Let’s Give Back to Rocky Top: Shooting Guard Legend Chris Lofton Donates Three Luxurious Buses to His Former Team, the Tennessee Volunteers…
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE — June 19, 2025
In a remarkable act of gratitude, generosity, and love for his alma mater, former Tennessee Volunteers shooting guard Chris Lofton has made headlines across the college basketball world by donating three state-of-the-art luxury buses to the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team. The heartfelt gesture, titled “Let’s Give Back to Rocky Top,” honors the tradition, pride, and enduring legacy of Tennessee basketball—and cements Lofton’s place as not just a legend on the court, but one off of it as well.
The donation, revealed at a special unveiling ceremony held outside Thompson-Boling Arena, has sparked overwhelming joy among fans, university staff, players, and alumni. With tears in his eyes and the pride of a true Volunteer in his heart, Lofton expressed his motivation with humble words:
> “Tennessee believed in me when the world overlooked me. This program made me who I am. It’s only right I give back. Rocky Top isn’t just a place. It’s family.”
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A Symbol of Legacy and Loyalty
Chris Lofton’s name is etched in Tennessee basketball history in golden letters. From 2004 to 2008, he captivated Vols fans with his electric shooting, fierce competitiveness, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Known as one of the most lethal three-point shooters in college basketball history, Lofton’s jersey was eventually retired—hanging proudly in the rafters as a symbol of grit, perseverance, and pure Volunteer spirit.
Now, years after his professional basketball career took him across the globe, Lofton returns not just with trophies and memories, but with a tangible investment in the future of the program that helped shape his path.
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The Buses: A Class Apart
The three buses, custom-designed and built by an elite sports transportation manufacturer, are nothing short of stunning. They will serve the Tennessee Volunteers men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as other athletic programs and student services. Each bus reflects both style and function, offering:
Premium Leather Reclining Seats
High-Speed Wi-Fi & Charging Stations
Team-Themed Interior Design with Orange & White Detailing
Flat-Screen Entertainment Systems
Onboard Locker Storage & Nutrition Pods
Enhanced Safety Features and Accessibility for Injured Players
Each bus has been uniquely named to represent a pillar of Chris Lofton’s journey:
1. “Faith” – Representing Lofton’s personal strength and perseverance.
2. “Legacy” – Honoring the players, coaches, and fans who helped build the Tennessee tradition.
3. “Rocky Top Express” – A spirited nod to the pride and heartbeat of Tennessee fans everywhere.
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A Long Journey Back to Knoxville
Lofton’s return to Knoxville has been years in the making. After graduating from Tennessee, he played professionally in several countries including Turkey, Spain, France, and South Korea. Despite international success, he never forgot his roots.
His return to the U.S. brought a renewed sense of purpose. With savings from his playing career, Lofton began planning a way to give back—something that would last, serve the next generation, and echo his message: You never stop being a Volunteer.
> “I knew I wanted to do something special,” Lofton said during the ceremony. “Not just a scholarship or a banner—but something the players could ride in, travel in, laugh in, bond in. Something that would carry the spirit of Tennessee with them, wherever they go.”
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Reactions from the Tennessee Family
The response from Tennessee Athletics and the broader community has been nothing short of jubilant. Head Coach Rick Barnes, visibly emotional, praised Lofton’s gift:
> “Chris Lofton has always been more than a player. He’s been a symbol of what it means to be a Volunteer. His donation isn’t just generous—it’s visionary. Our players now travel not just in comfort, but in inspiration.”
Current team members posed inside the new buses, clearly impressed with the luxurious interiors. “This doesn’t even feel like a bus,” said sophomore guard Julian Phillips. “This feels like a spaceship with Rocky Top logos on it.”
University President Randy Boyd called it “one of the most impactful and selfless alumni gifts we’ve ever received for athletics.”
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The Message Behind the Wheels
More than just vehicles, these buses represent a larger message Lofton wants to send: “Always reach back. Always give forward.” The ceremony also featured a short video montage highlighting Lofton’s career, challenges—including his victorious battle with testicular cancer—and his commitment to faith, family, and Tennessee.
Lofton has long been a figure of resilience. Diagnosed with cancer during his playing days, he quietly endured treatment while still leading his team on the court. His determination and humility became a source of strength for many, and today, that spirit drives his giving.
> “I’m not here for the headlines,” Lofton told students at a leadership luncheon following the ceremony. “I’m here so that the next kid from Maysville, Kentucky—or Memphis or Nashville—knows that what starts here doesn’t end here. You carry Rocky Top with you always.”
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Vols Fans React Across the Nation
Within hours of the news breaking, social media exploded with tributes to Lofton. Thousands of Vols fans flooded Twitter/X and Instagram with hashtags like:
#LoftonLegacy
#RideWithChris
#RockyTopExpress
#OnceAVolAlwaysAVol
Former teammates, coaches, and even professional athletes chimed in:
Admiral Schofield: “Chris Lofton still showing us what leadership looks like. What a legend. #VolsForLife”
Grant Williams: “Big shoutout to my brother @clofton5 – giving back to the program that gave him the world. Pure class.”
Candace Parker: “This is what being part of the Tennessee family means. Heart. Loyalty. Legacy.”
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What’s Next for Lofton and Tennessee
While Chris Lofton has not taken an official coaching or advisory role, insiders say he is expected to be more visible around the program in the coming seasons. Sources close to the university suggest talks are underway to offer him an honorary leadership role tied to student-athlete mentorship, health awareness, and community outreach.
Meanwhile, the buses will begin service immediately as the team heads into its summer training program and pre-season exhibition tour. One of the inaugural trips will be to Lofton’s hometown of Maysville, Kentucky—marking a symbolic full-circle return.
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Final Thoughts: A True Volunteer
In a world often dominated by flash and fleeting fame, Chris Lofton’s gift to the Tennessee Volunteers is a testament to enduring character and unshakable gratitude. It reminds all who wear the orange and white that greatness isn’t just measured in points or trophies—but in heart, humility, and the willingness to give back.
> As the Vols’ fight song echoed through the arena following his speech, Lofton stood silently, eyes glistening. He pointed to the rafters where his jersey hangs, then to the buses behind him. “That,” he said, “was for me. These—these are for them.”
Indeed, Rocky Top will always be home sweet home to Chris Lofton.
And now, thanks to his generosity, the journey continues—in style.
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