Joe Milton III Delivers Heartfelt Message To Tennessee

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III opted out of the Citrus Bowl in favor of the NFL Draft and left a heartfelt message for Tennessee fans.

The Tennessee Volunteers are gearing up for the Citrus Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes, a pivotal ending to their 2024 season. The Vols haven't won a game against a ranked team this season and will attempt to do so without their starting quarterback. Joe Milton III has opted out of the Citrus Bowl and will focus on his preparation for the NFL Draft, though he will be with the team this week in Orlando, Florida.

Milton posted a message to his Instagram on Wednesday afternoon, thanking the Vols and everyone involved for his development. Before he arrived in Knoxville, Tennessee, Milton underwent struggles at the University of Michigan. Now, he's off to the NFL Draft after totaling 3,112 all-purpose yards and 27 touchdowns during his lone season as the full-time starter on Rocky Top.

"Vol Nation - First, I want to thank GOD for blessing me with the talent and ability to play this game we love so much. Throughout my years here at Tennessee, I've learned a lot. Becoming a mangas the best part. Every day came down to giving My All for Tennessee. Grinding day-in, day-out with my brothers was ode litttt! I love y'all boys. Mane I'll always have y'all boys back no matter what, and I look forward to supporting y'all all week here in Orlando. To all my coaches, thanks for helping me become a better player every day, and to Coach Heup, Coach Halzle and Coach Mitch, thank you for helping me become an even better man. RESPECT. Playing inside Club Neyland was amazing  the energy, the noise and especially Running Through the "T." I'm going to miss it all. Playing in the NFL has always been my dream since I was 4 years old. Now it's time to turn those dreams into reality as I begin preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft. Thanks Vol Nation for everything. JoJo out." 

Tennessee Volunteers QB Joe Milton during the win over Vanderbilt. (Photo by Saul Young of the News Sentinel)

Citrus Bowl Opt-Outs

• Joe Milton III, QB
• Jaylen Wright, RB
• Jabari Small, RB

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