Fulkerson named Knox News Sportsperson of the Year for 2020

[kamoshika]

Fulkerson was named the Knox News Sportsperson of the Year for his success on the court, the way he represents East Tennessee and — most importantly — for his giving nature. The Kingsport native is known to read at schools, even doing so the morning after he led Tennessee’s comeback win at Kentucky on March 3. The senior forward recently FaceTimed a young Tennessee fan who was nervous about an upcoming surgery, and once showed up at a Vols fan’s birthday party after the child’s mom reached out to Fulkerson.

“I know I am not going to be a Tennessee basketball player for my whole life,” Fulkerson said. “I want to use the platform I am on and try to make a positive impact on other people. … I am going to try and milk it — in a good way — the best I can and use it to all its potential.”

...He grew up a Tennessee fan adoring former Vols Chris Lofton and Wayne Chism. He reminds himself of how much it would have meant to him to get an autograph or have a moment with his heroes as a kid. Fulkerson does everything now to make the most of his platform, including creating a way for a couple in a difficult season to have a pizza night. “I’ll do anything that anybody needs while I’m in this position,” Fulkerson said. ‘I know it not going to last forever."
Tennessee basketball: John Fulkerson is Knox News Sportsperson of the Year

 

[cardvolfan]

A true Tennessee hero.

 

[Border Vol]

Way to go Fulk!

 

[njvols]

Fulk and all our guys to be congratulated on their off the court accomplishments...also, think Barnes cultivates a combination of high character individuals, while providing/encouraging a platform to develop players beyond the court, all while having high expectations on the court.

 

[Lankykong]

Class individual, you can tell both by what he does and says. That’s why I’m such a huge fan of his. Deserves the award for sure, such a good example of what a player can bring to a community.

 

[PEPPERJAX]

Just another reason to like Mr. Fulkerson. I came away impressed with JF a couple of years ago. A few members of the team were near the concession area taking photos with fans before a game and John was with them. He overheard my daughter (9 years old at the time) saying she wanted a picture with just her and John. He took the time to take the picture and talked hoops with her for about 5 minutes. Vols BBALL program is lucky to have him.

 

[jp1]

John Fulkerson is what college athletics is all about. The guy gets it.

 

[Volfan1000]

Congratulations to Fulkerson on an outstanding award and career at Tennessee.

 

[BigDave]

Congratulations Fully, a well deserved award!!

GBO - beat Mizzou!