If you grew up in Tennessee, then you are probably very familiar with Vol Nation. There is no other fan base that matches up to it. When I say that it is the best, I mean it whole heartedly.
1. We are literally a family. If I am driving around and notice a car sporting a power T, I immediately feel connected to that person. I generally don't talk to strangers unless they are vol fans. I will yell "Go Vols" to you if I see you out wearing orange.
2. There are a few people we just love unconditionally. Pat Summit, Peyton Manning, Phil Fulmer, Johnny Majors, you get the point. If you ask any vol fan about these people, you'll receive and smile along with a detailed account of who they are.
3. Orange is our favorite color. But not burnt orange, or even neon orange. There is only one perfect shade of Tennessee Orange that is acceptable.
4. We HATE Gators, Bulldogs and The Crimson Tide. Don't even try to make a joke. We have and always will hate them.
5. Game day is like no other. If you aren't a fan, coming to a Saturday in Neyland will change that. The sea of orange and the uproar during the game will transform even the hardest of hearts.
6. "Rocky Top" is the most beautiful song ever made. I've shed many tears to this song, both good and bad. The second it comes on, you best believe that every vol fan will be dancing and singing along.
7. Vol Nation knows football. We know when to be silent and when to make a lot of noise. We also know when the calls made were total BS. We may not always act educated, but I swear we are.
8. Two words: Vol Twitter. Yes, undefeated Twitter champs. Don't even think that you can get away with trash talking anything or anyone involved with UT without a fight. We are like a momma bear with our cubs. Just don't mess with us.
9. Sixteen will always be a sacred number. Peyton Manning will always live forever in the hearts of Vol fans everywhere. Every fan that watched him retire was sobbing on the other end of the TV screen. And he got robbed of the Heisman, just saying.
10. There are absolutely no bandwagon fans. We are aware of the seasons we have had over the years. We aren't easy to cheer for, so you know that if we are still selling out seats, those aren't filled with bandwagon fans.
11. It is truly a love like no other. I can't tell you the times I have felt sick over a loss. Or cried tears of joy over a win. Every high and low is felt all over Vol Nation. We weep together and cry together. Through it all, we still love our vols.
There is truly no place like Rocky Top and no fanbase like Vol Nation.
GO VOLS!
