He might be one of the most recognizable names in NFL history at this point, but back in the late 1990s, Peyton Manning was already a star in his own right at the University of Tennessee, where he started his football career as quarterback. He truly did Rocky Top proud, even leading the school to a national championship win in 1998.
Of course, off the field, Manning was a regular college student doing regular collegiate things… including hosting parties in his off-campus apartment. Being that he is Peyton Manning, however, let’s just say he could score better entertainment for said parties than the houses down on frat row. At one particular gathering in 1998, he had then up-and-coming country singer Kenny Chesney play at a party, and this epic throwback photo he shared of the two of them will have you doing a double take.
Can you believe this is Kenny Chesney? Wearing a ball cap instead of a cowboy hat and sporting a pair of glasses, he’s pretty much unrecognizable!
Manning shared the photo to congratulate Chesney on being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, which is just so fitting.
As an alumni of The University of Tennessee who was a student there at the same time as Manning, I recall Chesney playing during the half-time show at one of our home games, and I can remember being the only one cheering out of my friends. I was a much bigger country music fan than them, so I knew who he was, and I understood that he was a rising star. Maybe that game occurred on the same day when this photo was taken?
Sheesh. Had I known Chesney was about to give a private concert at one of Manning’s parties, I would’ve put my detective skills to use to attempt to score an invite. (We all knew what apartment complex he lived in…)
Related: Country Hitmaker Phil Vassar Reveals Why Kenny Chesney Really Made the Hall of Fame
Things have certainly come full-circle for Chesney, and he’s had such an incredible career that shows no signs of slowing down. With a whopping 33 hits on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart, more than any other country star, it’s clear that his music has resonated with so many fans.
Of being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, he said in an Instagram post, “Being inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame last night was the proudest moment of my life. I am humbled and beyond grateful. The love I felt in the room was overwhelming.”
He then added, “Thanks so much to @KelseaBallerini, @MegMoroney, and my brother @EricChurchMusic for being there to sing for me. I know all of you were there out of love. The connection I share with my audience will forever be on display within the rotunda at the Country Music Hall of Fame. I am very proud of that.”
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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