Peyton Manning donates $3 million to University of Tennessee

Peyton Manning is a generous man. Sometimes he gives of his time, speaking at college graduation ceremonies. Sometimes, he gives cold, hard cash.

On Friday night, the school announced the donation from “Vol for life” Peyton Manning for $3 million. That money will go towards creating four new scholarships for the Tennessee football team through the Peyton Manning Scholarship Endowment as well as honoring Gus Manning (no relation) and Carmen Tegano. Gus Manning has been with the school since 1951 and it’s Tegano’s 31st year with UT.

The school will create the Carmen and Deborah Tegano Student-Athlete Dining Hall as well.

“Gus and Carmen both personify what it means to be a Vol for Life, and both have made the University of Tennessee a better place,” said Peyton Manning, in a release. “No one has served Tennessee and its athletics program better than Gus, and Carmen has also served this University with tremendous distinction.

“We have been fortunate to maintain a close friendship with Gus, Carmen, and Debbie Tegano since I left UT, and our sincere hope is that the decision to honor them in this way is reflective of the positive impact they continue to have on this great University.”

Speaking of Tennessee, Manning was just as meticulous a studier in those days as he is now.

Courtney Finnicum’s tweet today shows a glimpse into “Peyton the Perfectionist” here:

The brilliance of Peyton Manning. Here are some game notes from when he played @ UT. Nobody prepares better. #Broncos pic.twitter.com/z5aUNdL2XF

— Courtney Finnicum (@courtney883) April 25, 2015