Report: Retired Tennessee mascot, Smokey X, diagnosed with cancer

Smokey X, Tennessee’s retired mascot, has been diagnosed with cancer, the university announced. The Bluetick Coonhound is nearly 14 years old.

The diagnosis came at Smokey X’s recent biannual appointment. This included routine diagnostic imaging, which revealed a small mass on his kidney. The veterinarian was able to reveal it was renal carcinoma, better known as caner of the kidney.

Smokey X has been a Tennessee ambassador since 2013. The university wrote a statement in response to the sad news.

“In true Smokey fashion, he demonstrated his unwavering loyalty to the Vols even during his CT scan,” the university said. “As he emerged from anesthesia to the notes of ‘Rocky Top,’ Smokey rose to his feet, a testament to his indomitable spirit and love for the Volunteers.”

The oncology service at the university’s veterinary college plans to give Smokey X the best palliative care plan to provide pain relief and comfort post-diagnosis. However, there’s no timeline in which to predict how much time Tennessee’s beloved ambassador has left, but their goal is to give him to the best quality of life each day.

Smokey X will return home and continue to interact with his two boys, eating his favorite salmon treats and enjoying retirement. That includes Smokey XI who was born in 2021.

“He has brought so much joy and pride to our university community over the years, and we are committed to providing him with the highest level of care and compassion,” Paul Plummer, dean of the veterinary college, said. “Our veterinary team is dedicated to ensuring that he remains comfortable and surrounded by love as he continues his journey.”

The Hudson family, who has cared for Tennessee’s family of mascots since 1953, expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love, support and prayers from the Volunteers faithful in and around the program. The veterinary center called Smokey X, “an exceptional representative of the University, embodying the spirit and pride of the Vols.”

Smokey X served as Tennessee’s mascot from 2013 until 2023. He served an additional year past his original retirement (2022) because his pup, Smokey XI, was not ready in time for the 2023 season. Smokey XI made his debut in 2024 and is now regularly on the sidelines during Vols home games as he continues to get used to the raucous environment that comes with playing a football game inside Neyland Stadium.