Tee Martin reveals pregame nap before Tennessee football's national championship

Former Tennessee quarterback Tee Martin revealed his pregame nap at his locker before the 1999 national championship game at Florida State. Martin disclosed the story at a screening of the SEC Storied documentary "SEVENTEEN" in Knoxville. He explained that after warm-ups, he went to his locker, put a towel over his head and slept until he heard his teammates moving around.

Martin's journey to that moment began during his recruitment from Mobile, Alabama, where he was dropped off late at night by teammates, including Joey Kent. The team's relaxed attitude and off-the-cuff humor during the championship season, including "snack time" after movies, contributed to their success. Fulmer, Martin's coach, encouraged the team to respond to Florida State's trash talk, which boosted their confidence.

Martin led the Vols to a 23-16 victory over the Seminoles, securing the team's first national title since 1951.