Michigan football great Desmond Howard thinks it's time his No. 21, Charles Woodson's No. 2 are retired
Desmond Howard said Thursday he thinks the Michigan football program should retire his No. 21 jersey and Charles Woodson’s No. 2, although nothing is yet in the works.
“I believe it’s time, without a shadow of a doubt,” the former wide receiver and kick returner said. “It’s just a huge honor. For what I do, traveling around (as an ESPN analyst), I see a lot of players at other schools with jerseys retired who have not accomplished what Woodson and I have. Oklahoma even has wooden statues. Florida has statues.”
Howard made the remarks during a teleconference with reporters in advance of his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame on Saturday in South Bend, Ind.
Although it was displayed at the sports museum at Schembechler Hall on the Michigan campus, Desmoond Howard's No. 21 jersey is not retired by the university. Howard thinks the time is right for that to happen, and that fellow Heisman Trophy-winner Charles Woodson's No. 2 jersey should join his.
AnnArbor.com file photo
He noted his accomplishments are greater than those of some players with statues and retired jerseys, yet “who have done less” than him.
Have their been talks about retiring his jersey?
“No, there have not been any official conversations about that,” he said. “There have been people who joked about it — several times — but I have not had any official conversation about having my jersey retired.”
On June 10, when Michigan unveiled the legacy uniforms it will wear against Notre Dame on Sept. 10, athletic director Dave Brandon announced the school would honor Howard at the game.
Brandon was asked if retiring Howard's jersey was being considered.
“We’re considering a great deal the whole concept of retiring numbers, not just as it relates to the situation with Desmond," he said. "We have so many great players and we’re always trying to figure out how to honor them in an appropriate way.
“We do have a tradition here of retiring jerseys and that’s a policy and a program that we’re kind of taking a hard look at to see how we want to handle it going forward.”
Michigan has retired five jerseys from its football program: The Wistert brothers’ No. 11 (Francis, Albert and Alvin), Bennie Oosterbaan's No. 47, Gerald Ford’s No. 48, Ron Kramer’s No. 87 and Tom Harmon’s No. 98.
There have been no jerseys retired since Ford’s in 1994.
Will it happen at some point for Howard and Woodson, who account for two of the program’s three Heisman Trophies (Harmon won the third)?
“We’re moving in that direction,” Howard said.
Howard starred at Michigan from 1989-91. He caught 134 passes for 2,145 yards and 32 touchdowns, and also scored twice on runs, twice on kick returns and once on a punt return against Ohio State that helped solidify his Heisman Trophy campaign in 1991.
He is the 35th person with Michigan ties to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Woodson, a two-way player and kick returner from 1995-97, became the first primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy in 1997. He was a lock-down corner, finishing with 162 tackles and 18 interceptions.
He also caught 25 passes for 402 yards and three touchdowns on offense before leaving for the NFL after his junior season.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
RWBill
Sun, Jul 17, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
What in the Hell does someone still playing in the NFL have to do with retiring his number at Michigan? You wait and see their NFL career to determine if their number at Michigan should be retired? Whut?
1st Down
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 6:23 a.m.
Back in....roughly 1997...then UM AD Tom Goss announced publicly that the UM Regents had approved of his plan to retire Desmond's #21.... this was in all of the local papers. Then...like the man who said it...it quickly disappeared to never be heard about again. Dont know what happened with that....but if it is true that it was once decided...then it probably should be decided again. Retire 21 and 2.
Lorain Steelmen
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 7:22 p.m.
I always liked Desmond when he was here. He seemed to be 'easy going', and a fun kid. To be honest, I thought Woodson was a bit more deserving. But hey, I don't have a Heisman in my garage, so I'm not going to judge these two kids. I just wish Howard had kept his yap shut, as it all seems a bit 'self serving' to me. But I'm 'old school'! At the risk of 25 more posts from ERMG, I don't think Bo would have cared for his comments, but, I DO think Bo would have done whatever he could, to get both kid's numbers retired. (Of course, by tonight, Ghost will be on here saying, that I said Bo came back from the grave to support the idea.) But let's' face it, there have been some awesome players here, that never made Heisman....Rob Lytle comes to mind, for example. I have a feeling that Brandan may well consider the number retirement, but there certainly are, other ways, to 'honor' these guys. What about three statues, placed inside the stadium grounds? We already have placks, now, for the NC teams, along the west concourse.
Lorain Steelmen
Sat, Jul 16, 2011 : 3:45 p.m.
Brandan seems to want to hype/promote the program. He mentioned in a Toledo Alumni meeting last nov.,that there are plans under consideration, to add 5,500 more bench seats in the south end. And, more interestingly, to add more 'lux boxes' at the north end, and enclose it if you will. (Dare I use the word 'horseshoe' here.) So the idea, of DB honoring these Heisman winners, in one way or another, would be well within his general behavior pattern. Statues may fit well in the new construction..who knows. Also, I don't want to 'jinx' the kid, but if Borges can keep him healthy, (and thats a big IF), DRob may have a Heisam as well, by the end of his senior year. IF it happens , I say great for him.(And Michigan).. He's a super young man...let's all hope. Meanwhile....work continues on title #43. Go Blue!
Kyle Meinke
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 11:39 p.m.
D21, I like where your head's at, I'm just saying it's not really about "humility." The school retired these numbers, and to take that back would be a disaster. We're not talking about trying out new uniform pants or cleat brands; retired numbers are integral to team legacies at any level. A take-back would, in all regards, cheapen the honor of retiring jerseys in the first place. I'd bet anything 11, 47, 48, 87 and 98 never again see the light of day. In principle, I still like your idea of adding names to the stadium, and it would help to solve the issue of running out of numbers, a problem pointed out by several commenters that is a real and fair concern.
D21
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 11:30 p.m.
Meinke, Yep, it might be hard to stomach for some but no disrespect towards as UM would take the lead into inserting humility and thus giving other players the chance to wear those numbers. Just voted for your comment.
Kyle Meinke
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 11:17 p.m.
D21, I actually kind of like the idea of a "Ring of Honor" or something like that, wherein players (and coaches) could be honored around the Big House. But I'll say this: There's no way Michigan ever "unretires" any numbers. How could they? It'd be a PR disaster. Besides, I think its sort of an unwritten rule you can't unretire the number of a U.S. president.
D21
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 11:09 p.m.
Lorain and the Ghost, This is akin to the PTI show with me as Tony Reali and after listening to both of your viewpoints, I'd have to give the edge to the Ghost. Just unretire those numbers and honor them by their names instead of their jersey numbers.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.
My, just a little paranoid, aren't we? I actually agree with most of what you said. And, for once, you aren't making it up out of whole cloth. Good Night and Good Luck
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 5:47 p.m.
"if those two were white" then blah, blah, blah "if this guy was black", then blah, blah, blah "if my grandmother had wheels, she woud be a bus" "if my aunt had a...." oh never mind This unproveable garbage is really getting old. I thought AA.com didn't allow speculation. I guess only if is PC.
grye
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 5:37 p.m.
Arrogance.
microtini
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 5:29 p.m.
Using decimals as jersey-numbers would be irrational!
DonAZ
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 6:20 p.m.
LOL ... +1 for the most clever post I've seen in a while. Or, it could be like software fixpacks ... "21.1.0.14"
aawolve
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 5:24 p.m.
I hate when ex-M football players talk, I want to like them so badly.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 4:17 p.m.
How about just un-retiring these numbers and giving them to the guys who are chosen to be captains, matching the number with the respective offensive or defensive position?
blueiniowa
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 3:46 p.m.
First of all, I'd sooner see Woodson's over Howard's. Woodson is the most bad@ss player, I will ever see in my lifetime. He won a Heisman as a full-time defender, with some part-time o. He won the heisman over college-media darling Peyton Manning, who the world was aching to give it to. Think about that for a second. Not only did Heisman voters, buck the trend and hand it to a DB, they also decided that Manning was never going to get a Heisman. That's some serious convention working against CW. Somebody above had a brilliant idea to in liue retiring numbers that I want to repeat. Imagine a special patch that goes on the jersey that has their numbers, and of course, only the utmost deserving would ever get the honor to don it. 50 years from now, when you see some incredibly good WR make a phenomenonal catch, and the moment is posterized with a DH patch emblazoned on the WR's chest, you have the kind immortality that even a retired number can't compete with. Every mich-man's son would ask their dad, "what does DH stand for?" and the dad, who is generations removed from '91 would tell his son who Desmond Howard is, because he had asked his dad the same exact question. That's some powerful stuff, and we never run out of numbers.
John of Saline
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 3:06 p.m.
When you have so many players, retiring numbers becomes problematic, leaving fewer to actually use. Though there are advantages to using duplicate numbers. I remember once the defense calling timeout when we were about to punt a little over 10 years ago. Apparently, it was noted that the punter wasn't out there; a running back, with the same jersey number, was in the punter's place. Perhaps the defense saw that and wanted to short-circuit the trick play!
KeepingItReal
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 2:22 p.m.
For those of you who think that I am playing the race card just look at the five players whose Jersies hve been retired. Not one of them Black but look at the contribution black athletes have made to the success to Michigan's program since they have been aggressively recruited. Only one of those five players listed would probably be able to compete with todays players and that's not to say they were not valuable contributors to her team when they played. No matter what you think about Desmond ego, he was an outstanding college athlete for Michigan and Woodson I think is unsurpassed in his contribution to Michigan. While there has been some excellent athletes that have played for M, the fact of the matter is that Howard and Woodson was both recognized for their performances by earning the Heisman. While many of you are weded to the mantra, "the team, the team, the team' it should not deflect from the individual contribution of each. As for those of you who thin the race card is being played, look around you.
David Vande Bunte
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 3:29 p.m.
So, its about winning the Heisman now? Tom Harmon did win the Heisman, in 1940 after finishing 2nd in 1939. Bennie Oosterbaan probably would have won it, had it been invented yet (Oosterbaan played in the 20s, Heisman was first awarded in 1935). He also was a highly successful head coach at Michigan, winning a national championship. Bennie Oosterbaan was either a student or employee of the University of Michigan from 1925 until he retired in 1972. He was a Wolverine through and through. If anyone personifies a "Michigan Man", it was Bennie Oosterbaan. They simply don't give Heismans to defensive ends like Kramer, tackles like all three of the Wisterts or centers like Ford, so applying the Heisman standard simply doesn't work.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 3 p.m.
So, maybe we should retire Cecil Pryor's jersey
David Vande Bunte
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.
If I liked the idea of retiring collegiate jerseys at all, I think both Woodson and Howard would be deserving...but, as a general rule, the standards involved in retiring a collegiate number have to be even higher than they are in the pro leagues. The volume of players that come and go prevent you from retiring too many, you simply don't want to retire so many numbers that you run out of numbers. There are what, 15 guys on a hockey team, 12 guys on an NBA team? You can retire jersey numbers left and right, and not worry about it. But when you have so many players on a football team, even assigning the same number to an offensive player and a defensive one, you have a much greater chance of running out. Instead, I would suggest to Desmond that he encourage incoming Michigan WRs to earn the #21, just like some hope to earn the right to wear #1. Don't retire the jersey, make new players earn the right to wear it. Have a few numbers not be handed out, including the #1, #2 and #21, and make players earn them, to be in the same league as the greats that wore those numbers before them. Instill a sense of pride with each of the numbers. Instead of telling them you don't ever get to wear the #1 worn by Anthony Carter, tell them, you want it? Earn it. Show me you are worthy of it.
John of Saline
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
Plus, too many would want to be 3.14.
David Vande Bunte
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 4:34 p.m.
That would be too complicated for O-Lie-o State players to keep track of who they were defending...they are only capable of remembering whole numbers.
John of Saline
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
Or we could let players use decimals. "Number 4.8 in your program..."
Jimmy McNulty
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 1:32 p.m.
They both need to get over themselves. Unless of course the league starts using decimals or numbers greater than 99. I'm a fan of the decimals on uniforms, though.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 1:15 p.m.
The only reason they should retire 21 along with 2 is that 21 is now Woodson's number with Green Bay. Howard can't hold Woodson's jock on a good day. Woodson is THE man. Howard is a footnote. Glad he got his teeth fixed though. They look a lot better now.
Jeffersonian
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 11:53 a.m.
There are already players sharing numbers on the team. What about a little patch with the initals CW or DH that stays on the uniform like a badge of honor- then make new players earn it?
jjc155
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 11:49 a.m.
the shear fact that his ego is so big and he "thinks its time that his number is retired" makes me feel that it should NEVER be retired and should be issued to a 4th string bench sitter or the equipement manager from this day forward as they will cherish it much more. Jeez
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 3:08 a.m.
What about retiring Gerald Ford's number? He made the most f being a STUDENT athlete.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 3:01 p.m.
I didn't read this particular article, thanks for pointing that out. I was to busy tweeting about my new Volt.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 1:17 p.m.
"Michigan has retired five jerseys from its football program: The Wistert brothers' No. 11 (Francis, Albert and Alvin), Bennie Oosterbaan's No. 47, => Gerald Ford's No. 48, Ron Kramer's No. 87 and Tom Harmon's No. 98." Doesn't anybody read the freaking article anymore?
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 3:04 a.m.
Man, I was just talking about this tonight. Desmond was lucky he didn't get the #1 Jersey, or it would never be retired. That being said, asking for it to be retired is ridiculous. Plus, Woodson is still playing, too early to retire his number. Herbstreit remains my favorite gameday host.
Chad Williams
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 2:59 a.m.
Without playing the race card i think he has a point. Wouldnt it make since if Harmon jersey is retired Howard and Woodsons jersey should be also? If those two where white it would make since and by the score on the white/ black players its 5-0. Now its also a good point that he should shut his mouth because the last thing you want is ESPN or BTN to begin making it a national media spectacle. Both of those players did their due on the field and off the field as well, though It doesnt work in their favor that they didnt stay 4 years they have been back in been just as upset about the last 3 seasons. Its funny how we treat college athletes like slaves. We expect them to be million dollar babies for 4 years and not even with 4 years of tution isnt 10 % percent of the money the school used that player to market. Then when they get a chance to get a smell of that kinda money by leaving early they get basically looked at as an a-hole. All the while you have player x cruisin around campus with a hottie in a different car every day and we say he should be banned from college sports forever, he is a cheater cause some one reconizged this kid had no CASH in his pocket but will soon so he invests in him . Now the player knows its wrong but says dang its 100,000 seats in that stadium all over wearing my jersey, im all over tv and im the broke one? The OSU scandel is happening right at every university maybe not to that extent but ncaa violation worthy. I feel sorry for the coaches that have 100 plus children every year that you have to monitor and control. Hard to do that when you also have a family of your own as well.
enigmaingr
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 2:17 a.m.
I think all three former players are deserving of some permanent recognition but, my goodness, could Desmond have been a little less boastful? I realize he now gets paid to talk for a living but someone should remind him that it's still not polite to talk about oneself.
eagleman
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 1:37 a.m.
Charles Woodson deserves it. SO does AC. But AC's number has become a symbolic reward. It already is being "honored". Woodson's number HAS to be retired. Not just for what he has done on the field, but off it for UM. I doubt that the 11 previous retirees can match CWood's combination of athletic prowess and philanthropic efforts. Howard had one great year at UM. He was sensational in 91', but Derrick Alexander lead the team in receptions and UM's running game was a sight to behold. Howard getting shutdown in the Rose Bowl makes one pause--especially considering what Woodson did in his Rose Bowl appearance. Ideally, I'd retire all three, but I can understand why you would not retire Desmond or AC's number. Woodson is right there with Harmon in terms of transcendant greatness. I don't see how you can't retire his number.
D21
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 1:26 a.m.
Let's unretire the #11, 47, 48, 87 and 98 numbers. It is all about. "TEAM, TEAM, TEAM". GO BLUE!
Oregon39_Michigan7
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 12:48 a.m.
Isn't there some famous speech by some UM coach about "The Team, The Team, The Team"?!? Not "ME, ME, ME"
Mick52
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 9:14 p.m.
I had the exact same thought Oregon. Football is the consummate team sport. A player like Desmond might have reached much of his success by the quality of his team mates. In fact for a long time, Michigan refused to publish promotional materials pushing a player for the Heisman based the the team concept. His play was exceptional. Comparing him to Harmon and Woodson: Both of them played both ways. I don't have much of an issue, but I wish someone else had brought it up.
scott
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 11:53 a.m.
I don't know that this relates at all, the issue is should his jersey be retired....
heartbreakM
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 12:45 a.m.
Agree w/those who say that "asking for it" is poor form. Re: Retiring numbers: I think that colleges should honor the number without retiring them at this point, because there will always be great players through the years but we can't invent new numbers. Desmond is worthy of hall of fame, worthy of big time honor at halftime, and has earned it. But how do we keep whittling the numbers down when there are still more players than numbers (w/walk ons)? Maybe a good way is to do it by putting the numbers on the field, along the wall in the end zones. Then you could put the names of the players who are to be honored, and if there is more than one w/#21, just add the name. Don't some pro baseball franchises do that?
Dr. Rockso
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 12:36 a.m.
Student Athletes should have completed 4 years of college and received a degree before having their Jersey retired.
dconkey
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 12:35 a.m.
Neither should be retired at this time. Woodson is still playing, (assuming the NFL get's it act together) and Howard is a talking head on TV. Maybe years from now when their whole body of work can be evaluated. Besides, handing out those numbers to future players may make for a good reward.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 12:08 a.m.
I would retire Woodson's long, long before I would consider Howard's. I would not consider race, though.
heartbreakM
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.
But Desmond got his degree (which to me should be a requirement for any number to be retired) and Woodson still has not. But then again, Woodson really helped w/the hospital.
DonAZ
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 12:37 a.m.
Exactly. Far more impact and results. I'd make the same argument for Brian Griese. There's probably two dozen offensive linemen that deserve to have their numbers retired ... if race is left out of it and contribution to victories is the criteria.
Mick
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.
Oh come on Keepinitreal, please don't make this about race, that's just ridiculous. U-M has much to be proud about in race relations, I hate when people pull the race card at the drop of a hat. I don't care what anyone's color or ethnicity is, I care about their character, period! As far as the #'s are concerned, I have no problem with them being retired, especially since the only other guy who won a Heisman has his retired. My main concern is with having #'s left to pass out, Lol! Maybe they can have 0 and 00 as new #'s to help with more choices. Anyway, Desmond and Charles, I thank you 2 gentleman for being great Michigan Wolverines and everything the both of you do off the field to make us proud, you are 2 of my favorite players, good luck in all your endeavors! Go Blue for TiM !!!
Mick
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 2:21 a.m.
That's funny Don, good call. Also, I love your comments, very insightful and passionate, keep up the great work my neighbor from AZ!
DonAZ
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 12:36 a.m.
They could start number in hexidecimal format -- 00, 01, 02 ... 09, 0A, 0B, 0C, 0D, 0E and 0F 10 ... 1F 20 ... 2F, etc. And that's only two characters. *sigh* ... this idea of retiring numbers so one player can claim individual glory. I'm going to print up T-shirts with "Charlie Brown's Ghost" and his saying -- "I think asking for it disqualifies you." Spot freakin' on.
KeepingItReal
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 11:21 p.m.
Given the contribution that African American players have made to the success of Michigan football since they have been allowed to play in any significant numbers, I'd say that Desmond is right about this one. However, you can tell by Brandon's hemming and hawing response that's not something that is even a consideration at this time. He has to wait to see what kind of response he will get from the major university boosters. When I look at the posted players whose jersies have been retired, I cannot comprehend why Howard and Woodson's jersies should not be except for one reason.
scott
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 11:52 a.m.
Oh well, I find race to be pertinent as well, keep it up keepingitreal.....
smokeblwr
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 1:20 a.m.
Nope. I agree with those saying jersey numbers should only be retired for those athletes who also hold a degree. That is showing the true commitment to UM. Leaving school for the money and never finishing means you aren't recognized as an official alumnus and deserve no special recognition no matter how good you were on the field.
DonAZ
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 12:20 a.m.
This really steams me ... I'm sick and tired of the line of argument offered by "KeepingItReal" ... There is no reason to believe Howard and Woodson have not been retired because of the "one reason" offered by this person. The last number retired in #98 -- Tom Harmon -- who last played in 1940. You think Michigan made a conscious decision back then to stop retiring numbers because the advent of the black player was around the corner? What about Brian Griese? He led Michigan to a National Championship. You don't see any clamor to retire his number. Ditto Ricky Leach. Or #41 -- Rob Lytle -- who died an untimely death just this year. How about Willie Heston back in Michigan's "Point a Minute" teams? Michigan doesn't retire numbers because Michigan understands the long history and legacy it has. It believes in the notion of "team" vs. "individual." So knock it off with this nonsense veiled chatter about discrimination and exclusion due to race. It's nonsense and you know it.
DonAZ
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 11:40 p.m.
Oh, so this is all about race? There's nothing more phoney in today's culture than the phrase "keeping it real." Howard did not more than Anthony Carter. What about Dennis Franklin? What about George Jewitt (1890)? Leave that out of it ... it's about performance and teamwork. The pigmentation of the skin means nothing.
DonAZ
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 11:19 p.m.
Something tells me Desmond Howard likes the sound of his own voice. It's not "his" number. It's Michigan's. He should try a bit of humility ... it works wonders on one's reputation. In short -- memo to Howard: "Shut your pie hole for a bit."
jjc155
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 11:52 a.m.
exactly this. I am always much more impressed by schools/players that do NOT have the players names on the back of the jersey. That just individualizes (if that is a word LOL) a team sport and allows cockiness instead of confidence to flourish
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 11:07 p.m.
I think asking for it disqualifies you. Good Night and Good Grief
rekot
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 11:01 p.m.
something to think about . . .just would have been nicer if it didnt come from Desmond
Macabre Sunset
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 10:51 p.m.
11 - the Wisterts 47 - Bennie Oosterbaan 48 - Gerald Ford 87 - Ron Kramer 98 - Tom Harmon Desmond has a mighty big ego. He was a great player here, but since college careers are so short, I'm not sure any numbers should be retired. They have to double up enough as it is.
EyeHeartA2
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 7:06 p.m.
"There have been no jerseys retired since Ford's in 1994." so, I'm going with........after.
DonAZ
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 11:27 p.m.
Can't argue with the Wisterts -- three brothers, all All-American, all wore #11. Can't argue with Bennie Oosterbaan -- player, coach, had to endure the such a last name. :-) Gerald Ford -- when was his number retired, before he became president or after? Kramer -- c'mon ... a name synonymous with Michigan. Harmon -- if he were the grandfather of Angie Harmon we wouldn't even need to have this conversation. Still, he's freakin' Tom Harmon. Howard? Sure -- Heisman winner. Super Bowl MVP. Great receiver. Great return man. But as "Charlie Brown's Ghost" says below, "asking for it disqualifies you." Spot on. Learn from Woodson -- quiet, goes about his business. does well by his community.
David Briegel
Thu, Jul 14, 2011 : 10:41 p.m.
Not unless they retire AC and Braylon's # 1. I love watching the next great in that number! What numbers are retired at Mich? 98?
Mick52
Fri, Jul 15, 2011 : 9:06 p.m.
I think you can't retire #1. I believe there is a tradition that #1 is worn by a player who deserves if by stellar play. I like tradition. But alas is it disappearing at a rapid rate.