Van111
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- Jan 24, 2012
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There are alot of numbers associated in sports that have so much meaning and when you see them you associate the number with the person that wore it. And when you have someone of the Caliber of Babe Ruth and his No. 3 and Lou Gehrig and his No. 4 in Baseball, a Bobbie Orr's No. 4 or a Wayne Gretsky's No. 99, John Elways No. 7 or Unitas's No. 19, or Michael Jordans No. 23 and Magic Johnson's No. 32 where the number defined these individuals over decades to the immortals that they are today, I would say you have one hell of an argument why the number belongs retired.
Now, the No. 44, arguably the most famous number in College Football was retired by Syracuse. It was worn by two hall of fame NFL players and arguably the best RB ever to play the game, it was worn by a shy young man that didn't feel worthy of wearing Jim Brown's No., all the way through SU's lone NC in 1959 and to the first ever black player Hiesman Trophy winner in 61. It was worn with pride by many members over a 40+ year period and symbolized Syracuse Football. So much so, every time I see a 44 on any player, I associate it, not with 1 player, like I do with say the "Babe" or the "Iron Horse", but with the University of Syracuse. As a kid going to games since the 70's, it was alwyas quite the anticipation to see if the No. 44 was going to be worn or given to a player, and watching it come on to the field always sent tremble's down my spine, for it was a rallying focal point for players and fans a like. I was at the WV/SU game when No. 44 scored on a two point conversion to propell SU football under Coach Mac to a major bowl and a chance for another NC. Seeing that number score flooded the memories of all what "44" meant to the University.
Now, the number 44 shouldn't be just handed out, or used as a recruiting tool. It must be earned. So, in light of what Syracuse is all about, I am looking for your thoughts and comments that supprt the Restore 44, when the time is right, and thier is a worthy carrier, so that we can continue to return this storied program back to revelance, hopefully led by a captain worthy of No.44
No. 44 shouldn't be retired, the Doom should have the "44 ring of fame" for all those that have and will wear the No. 44 that define Syracuse University as an Elite inovator in leadership, athletics and academics.
Restore 44
Now, the No. 44, arguably the most famous number in College Football was retired by Syracuse. It was worn by two hall of fame NFL players and arguably the best RB ever to play the game, it was worn by a shy young man that didn't feel worthy of wearing Jim Brown's No., all the way through SU's lone NC in 1959 and to the first ever black player Hiesman Trophy winner in 61. It was worn with pride by many members over a 40+ year period and symbolized Syracuse Football. So much so, every time I see a 44 on any player, I associate it, not with 1 player, like I do with say the "Babe" or the "Iron Horse", but with the University of Syracuse. As a kid going to games since the 70's, it was alwyas quite the anticipation to see if the No. 44 was going to be worn or given to a player, and watching it come on to the field always sent tremble's down my spine, for it was a rallying focal point for players and fans a like. I was at the WV/SU game when No. 44 scored on a two point conversion to propell SU football under Coach Mac to a major bowl and a chance for another NC. Seeing that number score flooded the memories of all what "44" meant to the University.
Now, the number 44 shouldn't be just handed out, or used as a recruiting tool. It must be earned. So, in light of what Syracuse is all about, I am looking for your thoughts and comments that supprt the Restore 44, when the time is right, and thier is a worthy carrier, so that we can continue to return this storied program back to revelance, hopefully led by a captain worthy of No.44
No. 44 shouldn't be retired, the Doom should have the "44 ring of fame" for all those that have and will wear the No. 44 that define Syracuse University as an Elite inovator in leadership, athletics and academics.
Restore 44