The Joe Milton era in Tennessee football officially ended on Wednesday. The true freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who will start his first game against Iowa on Monday, received the car keys from the senior quarterback who chose not to play in the Citrus Bowl.
After his third season with Tennessee came to an end, Milton posted the following on Instagram as a farewell.
“First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to God for giving me the skill and capacity to play this beloved game.
“In the years I’ve been at Tennessee, I’ve learned a lot.” The finest thing was growing into a man. It just came down to giving Tennessee my all every day. Working with my brothers day in and day out was odee littt! I cherish all of you, boys. Mane, I promise to always be there for you guys, and I’m excited to cheer you on this week in Orlando.
“I want to express my gratitude to all of my coaches for helping me improve as a player every day. I also want to express my gratitude to Coaches Heup, Halzle, and Mitch for helping me grow as a man. HONOR.
“It was incredible to play inside Club Neyland—the noise, the intensity, and especially Running Through the “T” It’s all going to be missed. Since I was four years old, my desire has always been to play in the NFL. It’s time to start preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft in order to fulfill those aspirations.
“Vol Nation, I appreciate everything.
“JoJo is out.”
The big-armed Milton will now concentrate on getting ready for the 2024 NFL Draft at the Senior Bowl. Although Milton’s 2023 didn’t turn out as everyone had intended, his physical attributes should spark some curiosity as a possible day three project.
But for the time being, Milton stayed with the team and helped Iamaleava get ready for his first start while he considered his choices.
“Yes, Joe has been with us during the bowl preparation process, right up until the point where he was planning how he was going to handle things,” Josh Heupel remarked. The guys are thrilled to have Nico around for a game.
“It goes without saying that they value all Joe has accomplished. All the players in that locker room have found him to be an excellent teammate. He’s also been Nico’s best teammate. He has contributed to the planning. He will stay with us for the entire week and keep providing such assistance.
