Headline: From Rocky Top to Pro Glory: Former Tennessee Volunteers Bryce Thompson, Kyle Phillips, and Paxton Brooks Lead Their Team to UFL Championship Triumph, Cementing VFL Legacy and Reigniting Pride Across Vol Nation
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News Report:
Knoxville, TN —
In a dazzling display of talent, perseverance, and Volunteer grit, three former Tennessee football standouts—Bryce Thompson, Kyle Phillips, and Paxton Brooks—have etched their names into professional football history by capturing the 2025 United Football League (UFL) Championship, igniting celebrations not just within their franchise, but across the entire Tennessee Volunteers community.
The trio, all proud Vols For Life (VFLs), played pivotal roles in securing the title for their UFL team in a thrilling finale that showcased everything fans loved about them during their time on Rocky Top: tenacity, leadership, and unmatched heart.
For Tennessee fans, it wasn’t just another pro championship. It was a resounding affirmation that the Volunteer spirit doesn’t fade when the college days end—it evolves, strengthens, and shines under the brightest lights. From Neyland Stadium to the professional gridiron, Thompson, Phillips, and Brooks have carried the orange torch with pride, proving that the VFL legacy lives on—and thrives.
Bryce Thompson: The Defensive Dynamo
A standout cornerback during his years in Knoxville (2018–2020), Bryce Thompson has transitioned seamlessly into professional football, becoming a shutdown defender and the heart of his UFL secondary. In the championship game, Thompson recorded two crucial pass breakups, a forced fumble, and an end-zone interception that halted a potential scoring drive late in the third quarter—earning him consideration for Defensive MVP honors.
“He’s always had that edge,” said Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. “Bryce is a gamer. He was clutch for us in college, and he’s only elevated his game since then. Seeing him lead that defense at the pro level is a proud moment for all of us.”
Thompson’s path to this moment was not without challenges. Undrafted in the NFL, he bounced around practice squads before landing in the UFL, where he used the opportunity to showcase his elite skills and football IQ. The championship win now serves as both a vindication of his journey and a potential springboard back into the NFL spotlight.
Kyle Phillips: The Relentless Force in the Trenches
Another name synonymous with toughness during his Tennessee tenure is Kyle Phillips, the 6’4” defensive lineman who wore the Power T from 2015 to 2018. In the championship matchup, Phillips was a wrecking ball up front—registering two sacks, four quarterback pressures, and multiple tackles for loss, anchoring a defensive line that stifled their opponent’s running game all night.
Phillips, who previously spent time in the NFL with the New York Jets, has found new life and rhythm in the UFL. His leadership and veteran presence were felt throughout the season, but especially during the playoffs, where he emerged as the emotional and physical leader of the team’s defensive unit.
“He was everywhere,” said one UFL commentator after the final whistle. “That kind of dominance in the trenches changes games. Kyle Phillips played like a man possessed.”
Paxton Brooks: The Precision Specialist
Special teams matter, and Paxton Brooks, the Vols’ former punter and kickoff specialist (2018–2022), reminded everyone just how impactful a well-placed punt or perfectly timed field goal hold can be.
In the championship game, Brooks delivered three punts inside the opponent’s 10-yard line, completely flipping field position in critical moments. His consistency and calm presence also contributed to a flawless kicking game, which included a 52-yard field goal that proved to be the eventual game-winner.
Brooks, known at Tennessee for his booming leg and steady hand, has grown into one of the most reliable specialists in the UFL. Coaches credited his ability to control tempo and tilt the field as one of the keys to their championship run.
A Victory for Vol Nation
As confetti rained down and championship hats were handed out, Vol fans everywhere took to social media to express pride and excitement. Messages poured in from former teammates, coaches, and fans celebrating the moment as more than just a UFL victory—it was a VFL victory, a continuation of the Tennessee legacy on the pro stage.
The University of Tennessee football program also issued a congratulatory statement, saying:
“Congratulations to Bryce, Kyle, and Paxton—three true VFLs—on their UFL Championship win! Your hard work and excellence continue to inspire the next generation of Volunteers. Once a Vol, always a Vol!”
For players like Thompson, Phillips, and Brooks, the championship means more than hardware. It’s a milestone in careers that continue to build on a strong foundation laid in Knoxville. And for Vol Nation, it’s proof that their stars don’t just shine at Neyland—they shine wherever football is played.
With bright futures still ahead for all three athletes, one thing remains certain: Rocky Top will always be home—and its champions never stop rising.
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