KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An iconic song about Rocky Top was created and released 14 years ago.
Swiperboy’s rap about former Tennessee safety Eric Berry had everyone singing Berry's name. The song made for Berry’s Heisman campaign was inspired by Hurricane Chris’ song "Halle Berry."
It was a joint effort between the University of Tennessee and Swiperboy, who is formally known as Ronaldo Wooldridge.
“It is wild, man," Woolridge said. "That was a crazy moment.”
The video went viral online and eventually attracted national attention. As the VFL who wore jersey No. 14 will be honored at Tennessee's game against Texas A&M for his upcoming induction into the College football hall of fame, the video is resurfacing again.
“Fourteen years later, I can’t believe it’s still a thing, but it is so it’s cool," Wooldridge said. "I just feel like Tennessee fans have moments in time they can just hold to forever.”
Woolridge is glad younger Vol fans can be a part of that moment in a way today.
“There are so many new fans that have come around that get to relive this moment too," he said. "And just honor the legacy Eric was able to accomplish.”
When Woolridge thinks back to that video, he thinks back to the kind of person Berry was.
“He was a super cool guy, always hardworking and very humble," he said.
He also remembers moments that didn’t make the video.
“I think he tackled me one time," Woolridge said. "That has to be on camera somewhere. It was the first time in my life I’ve ever been tackled.”
Woolridge says it’s been a long time since the two have spoken, but if he could talk to Berry now he’d say this.
“Eric, you’re an inspiration to millions of people around the world," Woolridge said. "It was an honor to be a part of your legacy. We should definitely sit down and react to the video now that we are both OG Vols, and congratulations.”
Woolridge is happy to have been a part of Berry’s great journey that will always have Vol fans singing Berry's name.
Berry will be honored at halftime during the game against Texas A&M. The university said they won't say whether the song will be played at Neyland Stadium on Saturday with Berry in attendance.
