BREAKING: Tennessee Vols’ Star Center Cooper Mays Reveals Shocking Decision to Trade Football Helmet for Chef’s Hat, Opens Own BBQ Restaurant in Knoxville

BREAKING: Tennessee Vols’ Star Center Cooper Mays Reveals Shocking Decision to Trade Football Helmet for Chef’s Hat, Opens Own BBQ Restaurant in Knoxville

In an unexpected and rather shocking turn of events, Tennessee Volunteers star center Cooper Mays has decided to retire from football in a move that has stunned the college football world. Instead of continuing to pursue his football career, Mays has made the bold decision to exchange his football helmet for a chef’s hat. He has officially opened a new BBQ restaurant in Knoxville, Tennessee, which promises to bring a unique blend of southern cooking, passion, and talent. In this exclusive feature, we’ll dive into Mays’ sudden and surprising career shift, the impact of his decision on the Tennessee football team, and what fans can expect from his new venture into the world of barbecue.

A Star on the Field, a New Chapter Ahead

Cooper Mays, the imposing and talented center for the Tennessee Vols football team, was a key player in the Volunteers’ offensive line. Over the course of his career at the University of Tennessee, Mays had garnered attention as one of the top offensive linemen in the country. His agility, strength, and leadership on the field made him a formidable opponent and a fan favorite.

Born and raised in Knoxville, Mays had long been seen as a local hero. His skills on the gridiron were matched only by his passion for his community and his love for Southern food. Throughout his time as a student-athlete, Mays was known for his charitable efforts and his connection to the people of Tennessee. As a result, when news of his decision to step away from football began circulating, the announcement sent shockwaves through both the sports and culinary worlds.

On social media, Mays posted a heartfelt message to his fans and supporters, explaining his decision:

“Football has been an incredible part of my life, and it has shaped who I am today. But after a lot of reflection, I’ve realized that my true passion lies elsewhere. While I’ll always cherish the memories I’ve made on the field, I’ve decided to trade my helmet for a chef’s hat and pursue my dream of opening a BBQ restaurant here in Knoxville. Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey. This is the beginning of a new adventure, and I couldn’t be more excited.”

The announcement was a surprise to many, especially considering that Mays was regarded as one of the best centers in the country and had the potential for a professional football career. But for Mays, the decision was personal and a way to embrace a new chapter in his life.

Cooper Mays and His Love for BBQ

While it might seem like an abrupt departure from football, Mays’ love for cooking, particularly barbecue, has been well-known to those closest to him. Growing up in Knoxville, Mays was raised in a community where food, especially BBQ, played an important role in everyday life. Southern cooking runs deep in the culture of East Tennessee, and Mays had always been passionate about honing his skills in the kitchen.

Over the years, he shared many of his culinary adventures with friends and family. His BBQ expertise became a common topic of conversation, and those lucky enough to experience his cooking described it as nothing short of spectacular. Mays developed a reputation for his low-and-slow smoked meats, tangy sauces, and perfectly seasoned sides. As his football career progressed, it became increasingly clear that his passion for BBQ was something he wanted to pursue more seriously.

“I’ve always been in the kitchen with my family, experimenting with new recipes and learning the art of barbecue,” Mays said in an interview shortly after his decision was announced. “BBQ isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience, the atmosphere, and bringing people together. I’ve been fortunate enough to play football in front of thousands of people, but there’s something special about sitting down with friends and family over a plate of great food.”

Mays’ culinary journey had always been something of a hobby, but as his football career progressed, it became clear that this was not just a passing interest. His social media posts often featured him experimenting with new BBQ techniques and creating mouth-watering dishes. Fans who followed Mays’ personal life began to take note of his culinary skills, and there was growing buzz about the possibility of him opening a restaurant one day.

The Launch of Mays’ BBQ Restaurant in Knoxville

With the announcement that he would be opening a restaurant, Mays quickly revealed the name of his new establishment: “Cooper’s Smokehouse.” Located in the heart of Knoxville, just a short drive from the University of Tennessee campus, Cooper’s Smokehouse promises to be a place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy authentic, slow-smoked BBQ with all the trimmings. The restaurant will feature a variety of dishes, including smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken, all cooked to perfection using traditional Southern techniques. Mays has also promised to serve up a selection of homemade sauces, sides, and desserts, all crafted with the same love and attention to detail that he applies to his BBQ.

Fans of the Vols and food lovers alike are eager to see what Mays has in store. The restaurant’s grand opening event is expected to draw a large crowd, with many fans excited to see their favorite football star in his new role as a chef and restaurant owner. In addition to serving up mouth-watering BBQ, Cooper’s Smokehouse is expected to offer a casual, family-friendly atmosphere that will make it a go-to spot for both locals and tourists.

“Cooper’s Smokehouse is more than just a restaurant,” Mays said. “It’s a place where we can bring the community together over some great food. I want to create a space where people can relax, enjoy a meal, and make lasting memories with family and friends. And of course, I want to show everyone what Tennessee BBQ is all about.”

The Impact of Mays’ Decision on Tennessee Football

While Mays’ decision to step away from football is a personal one, it undoubtedly has a significant impact on the Tennessee football program. Mays had been a cornerstone of the Vols’ offensive line, and his leadership and skill were critical to the team’s success. His departure leaves a significant void that will be challenging for head coach Josh Heupel and the rest of the coaching staff to fill.

Despite his decision to leave football, Mays remains a beloved figure in the Tennessee football community. His leadership on the field and his dedication to his teammates were widely respected, and his decision to step away has left many fans feeling bittersweet. Some fans have expressed their disappointment at seeing such a talented player leave the game, but they also understand and respect his desire to pursue his passions.

“It’s definitely a surprise, but I can’t say I blame him,” said Tennessee football fan and local business owner Sarah Johnson. “Cooper has always been someone who has given 100% on and off the field, and I think he’ll bring that same dedication and passion to his new venture. We’ll miss seeing him on the field, but I’m excited to see what he does with this restaurant.”

While his departure is undoubtedly a loss for Tennessee football, Mays’ new business venture also speaks to his entrepreneurial spirit and drive. His decision to take such a bold step shows that he is not afraid to take risks and pursue his dreams, something that will surely resonate with the people of Knoxville.

What’s Next for Cooper Mays?

As Cooper Mays transitions into his new career as a BBQ restaurant owner, the question remains: what does the future hold for him? Mays has made it clear that he is fully committed to making Cooper’s Smokehouse a success, and he’s already speaking about expanding his brand in the future. While Mays may no longer be on the football field, it seems likely that he will continue to play a significant role in his community and beyond.

“I’m excited to see where this journey takes me,” Mays said. “It’s going to be a lot of hard work, but I’m ready for the challenge. I’ve been working with a great team to make this restaurant the best it can be, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”

As Mays embarks on this exciting new chapter of his life, fans of the Tennessee Volunteers will undoubtedly continue to support him—whether they’re cheering for him from the stands or sitting down at his new restaurant, enjoying a plate of delicious BBQ.

Conclusion

Cooper Mays’ decision to retire from football and open his own BBQ restaurant in Knoxville has taken the sports world by surprise. While fans are sad to see one of Tennessee’s best players step away from the game, they are excited to support Mays in his new venture. With his culinary passion, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep ties to the Knoxville community, it’s clear that Cooper’s Smokehouse will be more than just a restaurant—it will be a place for the community to come together and enjoy great food, just as Mays has always intended.