Inky Johnson Number Retired?

#26
#26
MyBloodRunnethOrange said:
I think the university needs to stop retiring numbers. They should have stopped with the 4 who were killed in WW2. I would rather other players be honered in other ways. Maybe a ring of honor like the Cowboys have.
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Even though I despise the Cowboys,I will admit that is one thing they got right.

I agree the university should stop retiring numbers. I wish they had never started in any sport. Too many starting players wearing the same number seems so Alabama.
 
#27
#27
NO and NO. i like the ring of honor idea. there's already way to many numbers retired. If they keep retiring numbers they will soon have to start using 3 digits
 
#29
#29
volfan51128 said:
Guys, I was just sitting here thinking about all the great players and representatives we've been graced with over the years, and how many great players whom have had their numbers retired. I was thinking, who will be next?

One name automatically came to my mind, and that is Inky Johnson. I mean this guy has given so much back to the University and is also a substantial representative.

Wonder if the athletic department would ever consider retiring his number someday.

thoughts?
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There are very specific rules for retiring numbers and Inky will never qualify.

Heck if you retired all the deserving number everyone now would be wearing a jersey with a triple digit number on it.
 
#31
#31
burntorangeVOLffle said:
And font get TN fans started on the Heistman. His only real short committed was losing to FL.
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Are you speaking English :) I'm guessing auto-correct got you and I believe you were trying to say "And don't get TN fans started on the Heisman. His only real short coming was losing to FL.
 
#32
#32
I agree that I don't think they should retire Inky's jersey. I've heard him speak and he is awesome and an inspiration to many, but let's not retire his jersey. I personally think that is way overrated - I love the ring of honor suggestion.
 
#36
#36
the only reason that I say no is because I honestly believe that he'd rather have his number be honored by being worn by a player with deserving character
 
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#37
#37
I am all for retiring numbers. It is a rare honor. However, I think it should be closely guarded and only used on players who are either so good you can't help but permanently honor them (Manning, R. White) or have contributed in some other heroic way (The WW2 guys, and I think the first black player at UT should have his number retired for what that meant in the 60s South, cant remember his name right now). If you hold the players to that standard, you should only be retiring jerseys maybe once every other decade, for truly "generational" players like Manning. But, JMO of course.
 
#38
#38
WillisWG said:
Retire his jersey maybe, his number no.

University of Tennessee Retires Numbers of Three Football Standouts - University of Tennessee Official Athletic Site

Last year, UTAD began developing criteria to retire numbers. Those criteria include, but are not limited to: candidates must be recognized as good citizens and have a minimum of five years between the candidate's UT football career and consideration of this honor. A candidate must have achieved three of the following five collegiate honors: induction into the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year, Consensus All-America, Heisman Trophy winner, and have won one of the following general athletic/academic or non-position specific awards: Sullivan Award, SEC Athlete of the Year (all sports) or Draddy Award.

Recognizing the tremendous collective impact of Tennessee Volunteers in professional football, candidates must have also achieved THREE of the following four professional distinctions: induction into the NFL Hall of Fame, NFL offensive or defensive MVP, Achieved Pro Bowl status in 5 seasons, and holder of a major career or season statistical record (yards, sacks, tackles, touchdowns scored or thrown).

Candidates who have been enshrined in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the NFL Hall of Fame will receive strong consideration for number retirement.

"We have been blessed with great tradition - established by having a great University, great coaches and great players. In establishing a set of criteria with extremely high standards, these three stood out among the rest. Saluting our history of championship teams, players and performances is vital to the continued success of any great program," said Mike Hamilton, men's athletic director. "UT has had a lot of outstanding athletes. We are constantly looking for new ways to recognize these young men for their contributions to our program. This is one way we acknowledge all they have done, and continue to do, for the University."
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I think the criteria was changed a few years ago when Johnny Majors jersey was retired.

UT Retires Johnny Majors' No. 45 Jersey - University of Tennessee Official Athletic Site

No more numbers are to be taken out of circulation and with specific permission, the numbers out of circulation can be used again with honored player (or his family's) permission.
 
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#39
#39
MyBloodRunnethOrange said:
I think the university needs to stop retiring numbers. They should have stopped with the 4 who were killed in WW2. I would rather other players be honered in other ways. Maybe a ring of honor like the Cowboys have.
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I agree. Unretire all numbers and do the Dallas Cowboy thing. A special memorial outside the stadium would be fitting for any veterans that have lost their lives in service to the country.
 
#40
#40
So there was a thread about this very same thing not long ago and I posted this idea...which I believe to still be a great idea;

Use his jersey number as an award to a player each year that , voted upon by members of the team and staff, exhibits the spirit and heart of a true volunteer during off season and camps.
Cool part of it all is don't award the jersey until the day of or the night before the first game.
 
#41
#41
IndianaVol said:
So there was a thread about this very same thing not long ago and I posted this idea...which I believe to still be a great idea;

Use his jersey number as an award to a player each year that , voted upon by members of the team and staff, exhibits the spirit and heart of a true volunteer during off season and camps.
Cool part of it all is don't award the jersey until the day of or the night before the first game.
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Only problem with that is some players want to make their own name and legacy.
 
#42
#42
MT LeConte said:
Only problem with that is some players want to make their own name and legacy.
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First - if a player is wanting to make his own name and legacy, he is not putting the team first and therefore should not be voted to receive said award.

Second - have a rule that no player can win the award more than once in their tenure at UT. This would give ample opportunity for them to garnish accolades under a different number.
 
#44
#44
No. Inky is a great man who sustained a very serious injury on a very public stage. His sacrifice at UT will never be forgotten by any true Vol fan. He has created a wonderful legacy for himself AFTER the injury and I think Vol fans recognize that is what really makes Inky truly great. He is a warrior. Dont need to commemorate him with a jersey retirement. It would be cool if we had some more plaques around Neyland to honor VFLs like Inky, Antone Davis, Philip Fulmer,... John Chavis? (after he retires and announces that Tennessee is still his home), Condredge Holloway, Peyton Manning, Johnny Majors, et etc.
 
#45
#45
Biopsyman said:
Injuries sucks.. But not a reason to retire a number
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Seriously? It's not like he broke his pinkey finger. He nearly died and has no use at all of his right arm all because of a hit he took during a game. We all talk big but inky LITERALLY gave his all for Tennessee.

I'm not sure about retiring numbers but he definitely should honored at the stadium.
 
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