Why college football jersey numbers matter ESPN college football reporter Adam Rittenberg explains the significance of college football’s most recognizable and revered jersey numbers. 0 Shares Print Syracuse recently announced plans to un-retire its famous No. 44 jersey for special circumstances. That prompted us to look at what numbers are most untouchable — or well-known — for each Big Ten team. Some teams have jersey numbers that should never be worn again. Some don’t. But not all numbers are created equally. Here’s the digits that matter most for Big Ten teams: Illinois: Nos. 50 and 77 There will never be another Galloping Ghost, and no one else could run up and down the field wearing No. 77 quite like Red Grange. Dick Butkus’ No. 50 is also retired; you go ahead and try to ask him for it. Indiana: No. 32 Running back Anthony Thompson’s No. 32 is the only jersey number the Hoosiers have retired in any sport. He was a two-time winner of the Silver Football as Big Ten MVP in 1988 and 1989. Iowa: No. 24 Nile Kinnick is an Iowa treasure. The stadium is named after him…
Continue Reading: Numbers you don’t mess with in the Big Ten
