National Football Foundation

Neyle Sollee played fullback at the University of Tennessee from 1957-59. Described as an “elusive” fullback, he lettered twice and was chosen as an alternate captain his senior year. His coach Bowden Wyatt, who is one of only three people inducted into the College Hall of Fame as both a player and coach, called him “one of the finest all-around boys I have known.” In 1959, Sollee claimed the Knoxville Journal Trophy, which is awarded annually to the senior Tennessee football player with the highest scholastic average.

Sollee coupled his impressive athletic accomplishments as outstanding performer in the classroom. An aspiring doctor, he made the honor roll four quarters in a row, and he maintained a 3.04 GPA during his undergraduate career. His classmates viewed him as a leader, and they elected him president of the senior class. In 1960, Sollee graduated from Tennessee magna cum laude.

Sollee went on to the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, graduating in 1968 with a specialty in pathology. He received his certification by the American Board of Pathology in 1972, and he now works at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. He specializes in surgical pathology and oral pathology.