They say nostalgia is a powerful drug. It’s an emotion that can transport us back to the glory days, remind us of a simpler time, and evoke a sense of belonging. For Mike Strange, a long-time sportswriter and familiar name in Tennessee sports journalism, a box full of old Tennessee football memorabilia recently opened a floodgate of memories. But is this story about sentimental recollection, or does it reflect the overt glorification of a football program that needs to be critiqued just as much as celebrated?

Strange, in his article, shared how this box—filled with programs, ticket stubs, and game-day photos—found its way to him, each item triggering memories of Tennessee football’s storied history. The stories within ranged from exhilarating victories to heartbreaking losses, and the colorful characters that defined eras: Peyton Manning, Johnny Majors, and General Neyland, among others. While his recounting tugs at the heartstrings of Volunteer fans, it also raises a key question: Why does nostalgia dominate the discourse around Tennessee football, often at the expense of more critical reflection?

The Glory Days Syndrome

The University of Tennessee football program, like many historic programs in the SEC, has cultivated a mythology around its successes. Strange’s recollection of iconic games and larger-than-life players leans heavily into this mythology, reinforcing the idea that Tennessee football is synonymous with triumph, tradition, and pride. But what about the less glamorous parts of the program’s history?

The past two decades have seen Tennessee football struggle to reclaim its place among the SEC elite. Coaching carousel drama, recruiting challenges, and on-field mediocrity have left fans yearning for the “good old days” Strange describes. The timing of his piece raises eyebrows—does it merely pander to fans desperate for a reminder of relevance?

What’s Missing in the Memory Box?

While Strange’s walk down memory lane is charming, it also feels incomplete. Where are the memories of controversy, disappointment, and failure? A true reflection on Tennessee football would include not just the highs but also the lows: NCAA infractions, coaching scandals, and those tough seasons where Neyland Stadium emptied out before the fourth quarter.

Such selective storytelling risks painting an overly rosy picture that doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. Tennessee football isn’t just about Peyton Manning leading game-winning drives; it’s also about the heartbreak of the 2001 SEC Championship loss, the Butch Jones “champions of life” ridicule, and the struggle to rebuild under Jeremy Pruitt.

The Bigger Picture: A Fanbase’s Reflection

Strange’s article ultimately resonates because it taps into the universal appeal of sports nostalgia. Fans of every team long to relive moments of glory, clutching to tangible reminders of a time when their fandom felt invincible. But there’s also a danger in clinging too tightly to the past. If Tennessee football is to truly move forward, the fanbase—and journalists like Strange—must find a balance between cherishing history and confronting present realities.

Mike Strange’s box full of memories is a poignant reminder of why we love college football. But perhaps it should also serve as a call to action. Let’s not just romanticize the past; let’s learn from it. The Volunteer faithful deserve more than just stories of bygone glory—they deserve hope for a future that can stand tall beside it. And that starts with telling the whole story, not just the one that fits neatly in a box