After his first season as head football coach at the University of Michigan, Rich Rodriguez wanted to get some Wolverine alumni involved in the annual spring game festivities. And so, the alumni flag football game was born.

Saturday morning, despite 40-degree temperatures and 25 mph winds, more than 50 former players strapped up the cleats and took the field.

“They really appreciate coming back and you can see their competitiveness come through in the game,” said Rodriguez, who joined the alumni after the game for a photo, and led them in a Michigan cheer. “Great group of guys, a lot of pride in the University of Michigan football program and it’s great to see ‘em all, really appreciate their support.''

“As guys have heard about it, they’ve called us and wanted to get involved,” said David Ablauf, Michigan director of media relations. “It’s been fun to get these guys involved.”

Alumni from as far back 1961, when ironman football was the norm, made it out, such as Jim Conley (end, ‘61-64).

"My strategy is to stay out of the way of the young guys,” joked Conley, who captained the 1964 Rose Bowl team, in the locker room before the game. “The biggest thing that I want to do is get in and get out without an injury.

“Thanks to U of M I’ve got a few artificial limbs and joint around here.”

Another Jim stole the show, and he wasn’t even a former football star as basketball Fab Fiver Jimmy King (guard, ’92-95) snuck his way on the field.

“They don’t even know I’m out here yet, really. Truthfully, I just went in the locker room, stole some gear,” King said before the game. “A-Train (Anthony Thomas) was running a little late so I just went in his locker, took his gear, now I’m out here.”

King didn’t stay concealed long, reeling in a diving touchdown reception from Jermaine Gonzales (quarterback/receiver, ’00-04) to temporarily put the Maize team ahead. He nearly hauled in another touchdown as time expired on what would have been a game-tying “Hail Mary.”

“Jimmy may have some football eligibility left,” Rodriguez joked. “He looked pretty good out there.”

Former Michigan quarterback John Navarre (’99-’03) took snaps for the winning Blue team, which was coached by Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley (defensive end, ’03-’06). Woodley spent most of his time working the refs.

“Gotta stay on the officials,” said Woodley. “We gotta make sure that the referees call a fair game and call it both ways.”

It seemed to work, as the Blue team’s game-winning drive was kept alive by an interference call in the end zone.

“Lamar’s a Super Bowl champion…he’s a legend here, so of course he’s gonna get that call. That’s why Charles (Woodson) gotta play next year,” said Marcus Ray (safety, ’95-98).

“I think he paid the refs,” said Maize coach Desmond Howard (receiver, ‘89-91) with a smile. “I think that they gotta go check their pockets as they exit the stadium today see if they got some extra dollars in there.

“It was a fun game; we had a good time out there.”

Ray took the hardest hit of the day on an errant pass over the middle. His sunglasses were a casualty on the play.

“It’s probably a little karma ‘cause I used knock heads out here a little bit,” Ray joked.

Despite the weather, a large contingent of fans showed up to see the former stars and their onfield exploits fetched far fewer cheers than the brief appearance by the sun.

The biggest cheer of the day, however, came for Vada Murray (defensive back, ’87-90) whose recent battle with cancer inspired a thunderous applause and a unanimous MVP vote despite not playing a single down.

“It feels good to be out here, be back with the guys,” said Chuck Winters (safety, ’92-96). “To reconnect with all the guys from all the different eras, I appreciate that so much.”

“It’s a big family,” said Tommy Jones (receiver, ’98-’00). “It’s a big family. We get together we’re always going to have fun. We enjoy each other. It’s a big family so that’s the kind of environment we keep around here.”

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by e-mail at petercunningham@annarbor.com, or by phone at 734-623-2565. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.