In one of the most unexpected moves of the year, Tennessee Volunteers star center Cooper Mays has announced he is stepping away from football – at least temporarily – to pursue a passion project that has left fans both stunned and hungry: opening his own barbecue restaurant in the heart of Knoxville.
During an emotional live interview outside Neyland Stadium just minutes ago, Mays, flanked by his family and teammates, confirmed the news that had been swirling in rumor mills for weeks. With a bold grin and a BBQ sauce-stained apron, he told reporters:
“I’ve been pancaking defensive linemen for years. Now it’s time to serve up something else people can’t resist – ribs, brisket, and that Mays family flavor.”
The new restaurant, aptly named “Trench BBQ,” will open its doors this weekend and promises a Southern-style menu inspired by Mays’ family recipes and game-day favorites. The interior is said to feature football-themed decor, including booths modeled after locker room stalls and tables made from repurposed offensive line gear.
According to sources close to the Vols program, Mays had been developing the concept for months, often spending off-days experimenting with rubs and sauces instead of reviewing film.
While Mays hasn’t officially retired from football, he told local media this could be a “new chapter” that runs alongside his career—or beyond it.
“I’m not saying I’m done with the game,” Mays clarified. “But right now, I’m playing a different kind of field—and Knoxville deserves to eat like champions.”
University of Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel released a statement minutes after the announcement, showing full support for his player’s surprising decision:
“Cooper is a leader on and off the field. We’re proud of everything he brings to the Vol family—whether it’s protecting the quarterback or smoking a perfect rack of ribs.”
Vols fans have already swarmed Trench BBQ’s newly launched Instagram page, which features sneak peeks of the menu, behind-the-scenes prep videos, and a special “Vol Sauce” that Mays promises will “knock your mouthguard out.”
Social media is buzzing with reactions ranging from stunned disbelief to full-blown excitement, with hashtags like #TrenchBBQ and #MaysMeatSweats already trending.
One fan summed it up perfectly in a comment:
“Only Cooper Mays could block a blitz, smoke a brisket, and build a brand in the same season. Legend.”
With lines expected to stretch around the block this weekend, Knoxville may have just added another landmark—one built on barbecue, boldness, and a bit of gridiron grit.
