The Great Jersey Heist: Who Done Did It at Michigan?
Ever wondered why certain numbers at Michigan are about as common as a vegetarian at a steakhouse? Well, my friend, you've stumbled upon the fascinating world of retired jerseys! These bad boys are hung up high, a constant reminder of the gridiron greats who wore them before. But who exactly are these jersey ghosts of Wolverines past? Let's crack open the vault and see!
What Numbers Are Retired At Michigan |
The Usual Suspects: A Rogues' Gallery of Retired Numbers
- #11: The Wistert Brothers - Talk about a family affair! Francis (Whitey), Albert, and Alvin Wistert were all three All-Americans, making them a triple threat and a headache for opposing quarterbacks. Sharing a number? Now that's some serious sibling trust.
- #21: Desmond Howard - This Heisman Trophy winner could do it all: catch touchdowns, return kicks for scores, even dab – well, maybe not the dab, but you get the idea.
- #47: Bennie Oosterbaan - A three-sport superstar, Oosterbaan excelled in football, basketball, and even baseball! This Renaissance man could have suited up for any team, but chose to be a Wolverine legend instead.
- #48: Gerald Ford - Yes, you read that right. The 38th president of the United States once donned the maize and blue. While his political career might be more famous, Ford was a tough center back in his day.
- #87: Ron Kramer - This two-way terror was a nightmare for opponents. An All-American in both offense and defense, Kramer was a touchdown machine on one end and a bone-crushing tackler on the other.
- #98: Tom Harmon - Nicknamed "The Harmon Hurricane," this quarterback was a scoring sensation. He even won an Academy Award nomination for his acting skills... although, maybe sticking to football was the right call.
The Jersey Caper: A Brief History Lesson (with a Twist)
Believe it or not, these jerseys weren't always retired. In a move that some might call outrageous (and others might call a marketing ploy), Michigan decided to unretire the jerseys for a few years. Think of it as the "Legends Program," where any player could wear the hallowed numbers. Gasp! The horror! Thankfully, reason prevailed, and the jerseys were rightfully returned to the rafters, where they belong.
FAQ: Your Burning Jersey Retirement Questions Answered (Finally!)
How to wear a retired jersey at Michigan?
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
Easy answer: don't. Those jerseys are for the legends, not for us mere mortals (unless you happen to be Tom Brady. Then maybe we can talk).
How to convince Michigan to retire another number?
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Start by winning a Heisman Trophy or becoming the President of the United States. That usually does the trick.
How to know which retired jersey belongs to whom?
Tip: Break down complex paragraphs step by step.
A trip to Michigan Stadium might be helpful. They have them all on display for your viewing pleasure.
How many total jerseys are retired at Michigan?
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
There are six retired jerseys, representing a total of eight players (thanks to the triple-threat Wisterts).
How to impress your friends with your knowledge of retired Michigan jerseys?
Just casually drop this fact at your next game: "Did you know Gerald Ford wore number 48? Crazy, right?" Instant respect guaranteed (or at least some confused stares).
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