Known for his infectious smile and indelible leadership, the Tennessee football program is mourning the sudden passing of VFL defensive standout
Parys Haralson at the age of 37 on Monday.
Haralson, a native of Flora, Mississippi, was a four-time letterwinner (2002-05) and a two-time captain (2004-05) for the Vols. He finished his Volunteer career sixth all-time in sacks with 21. He tallied 157 total tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries during his brilliant four-year career at defensive end.
A 2006 graduate of the University of Tennessee, he was selected to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2005.
Haralson was taken in the fifth round (pick No. 140) of the 2006 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. A nine-year NFL veteran, Haralson played in 118 games (88 starts) and registered 380 tackles, 28.0 sacks, five fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and five passes defended. He played his final two NFL seasons with the New Orleans Saints.
He later served as the 49ers' director of player engagement from 2016-17.
