The Moonshine Mountain Cookie Company is one of the most well-known establishments in Knoxville. They have become famous for serving cookies that have drawn rave reviews from customers. Over the past few years, they have started a tradition known as the “Moonshine Mountain Cookie Monster.” The “Cookie Monster” is named before every Tennessee season, and whoever the player is, every time they score a touchdown that season, Vols fans can get two free cookies.
The company recently announced that the “Cookie Monster” will be junior wide receiver, Braylon Staley, this season.
Braylon Staley broke out last season, being named the SEC’s freshman of the year (he will be a junior this fall because the NCAA got rid of redshirts). He recorded six touchdowns last year but put up 837 yards and could easily score more than 10 this season.
He has an NIL estimate of $750,000 according to On3.
Previous “Cookie Monsters”
Dec 21, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) tackles Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Bru McCoy (5) during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
Starting back in 2021, the first Vols’ “Cookie Monster” was Alontae Taylor. That season, Moonshine Mountain Cookie Company gave out two free cookies for every time Taylor got an interception. Taylor only recorded one interception that season, but the idea of the “Cookie Monster” went viral.
In 2022, it was Cedric Tillman. Unfortunately, Tillman only had three touchdowns that season, not because of his own fault, but because he struggled with injury.
Bru McCoy was the “Cookie Monster” in both 2023 and 2024. Unfortunately, he also struggled with injuries in 2023, recording only one touchdown the whole season, and only two touchdowns the following year.
After receivers struggled with injuries over the past three years, they switched up the “cookie monster” to kicker Max Gilbert. The cookies were given out whenever Gilbert kicked a field goal from at least 50 yards. He did so twice last season.
Braylon Staley is up next, and he is by far the best player to be named the “Cookie Monster,” so do not be surprised if he breaks the record for most free cookies given out.
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