KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Nearly 102,000 fans pour into Neyland Stadium to cheer on their beloved Tennessee Volunteers football team through 25 different gates around the stadium.

Since Neyland opened its doors for the first time over a century ago in 1924, few gates have earned the privilege of dedication, with only five entrances around the stadium currently carrying the distinction. Now, it is time to add one more.

Starting in 2025, Gate 21B, also known as the family-player gate, will be renamed to Danny Burnley Gate 21B, honoring the VFL’s 50 total years of service spent with the University of Tennessee, including 42 as a full-time staff member.

“As a little kid from Middle Tennessee, growing up loving the Vols – it’s an extraordinary honor just to think that my name will somehow be attached to the General’s Stadium,” Burnley said. “Working gamedays at Neyland has given me a sense of purpose that I always tried to never take for granted.”

Burnley first stepped onto Rocky Top in the fall of 1974. Quickly embodying the Volunteer spirit abundantly spread through campus, Burnley wasted no time donating his efforts as a student manager for the Vols’ football program during the 1974-75 season.

Giving his all for Tennessee, Burnley tirelessly worked his way up in the ranks with the team during his time as a student, resulting in employment when his academic career at the university was complete. By 1980, Burnley found himself as the head manager for the Vols’ football team and legendary coach, Johnny Majors. 

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Danny for his remarkable 50 years of dedicated service at the University of Tennessee,” said Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. “His consistent high-level performance and impressive record of never missing a single game throughout his career with the Big Orange demonstrate his unwavering commitment. Danny has truly embodied what it means to give his all for Tennessee, and we are incredibly thankful for his invaluable contributions!”

After over eight years of service with the football team, Burnley hung up his proverbial cleats and traded pigskin for paper as he joined the Tennessee ticket office, where he served as assistant ticket director for none other than his fellow VFL and eventual gate-named companion, Gus Manning.

Burnley worked closely with Manning during their time together, serving as a jack of all trades for Manning’s requests. However, completing tasks in the ticket office was just the beginning for the pair.

It was during this time that Manning instilled Burnley with the most important business lesson he could ever know – carry spare tickets. Just like Vol fans everywhere, Manning and Burnley both knew there was no problem that a ticket to root for Big Orange could not fix. 

“You always need to have four tickets in your back pocket, ready for emergency!” Manning quipped to Burnley.

In classic Burnley fashion, the ticket taker and smile maker continued to serve others until he was promoted to manager of ticket operations at the family-player gate in 1985. Though his position changed, Burnley did not, as he continued to serve others before himself. Burnley handled himself with class, humor and compassion as he helped thousands of Volunteer families make their way into Neyland Stadium so they could cheer for their loved ones on the field.

Burnley remained a staple of Vol football gamedays as he served Big Orange families for over 40 years. He helped create unforgettable experiences for all who interacted with him until his retirement in 2024. Among the countless families Burnley served was that of none other than legendary Vol, Peyton Manning.

“Danny was the guardian of the players’ gate and provided us with peace of mind by overseeing the ticket process. Over the years, when Danny welcomed our friends and family, he helped us share our dreams, aspirations, victories, and defeats with those we loved,” the five-time NFL MVP said. “After 50 years of dedicated service, he truly embodies what it means to be a Volunteer for Life (VFL). Ashley and I have decided to do what we can to keep Danny’s legacy a part of gameday at Neyland. We hope this tribute will serve as a small but lasting acknowledgment of his commitment to the University of Tennessee.”

Gate 21B’s dedication comes on the 10 year anniversary of Gate 16’s dedication for Gus Manning. After lending their hands in Gus Manning’s gate ceremony, Peyton and Ashley knew dedicating the family-player gate to the man who used to look after it was the perfect way to honor him.

With unwavering commitment, Burnley never missed a home football game from 1974-2024, including for the four unforgettable years Peyton Manning spent on Rocky Top.

“I met Peyton in the summer of ’94, he was a great kid from the very beginning and his family is always first class,” Burnley shared. “They have always done what they thought was in the best interest of the University of Tennessee. It’s extremely gratifying to have Peyton and Ashley do this for me.”

Between aiding operations for the team on the field and all of its staff, to ensuring no family that came into contact with him left unhappy, Danny Burnley embodies what it means to be a Volunteer. As a forever salute to his tireless efforts, the University of Tennessee, Peyton and Ashley Manning and Tennessee Athletics recognize and honor Burnley’s career with the dedication of Gate 21B.