Syracuse University Athletics

     The College Football Hall of Fame has its own tribute with a "Syracuse 44" exhibit, which will be on display until December 1, 2005. The jersey number 44 is legendary at Syracuse University. The school will forever retire the number this weekend during a special halftime ceremony at the Orange football game against South Florida on November 12. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. Tickets are available online (click here) or at the Carrier Dome Box Office (1-888-DOMETIX).

     The College Football Hall of Fame exhibit centers on Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little, all of whom are College Football Hall of Famers and the three most famous players to wear the Syracuse 44 jersey. The display includes a highlight video of the talented trio and a separate video on the tragic story of Davis, who succumbed to Leukemia at the age of 23 shortly after becoming the first African-American recipient of the Heisman Memorial Trophy.

     "The Syracuse 44 is the most legendary jersey number in all of college football," said Hall of Fame curator Kent Stephens. "What makes the legend even more notable are the numerous links and similarities between Brown, Davis and Little. The inspirational story of Ernie Davis further adds to the mystique."

     Additional artifacts in the exhibit include an authentic game-used Brown helmet from the 1956 season and Syracuse's game ball from their 1959 National Championship season, a team led by sophomore sensation Davis. A Heisman pin worn at Davis' 1961 Heisman Trophy Award presentation is also on display.

 

     For further information about the College Football Hall of Fame, click here.