Tennessee Vols fans help UT-Martin player impacted by Hurricane Ian
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (BVM) – The wrath left behind by Hurricane Ian has impacted many throughout the last couple of weeks. One of those people is UT-Martin offensive lineman AJ Marquez.
Marquez, a native of Port Charlotte, Florida, lost his family house to the hurricane, leaving his parents without a home. His mother has also been left without a job due to the flooding. Marquez’s family remained in Port Charlotte – one of the hardest hit areas by the hurricane – hiding in the house as it was destroyed.
They are still there in the house currently, trying to find somewhere to stay in the meantime. As a result of the devastation, Marquez set up a GoFundMe page for his family, asking for any help people can give.
UT-Martin athletics showed its support by creating a video and post on Twitter encouraging people to donate to Marquez and his family, which has since spread to thousands of people.
AJ Marquez of @UTM_Football lost his family home to Hurricane Ian.
His parents are in Florida trying to pick up the pieces.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help:
🔗 – https://t.co/njJgXJ23lA pic.twitter.com/HuhGY7nsrc
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) October 14, 2022
With UT-Martin set to take on in-state foe Tennessee this weekend, it has also allowed Vols fans to help the Skyhawks’ freshman. UT-Martin asked Vol Nation to help donate earlier this week, a sentiment that was echoed by Tennessee athletic director Danny White among many other Volunteer fans.
What do ya say #VolNation?! https://t.co/8dxvuXCatc
— Danny White (@AD_DannyWhite) October 20, 2022
So far, Tennessee fans have delivered, as Marquez has raised over $66,000 since starting the GoFundMe page.
For many among Vol Nation, it’s not the only donation they have made this week. After fans removed the goal posts from Neyland Stadium on Saturday, the program has created a fundraiser for new goal posts which has gone exceptionally well.
This view of @Vol_Football fans taking apart the goal post 🤯 pic.twitter.com/JqnJNVFMpm
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 16, 2022
Wow! The power of #VolNation shows up once again! Thanks to everyone who supported! #GBO🍊 pic.twitter.com/AxcJYNGZov
— Danny White (@AD_DannyWhite) October 18, 2022
Of course, the celebration came on the heels of one of the biggest wins in Tennessee program history, as the sixth-ranked Vols took down No. 3 Alabama, beating the Crimson Tide for the first time since 2006 led by five touchdown passes from quarterback Hendon Hooker, each of which went to wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, who posted 207 yards in addition to the five scores.
Now, No. 3 Tennessee should have what figures to be an easier matchup against a 4-2 UT-Martin squad coming up on Saturday. Regardless of the outcome, the two programs coming together to help a player in need has been something special, and proves that the magic of college football goes beyond the game.
Donations to Marquez and his family can be made at his GoFundMe page linked here.
