KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — After serving in the Navy for two years during World War II, Gaylon Wilson decided he was ready to come home. But in his civilian life, he found himself serving under a general — General Neyland, that is.
Gaylon Wilson played as a right end for the Vols in 1946 and 1947 under Head Coach Robert Neyland, the Vol legend for whom Neyland Stadium is named. 6 News spoke to Wilson, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, about General Neyland and his time on the Vols.
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“[Neyland] was fine, fine, fine. I couldn’t say anything bad about him,” Wilson said. “He was a wonderful coach — really and truly — and a wonderful man.”
Neyland rarely had to discipline players, Wilson said. Most respected him so deeply that they would do whatever he asked…