the best moment was casually tossing a football with Holloway on the field of Neyland Stadium:
“That was the highlight of my year, man, I was so excited. It was unbelievable. … I’m so thankful to ESPN and I’m glad that they’re going to tell his story. I love him and I’m just really glad that the guy I used to watch wear the No. 7 jersey turned out to be such a great guy and is somebody who you’re glad to call your hero.”
Wayne Bledsoe may be reached at 865-342-6444.
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Comments » 38
Rich_Is_Re-born writes:
I think it's glaringly obvious that Condredge is an ICON in UT history and LOVED by the big orange faithful. You know what, he loves us back. Hamilton cares about money and buildings. Condredge has the experience necessary as being assistant A.D., time to make the move on Hamilton and CH would be a great replacement IMO. Many wanted Fulmer. I'm not crazy about that. However, I'm not crazy about how MANY are acting like Phil is the enemy. I think Condredge as A.D. And Phil stepping in to fill Condredge's position would be fabulous. Time for the new Pres to make the biggest decision of his young tenure on the hill, IMO.
rocky_topper writes:
When Timmy finds out about this, he is really going to be p'od!
TNParker writes:
I just cant get over Kenny Chesney wearing a Florida hat to a UT/UF game and doing the gator chomp.
jmr68ut writes:
Love it!! Can't wait to see the film. Condredge is a class act.
PRNDL writes:
Chesney may be a music success, but he believes he’s a football legend.
But, if he were a true UT fan, he would not have been wearing Florida jersey and helmet, he would have been wearing his Big O colors at the UT/Florida game.
He couldn’t do it because he had a man crush on Tebow.
IMO writes:
I remember Condredge's days at UT well. I was in high school and was and still am a Big Orange fan.
These were the days when we had 3 TV stations and none of them carried UT football. We would gather around the radio and listen intensely to the game. The Bill Battle show came on Sunday and we watched intensely (poor eception and all). Condredge had probably been at the helm for a year before we ever knew he was black. An anomoly in those days but, a fierce competitor who was always a threat to score.
He could have been green for all we cared, the man demanded respect or you would find yourself chasing him (and losing the race). This was also the day when there weren't any black NFL quarterbacks. It was their loss because this guy was a fierce competitor and would have faired very well there also.
VOLS_SEC_RULES writes:
Thank you Condredge for everything you have done for UT. We're sorry that Kenny Tebow has to be associated with this.
Classof72 writes:
When Peanut was hummin' the tater,
We all knew that sooner or later,
That honor'd he'd be,
By all Tennessee,
But Chesney is still just a Gator.
hcjournals#206623 writes:
Kenny is all Vol. He is one of us. He gets it. Down to the bone. So is is Condredge. Makes me fell proud. Because so am I.....
smokeyrocks writes:
I think it's an awesome statement about the integrity and character of John Ward and Bill Anderson that "Condredge had probably been at the helm for a year before we ever knew he was black". I too remember being glued to a radio in those days.
PRNDL writes:
You can’t be all Vol and wearing a Red’s baseball cap at the UT/Florida game, and no orange and white.
You can’t be all Vol and roaming the Florida sideline cheering on the Florida crowd.
You can’t be all Vol doing the Gator Chomp…at the UT/Florida Game.
You can’t be all Vol and have a man crush on Tebow, respect yes…man crush no.
VolMoment writes:
You are the so lacking on administration intelligence, it is not even funny. We have to have facilities upgraded to compete. That is what an AD is suppose to do. Make sure the coaches have the tools and then it is up to them.
Phil Fulmer was a big supporter of Mike Hamilton amd lobbied for him to get the job. I am glad he did because Mike had the backbone to do what was right for UT and we fans, that was to make a change even if was a personal friend. Thank you Phil for helping to get a man that can look over his personal feeling. You Phil fans,which I was one, should get over it as I have.
rockytoplady writes:
If you are a true TN fan, you wear orange and white to the Fla game. You DON'T wear any kind of FLA colors or logos. You DON't do a gator chomp either. You support TN at the game, even if you are friends with one of the players on the opposing team. I would have to be stone cold dead before anything with FLA colors or logos touched my body because I am a true TN fan! If you are a true TN fan, Kenny, show it!
jskid writes:
Some folks don't remember that Conredge was a darn good baseball player also. His arm was amazing. I awkwardly cought a pass from him in a practice once, and it left the inside of my bicep black and blue for days. I think the only way I was able to hold on to it was that it stuck into may arm. LOL.
I later had some business dealings with Conredge, thru which I was honored to meet his Mother once. Very gracious lady! No wonder where Conredge got his class.
You can bet I'll purchase the DVD if it come s available.
AHoffman writes:
Who is this Kenny Chesney? Was she on the women's Gymnastics Team?
esarmstrong#231516 writes:
I remember as an 11 year old getting to see Condredge playing against the Notre Dame fresmen in K'town and seeing how he just absolutely took them apart. The final was some kind of lop sided 38-13 type score. I knew then the future would be bright for us at QB.
I too recall wearing a orange number 7 jersey when I was out playing backyard football. He was probably my second vol hero. My first being Bobby Scott.
TNVol71 writes:
My last year at UT was when CH was a freshman. In that day freshmen couldn't play on the varsity squad so they would play a couple of all freshman games against other schools. In a game against the Notre Dame freshmen, UT was driving toward the South end zone. Condridge got hit about the 4 yard line by a Notre Dame tackler. After doing a helicopter in the air, Condredge ended up in the end zone with a touchdown. I knew then we had a tough guy for quarterback. GBO!!
spvol writes:
Coming out of high school, Con was drafted to play pro baseball; he was the second shortstop taken. The first taken was Robin Yount; pretty good company. Mom wanted him to go to college though. Baseball's loss was our gain.
kyvol98 writes:
My DVR has been set since Sunday. I cannot wait to see this.
dvsvol writes:
I'm Condredge's age. Watching the Vols on TV was very rare indeed. But I don't think the true fans back then ever feel like they missed out on anything back then because of the genious of Ward and Anderson. They set the scene so well. It was a thrill to listen. I used to write down down-distance, the plays and results on a spiral notebook as I listened. I reread the 42 - 0 win @ Jordan-Hare many times with John Ward's voice in my mind, much like I watch replays of games now. And yes, Condredge was exciting to listen to as well as see. And yes, for us fans, he could have been pink with green polka dots for all we cared. I'm sure he heard racial phooey from many during his days, and I for one hate that, but he was, and always has been pure class. And what a football player!
dvsvol writes:
I too have a bit of a problem with what I heard Kenny did at Florida. I can't wait to see the special, but I'd like to hear his excuse for THAT "stuff" in Gainsville. I just can't imagine a true Vol fan doing that, not even for a Florida cheerleader's favors...
Ayres_Hall writes:
I'm convienced that some of you guys live to be miserable. You refuse to move on and continuously bring up things that no longer matter. Chris Simms changing his mind and signing with Texas is one that gets repeated over and over. Chesney at The Swamp in a gator jersey with gator fans.
Just grow up.
1BADVOL writes:
I cannot believe ESPN is actually doing a positive piece on Tennessee athletics and airing it in prime time.
brokendownoldvol writes:
I was 12-13-14 when he played. I never thought anything about him being African-American. I just knew we had the best QB in the country. Looking back they probably didn't get the most out of his amazing talent. He was a wonderful passer and runner. They only threw 15 passes a game and the tailback got it 30x a game. I remember the 72 bowl game against LSU, the first game he carried the ball a lot on purpose. LSU didn't know what hit them. He remains my all time favorite TN player.
rockytoplady writes:
I don't care about Chris Simms. It does bother me about Kenny wearing Gator hat/jersey/whatever at the UT/UF game.If you are a TN fan you just don't do stuff like that. They are one of our arch rivals!
Anyway,enough of that.........I am so proud of Holloway. What a class act. We are very lucky to have had him in our athletic program and we are still fortunate to this day as we have him working for our university. A super story...... Glad and surprised ESPN is showing a positive program about the Vols. Unfortunately, I will miss the Sunday night airing. Does anyone know when it will air again?
Slystone writes:
Grew up watching Condredge in the 70's and have been a Vol Fan ever since. He was the Michael Vick of the 70's. Elusive and always exciting with the ball in his hands.
manoffewwords writes:
Condredge states in the article he probably would not have participated in the film if done by another filmmaker. He KNOWS Kenny, knows Kenny is a Tennessee Fan and he TRUSTS Kenny. I know for certain that Condredge does not approve of the negative comments about Kenney's involvement in this wonderful tribute to a REAL Vol hero and ledgend.
OwensboroVol writes:
This was before the College Football Association (CFA), which was the Division 1A (the football bowl sub-group now) organized and went to the NCAA with an offer they couldn't refuse. Basically the NCAA had an iron hand in controlling college football until that point. A College team could only be on Television 1 time every two years except for bowl games. The group of schools who formed the CFA basically went to the NCAA and told them that in the future the NCAA could control the rules, academics, etc., but that they would handle all marketing and associated activities, including television appearances. If the NCAA had not accepted these demands the schools were prepared to withdraw from the NCAA. History tells you how the NCAA responded.
volsfanstuckinbama writes:
he did it because he lost a bet with Tebow and he is a man of his word. NOw i don't know how smart it was to bet against Tebow when he was playing college ball but i think it took a pair of big orange ones by Chesney just to take the bet.
Rich_Is_Re-born writes:
Boy you got egg all over your face. I mean you sound REALLY STUPID. I know we have to have facilities to compete. We need to stay off probation to compete as well. Fulmer needed to be fired, most on here know that I was all for it. So I don't know where you are going with that. However that does not mean he should be abolished from the program. As for money, I would give Holloway and/or Fulmer my money 1,000 times quicker than I would Mike Hamilton. Hamilton has done a fine job at making us competitive at non-revenue sports. 2 of his hires have us behind the 8ball in the sports we need to compete in. We can fundraise and build facilities without him. Now do you understand where I'm coming from Skippy?
rockytopatl writes:
+5
hodocka writes:
Me either! A true Vol fan could never do that no matter where he was!
BleedsOrangeinMO writes:
Like many of you who have already made a comment I grew up listening to John Ward and Bill Anderson. Even with all the technology we have today I would (almost)prefer listening to John and Bill than watch the game (when it's on out here in the Midwest). The ultimate game experience (for me even today would be)for the game to be on TV,turn the sound off and be able to listen to John and Bill while watching. I know of many people who took a radio with them to the game just so they could watch and listen to John's great voice. Those of you who did not have the experience of listening to John and Bill missed one of the great "acts in all of sports broadcasting". I worked many Saturdays and everyone at work had the radio turned to the game and when a key play came on work stopped . . . and we cheered as if we were at the game . . . never been to one . . . maybe someday. Those of us listening did not know (or care)that CH was African-American; the radio, John and Bill
knew no color, all the listeners knew was that CH was one heck of a football player and he was (and still is) all TENNESSEE. Thank you Mr. Holloway and John and Bill.
acworthdave writes:
Yeah...KC sucks! Did you see that Boys of Fall documentary where he met with all of those college football coaches. He didn't wear anything orange and was even nice to them. What a traitor!
Seriously...I think it is smart for KC to play to the UF crowd. We see UF fans in the stands. He sees customers. I think he is showing his true colors by doing this documentary. Keep up the good work Kenny.
JZD writes:
Amen Brother- these kids are kids! let em live and make good choices and mistakes like we did without all this media or scrutiny that is so prevalent today. I wish I was as perfect too!
jskid writes:
Man, we always did that! Turn the picture on, the sound down and the Vol Network up! John and Bill were better than all of those tv guys put together. They belong in the Sports Broadcasters' HOF class with Gowdy, Cary, Cosell, etc. at the top.
67classut writes:
ESPN admittedly has been relatively unkind in its remarks about UT but lets face it, UT has some work to do in cleaning up its act. On the other hand, this program will be a strong PR positive for UT, thanks to ESPN. UT was on the forefront in growing opportunities for blacks in this era. One of those prejudices, vestiges of the dark days of racial bigotry, was black quarterbacks didn't possess the intelligence for being QB in college ball.
Lets get over being victims, blaming others instead of looking into the mirror and build on this positive image.
Mule_Days_King writes:
It's widely known in the music industry that Kenny not only likes blue and orange but the rest of the colors of the rainbow as well.
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