It was announced by Stanford today that the school will be retiring only the third numbered jersey in its history. The player was Pac-10 Conference Player of the Year in 1980 and 1982. He also lost out to Herschel Walker for the Heisman Trophy in 1982.
Only Ernie Nevers (1) and Jim Plunkett (16) have had their numbers retired at Stanford. If you haven't guessed who I am talking about, it's the great Cardinal and terrific Bronco, number 7, John Elway. Presently both Ty Montgomery and Azziz Shittu wear number 7. Once they leave school, no one will wear this number again.
Elway passed for 9,349 yards, and 77 touchdowns, completing 62% of his passes. He held these record until recently, when Andrew Luck shattered most of his records.
As a Jet fan, I hated when we had to face Elway. But as a fan of football, I admired his talent and rooted for him in the Super Bowls. He appeared in a total 5 Super Bowls, losing the first three and winning the last two.
He was a great competitor wherever he played and a great leader, respected by those who played with him. It is not often that one gets a chance to congratulate a fine opponent on such an achievement.
But football fans everywhere will stand and applaud John for this outstanding honor. It is well-deserved.
Congratulations!
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