Aerial twilight view of Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, beside the Tennessee River with city skyline.

2026 Guest Speaker

Andy Kelly

Andy Kelly attended the University of Tennessee from 1988-1991 as a successful quarterback under Coach Johnny Majors. He became part of Tennessee football lore as part of the team that accomplished a 35-34 victory at Notre Dame, later dubbed as “The Miracle at South Bend.”

Andy set numerous Tennessee and SEC passing records and continued his career as an Arena Football League quarterback.

His football career included playing for the following:

Charlotte Rage (1993, 1995-96)

Nashville Kats (1997-2001)

Dallas Desperados (2002)

Detroit Fury (2003-2004)

Kansas City Brigade (2006)

Utah Blaze (2006).  

At the end of the 2006 season, he held several all-time AFL career records, including touchdown passes (767), passing yards (39,948), pass attempts (5,827), pass completions (3,621), and interceptions (155).

(Wikipedia)


Andy was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame on July 19th; and, we look forward to having Andy at this year’s Johnny Majors Memorial Invitational as our Guest Speaker.


Andy Kelly Tennessee Volunteers quarterback in orange uniform on football trading card.
College football player in yellow jersey number 8 holds helmet on stadium field in vintage team photo.
Two men share an award on stage at a formal event, one holding a glass trophy, with a large screen behind them.
Aerial view of Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA, showing the green field and yellow seats on a sunny day.

2025 Guest Speaker

COACH JACKIE SHERRILL

We were honored to welcome Coach Jackie Sherrill as last  year’s guest speaker for the Johnny Majors Memorial Invitational.

Coach Sherrill began his distinguished coaching career in 1966 as a graduate assistant under legendary Coach Bear Bryant. He continued as a graduate assistant for Frank Broyles at Arkansas in 1967 before serving as an assistant coach under Johnny Majors at Iowa State and later at Pittsburgh.

He went on to become one of college football’s most respected head coaches, leading programs at:

Washington State (1976)

University of Pittsburgh (1977–1981)

Texas A&M (1982–1988)

Mississippi State (1991–2003)

Throughout his career, Coach Sherrill led his teams to 14 bowl appearances, earning 8 victories, and retired as the winningest head coach in Mississippi State history. His Pittsburgh teams were especially dominant, compiling a remarkable record of 50 wins, 9 losses, and 1 tie, and finishing as high as No. 2 in the nation.

We were truly pleased to have Coach Sherrill join us as we celebrated the legacy of Coach Johnny Majors.

A special thank you to our Guest Speaker Sponsors, David and Marcy Eason, for making this special evening possible.

Man in blue shirt speaking at podium at Johnny Majors Memorial Invitational Tournament.
Two elderly men smiling and posing together, one in a red argyle cardigan and one in a pink striped shirt.
Two older men smiling together outdoors on a sunny golf course with lush green trees in the background.
Aerial twilight view of Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, beside the Tennessee River with city skyline.

2024  Guest Speaker

John Becksvoort

John Becksvoort attended the University of Tennessee from 1991-1994. He was automatic for Tennessee as a four-year-starter, earning All-American status his junior year and setting records with his unique kicking style.

It was his junior year of 1993 when John hit 59 of 59 extra-point attempts to set Southeastern Conference and Tennessee records.

He made 12-of-13 field goals and led the league in scoring with 95 points, averaging 8.6 points per game.

John wrapped up his career as one of Tennessee's most accurate kickers. He was a perfect 161-of-161 on extra-point attempts, setting an NCAA record for consecutive PATS.

What an entertaining evening listening to John recount his successes and dedication to Coach Majors.

A man in a white jacket waves while walking on a football field with two women in orange and gray.
Black and white photo of a male athlete in uniform performing a high kick on an outdoor field with trees in background.
Tennessee Volunteers football player kicks during a game against Georgia Bulldogs in a packed college stadium.
Aerial view of Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA, showing the green field and yellow seats on a sunny day.

2023  Guest Speaker

Carson Long

Carson Long, a former letterman placekicker for the University of Pittsburgh, played under legendary head coach Johnny Majors during one of the most celebrated eras in the program’s history. As a member of the Panthers, Carson was part of the iconic 1976 National Championship team—widely regarded as one of the greatest in college football history—finishing the season undefeated and securing the title with a Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia.

Following his collegiate success, Carson advanced to the professional level after being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1977. He went on to play that same year as a placekicker for the Buffalo Bills, appearing in 9 games and contributing in regular-season action during the 1977 NFL season.

Today, Carson is known as an engaging speaker who captivates audiences with stories from his playing days. He shares firsthand accounts of competing at the highest levels of college football, the intensity and discipline instilled by Coach Majors, and the experience of transitioning to the NFL. His stories bring to life what it was like to be part of a national championship team and to play professional football, offering a unique blend of humor, insight, and memorable moments from a remarkable era in the sport.

Three smiling adults pose together at a casual indoor event, center person wearing a National Champions anniversary t-shirt.
Football player wearing jersey number 5 in blue and gold uniform runs on field during a game.
Carson Long, college freshman kicker #5, practices field goals with Pittsburgh Coal Majors coach at North Schuylkill.
Aerial twilight view of Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee, beside the Tennessee River with city skyline.

2022  Guest Speaker

Tracy Hayworth

Tracy Hayworth is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 1990 NFL draft with the 174th overall pick.

He played college football for Coach Majors at the University of Tennessee.

He played high school for the Franklin County High School Rebels as a running back, class of 1985.

Tracy ignited our guests with shared memories of playing for Coach Majors and his tenure at UT.

Vintage black and white photo of a football player in uniform carrying the ball during a game.
Tracy Hayworth Tennessee Volunteers football trading card featuring player in orange jersey during game action.
Man in gray suit and pink tie smiling with arms crossed outdoors among green trees.