BREAKING: Tennessee Vols’ Star Center Cooper Mays Reveals Shocking Decision to Trade Football Helmet for Chef’s Hat, Opens Own BBQ Restaurant in Knoxville..

BREAKING: Tennessee Vols’ Star Center Cooper Mays Reveals Shocking Decision to Trade Football Helmet for Chef’s Hat, Opens Own BBQ Restaurant in Knoxville

In an unexpected turn of events, Cooper Mays, the star center for the Tennessee Volunteers football team, has announced a life-changing decision that has taken the sports world by surprise. After years of dominating the gridiron with his strength, agility, and leadership on the field, Mays has revealed that he is trading in his football helmet for a chef’s hat. The beloved Vols player has opened his very own BBQ restaurant in Knoxville, marking a bold new chapter in both his personal and professional life.

Mays, a key player on the Tennessee offensive line, is known for his hard work, dedication, and intense love for the game. But it turns out that the 22-year-old’s passions extend beyond football—specifically, to the art of cooking. This week, in a heartfelt and surprising announcement on social media, Mays shared his decision to step away from the game and pursue his dream of becoming a BBQ pitmaster. In a post on his personal Instagram account, Mays said, “I’ve always been drawn to the kitchen, and after a lot of thought, I realized that I want to pursue this passion full-time. My love for food has been there for a long time, and now I’m ready to turn it into something real.”

The Journey from Gridiron to Grill

Cooper Mays’ journey to BBQ fame is one that’s deeply personal. Raised in Knoxville, Mays was no stranger to the city’s vibrant food scene, where southern hospitality and delicious barbecue have long been staples of local culture. Growing up, Mays spent many afternoons learning the tricks of the trade from his family, particularly his father, who was an avid cook and a fan of slow-smoking meats.

As Mays’ football career blossomed at the University of Tennessee, the long hours on the field and in the weight room gave him the drive and determination to excel. However, when he wasn’t training or preparing for games, Mays could often be found in the kitchen or at local BBQ joints, honing his skills in grilling and smoking meats. “Football was always my focus, but cooking has always been a passion,” Mays explained. “There’s something about the process—the patience, the flavors—that just clicked with me. It became an escape from the pressure of sports, and I realized that it was something I wanted to explore more seriously.”

A Shocking Decision

Mays’ announcement that he would be stepping away from football to open a BBQ restaurant has been nothing short of shocking. Known for his leadership on the field and his high-profile status as a key player for the Tennessee Vols, his decision to walk away from football has left many fans in disbelief. However, the decision is one that Mays says he’s been contemplating for some time.

“The decision to leave football wasn’t easy, but after talking with my family and reflecting on my future, I knew it was the right time,” Mays said. “I want to be a part of something bigger than just myself. Cooking, and especially BBQ, is a way to bring people together, just like football did. I’ll always have love and respect for the game, but now it’s time for me to pursue something I’m truly passionate about.”

This revelation has sparked a flurry of reactions, ranging from confusion to support. Fans of the Vols, who had hoped to see Mays help lead the team to greater success in the upcoming seasons, have expressed their surprise. Yet, many have rallied behind Mays, praising him for his courage to follow his heart and pursue his passion outside of football.

Mays’ BBQ Restaurant: A Dream Realized

The restaurant, named “Mays’ Smokey Haven,” opened its doors earlier this week in the heart of Knoxville, drawing in crowds of curious fans, locals, and food enthusiasts eager to try out Mays’ signature BBQ dishes. The venue has already become a local sensation, with Mays personally overseeing the kitchen and sharing his love for cooking with everyone who walks through the door.

Located in a bustling area near the University of Tennessee campus, Mays’ Smokey Haven features a menu packed with mouth-watering BBQ classics, including smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and sausage. Mays has also introduced some unique twists to traditional BBQ, incorporating flavors from his travels and personal experiments with spice blends and marinades. The restaurant’s signature dish, “The Vol Pitmaster Platter,” offers a sampling of Mays’ best creations and has already become a crowd favorite.

“I’ve put a lot of thought into the menu, and I wanted to create something that reflects my love for Knoxville and the South,” Mays said during the grand opening. “It’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience. I want people to come in, relax, and enjoy great food with friends and family. It’s a place where people can gather, just like how we used to gather around the grill at home.”

Mays’ Smokey Haven has quickly become a hot spot for fans and food lovers alike. The restaurant’s casual, yet warm and inviting atmosphere reflects Mays’ down-to-earth personality, which has made him a beloved figure in the Knoxville community. Mays himself can often be found interacting with customers, offering tips on BBQ, and even sharing stories from his time as a Vols player.

A Future in the BBQ World

While Mays’ decision to leave football has raised eyebrows, his new venture into the culinary world is one that has the potential to thrive. BBQ enthusiasts from across the region are already buzzing about his skills, and many are eager to see how his restaurant develops. With Mays’ background in discipline, hard work, and leadership from his football career, it’s clear that he’s bringing the same level of passion and dedication to the BBQ world.

“I want to continue growing this restaurant and maybe even expand into other areas of the business,” Mays said. “But for now, I’m focused on making sure we’re delivering the best experience to our customers. This is my dream, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.”

Though Cooper Mays may no longer be donning the orange and white jersey of the Tennessee Volunteers, his legacy in Knoxville is far from over. His restaurant has already become a symbol of his resilience, dedication, and love for his community. As Mays steps into this new chapter, it’s clear that his passion for bringing people together—whether through football or food—will continue to shine brightly in Knoxville for years to come.

Conclusion

Cooper Mays’ decision to leave football behind and open his own BBQ restaurant has stunned fans and left the sports world reeling. But for Mays, this new chapter is an exciting opportunity to follow his passion for food and share that joy with the community that has supported him throughout his career. With his dedication and culinary creativity, Mays’ Smokey Haven is sure to become a staple of Knoxville’s food scene and a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams—on and off the field.