The dream of playing professional football doesn’t always follow a straight path, and for Bryce Thompson, Kyle Phillips, and Paxton Brooks, the road to a championship was paved with resilience, determination, and an undying belief in their own abilities. All three former Tennessee Volunteers—known affectionately by fans as #VFLs, or “Vols for Life”—achieved a career-defining milestone by hoisting the UFL Championship trophy, a moment that stands as a testament to their hard work and love for the game.
For Thompson, Phillips, and Brooks, the journey to professional football stardom began in Knoxville, where each made his mark in the orange and white. As Volunteers, they experienced the highs and lows of SEC football, battling some of the toughest competition in the nation. And while not all of them followed the traditional NFL path to long-term success, they never stopped grinding. Their shared triumph in the United Football League (UFL) is not only a celebration of a single season—it is the culmination of years of sacrifice, development, and overcoming the odds.
Bryce Thompson, the former Tennessee cornerback, has always played with a chip on his shoulder. His time at Tennessee was marked by his playmaking ability and aggressive style in the secondary. A freshman All-American who led the team in interceptions and routinely matched up against the opponent’s best wide receivers, Thompson brought swagger and physicality to the Vols’ defense. Despite going undrafted, he remained focused on his professional goals. After brief stints with NFL teams, Thompson found an opportunity in the UFL where he flourished. His instincts, ball skills, and physicality transitioned seamlessly into the league, and he quickly became a cornerstone of his team’s defense. Thompson’s contribution in the championship run was immense—making key tackles, breaking up passes in critical moments, and playing with the same intensity that defined his college career. In the biggest moments of the season, he rose to the occasion, proving he could still shine on a big stage.
Kyle Phillips, a fellow VFL and one of the most quietly impactful players during his time at Tennessee, brought the kind of toughness and leadership that coaches dream about. A Nashville native and legacy Vol whose father also played for Tennessee, Phillips anchored the defensive line with heart and hustle. His journey has been emblematic of so many players who fly under the radar early but bloom into elite competitors through sheer will. After college, Phillips spent time in the NFL, battling through the challenges of roster cuts, depth chart politics, and injuries. His opportunity in the UFL felt like a rebirth—a chance to remind everyone of his power, technique, and relentless motor. Throughout the season, Phillips was a disruptive force in the trenches, blowing up run plays, pressuring quarterbacks, and giving his team an emotional spark. In the championship game, he delivered a statement performance, recording a sack and several pressures that helped swing momentum in his team’s favor. It was the kind of game that reminded everyone why Phillips was once a prized SEC recruit—and why he still has so much left to give the game.
Then there’s Paxton Brooks, the unsung hero of many games during his time at Tennessee. A punter doesn’t always get the glory, but fans and teammates knew just how valuable Brooks was when he took the field. A consistent, powerful leg with pinpoint accuracy, Brooks helped flip field position countless times during his college career. He was also trusted in high-pressure moments—whether it was punting out of the back of his own end zone or executing a surprise fake. His transition to the UFL wasn’t one that came with major headlines, but once again, Brooks let his work speak for itself. Throughout the season, he demonstrated incredible control and power, pinning opponents deep and giving his defense every chance to succeed. In the championship game, his punting helped neutralize field position disadvantages, and one perfectly placed kick inside the 5-yard line drew applause from fans and announcers alike. He was calm, dependable, and efficient—everything you could ever want in a championship-level special teams player.
Together, Thompson, Phillips, and Brooks showed the football world that the Volunteer spirit never dies. Each had his own unique path, but all three leaned on the same foundational values they developed in Knoxville: grit, preparation, and brotherhood. Their UFL Championship win isn’t just a personal victory—it’s a win for Tennessee fans everywhere, who followed their journeys with pride and continue to cheer for their success beyond Neyland Stadium.
This victory also highlights the growing importance of alternative professional leagues like the UFL. For players like Thompson, Phillips, and Brooks, the UFL has been more than a second chance—it’s been a proving ground. In a league filled with hungry players looking to keep their football dreams alive, these three stood out. They played with purpose, performed under pressure, and carried themselves with the professionalism that made them fan favorites back in their college days.
The impact of this win goes well beyond the trophy. It puts their names back in conversations about professional football’s elite. Whether it leads to another shot at the NFL or a prolonged career in the UFL, what matters most is that these three men reminded everyone that talent, when coupled with heart and resilience, will always rise to the top. The UFL championship may serve as a turning point or as the crowning jewel of their careers—but no matter what comes next, they’ll always be champions.
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel and former teammates were among the first to congratulate the trio, many posting heartfelt messages on social media. Fans flooded Twitter and Instagram with #VFL hashtags, celebrating the moment and reflecting on the journeys of the three athletes. It’s rare to see so many former college teammates share a championship stage years after college, and that made the moment even more special.
This championship is also a testament to the strength of the Tennessee program. It’s one thing to produce NFL first-rounders, but producing professionals who can grind through the toughest roads, land on their feet, and still reach the top? That’s something even more meaningful. Thompson, Phillips, and Brooks showed that being a Vol for Life isn’t just a slogan—it’s a mindset. It means embracing adversity, staying locked in, and doing whatever it takes to win.
As they took the victory lap, championship caps on, confetti in the air, and smiles wide, it was clear that this wasn’t just about football. It was about legacy. About proving doubters wrong. About honoring the work that started back at Tennessee and finding joy in the journey. Their championship isn’t just a personal reward—it’s an inspiration for every young player grinding in college, every undrafted athlete looking for a shot, and every fan who believes that greatness can’t be denied, only delayed.
