| SYRACUSE, NY (Oct. 28) -- Syracuse University has named its All-Century Team, featuring the top 44 players from the 20th century. The team features a Heisman Trophy winner, three members of the College Hall of Fame and three other members of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame.
Jake Crouthamel, Director of Athletics, announced the team following a selection process that included more than six thousand fan votes. Ballots were distributed at SU's four home football games and in nearly 400 stores in Central New York that sold Frito Lay products. Fans also had an opportunity to vote on the Internet at Syracuse. com for their top 44 players.
"The number of players chosen was based on SU's fabled Number 44. That number was worn by the great running backs from the glory days of the mid-1950's to the mid 1960's, that included Hall of Famer Jim Brown, Heisman Trophy winner Ernie Davis and three-time All-American Floyd Little," Crouthamel said. "It is the most famous number in Syracuse sports history."
The All-Century Team includes players from eight different decades. The criteria for selecting the team included all players who significantly impacted SU football with special consideration for those who were either members of the Hall of Fame, All-Americans or who had played in the NFL. Nominees for the ballot were selected by three prominent figures associated with the Syracuse University football program, including: Sports Information Director emeritus Larry Kimball; former Syracuse Newspapers sports editor Arnie Burdick and former player, coach and athletic administrator Joe Szombathy.
"Being selected to this elite team typifies the tremendous success that SU football has achieved throughout the 20th century. Some of these athletes are among the greatest to ever play college football. It is an honor for us to recognize their talents and contributions at our final home game of the century," Crouthamel said.
Members of the All-Century Team will be honored at the November 6 game against Temple and throughout the weekend. Crouthamel said the response from players making the team "has been phenomenal" and that the University expects a large turnout of former players who are not currently playing in the NFL to return.
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