On Monday, EA Sports released its rankings of college football’s best home-field advantages for the upcoming College Football 27 video game. On the list, Tennessee football was all the way down at No. 8 in the country, which many said was a snubbing of what some consider the best atmosphere in the sport.
While the interview was before that list came out, former Tennessee cornerback Kamal Hadden’s comments support the high praise of Neyland Stadium. During an appearance on 99.1 The Sports Animal with Vince Ferrara, he spoke glowingly of his time with the Vols and playing in Neyland.
“There’s nothing like a Saturday in Neyland Stadium,” Hadden said. “I’ve played in some NFL games and it’s nothing like running out the ‘T’ before a game. My time there was lovely, it was dope.”
“There’s nothing like a Saturday in Neyland Stadium. I’ve played in some NFL games & it’s nothing like running out the ‘T’ before a game. My time there was lovely, it was dope.”@KamalHadden5 spoke with @VinceSports about his time at @Vol_Football.https://t.co/MdLzz1TZDK pic.twitter.com/nvSJJ1JG5U
Advertisement— 99.1 THE Sports Animal (@SportsAnimal991) June 22, 2026
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Hadden played for Tennessee from 2021-23. In his final season, he blossomed into a breakout star at cornerback for the Vols before an injury derailed his season. This included snagging an interception against South Carolina that was returned for a touchdown in a revenge win over the Gamecocks at home.
Prior to Hadden’s time in Knoxville, he started his career at Independence CC at the junior college level. He initially transferred to Auburn and went through spring practice there, but didn’t play a game for the Tigers and transferred to join Josh Heupel’s first Vols team.
Now, Hadden plays for the Green Bay Packers. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, but was waived in August. The Packers picked him up and have held onto him since.
