Butch Jones looks past SEC East title, claims 'Champions of Life' title
Tennessee entered 2016 as the overwhelming favorite to win the SEC East, and some even expected the Volunteers to contend for the national title. A three-game October losing skid, however, dashed those dreams.
But Tennessee coach Butch Jones still considers his players champions, he said during a Monday news conference.
Jones on this senior class: "They’ve won the biggest championship – that’s the championship of life”
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) November 21, 2016
Jones’ comment seem oddly timed, especially after Florida locked up the SEC East last weekend. Though the Vols could be in line for a Sugar Bowl appearance, the quote produced some pretty great reactions on social media.
https://twitter.com/TomFornelli/status/800764706327695360
BREAKING: pic.twitter.com/bhsZKvnzQG
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) November 21, 2016
Alabama hears Butch Jones quote, attempts to tabulate how many Life Championships they can claim
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) November 21, 2016
The fact that Butch Jones didn’t realize how terribly that stupid cliche would play publicly says a lot about Butch Jones. https://t.co/s0WgfkGJKu
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) November 21, 2016
Tennessee needs to be the first team to ever fire its coach after going to the Sugar Bowl.
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) November 21, 2016
Tennessee fans watching Butch's press conference pic.twitter.com/y78FG4wlJU
— Vols Big Orange Podcast (@BigOrangePod) November 21, 2016
Whoever added this bottom part to Butch Jones’ Wikipedia page is my Hero of the Day… pic.twitter.com/uOZVyUM3ys
— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) November 21, 2016
do they get rings for that championship?
— Thomas Hill (@thomasnhill_) November 21, 2016
https://twitter.com/PastorJustinR/status/800758710574391296
Congrats Seniors! pic.twitter.com/dVN4aTPeIu
— John Monroe (@MinisterofD) November 21, 2016
meanwhile Alabama is winning championships that actually matter pic.twitter.com/B6O7Yigay5
— Emilyn Wilson (@emmylynn94) November 21, 2016
not even outta college and they won life already, gotta be some sort of record
— Kyle (@KJ_Kozak20) November 21, 2016