Speculation on Woodson's Legend Jersey Timing
So what with Seth's front page post on Next-Woodsons and some previous board chatter about legend jerseys, combined with MGoUser Samsoccer7's meeting Charles, and claiming that Charles says he wasn't supposed to talk about legend jerseys (http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/charles-woodsons-twentyfour-wines-chicago-launch-sunda)... my money is on Charles getting a legend jersey patch this year.
But when? For Desmond it was easy. ND, at night, broadcast by Desmond's employer on national TV, a week he was going to be in Ann Arbor anyway. Now Charles? He's employed by the Green Bay Packers and his travel schedule in the fall isn't friendly. That said, I assume they're going to do it during a home game, of which we only have 6, so here are the options:
Sat Sept 8 - Air Force: NO, Woodson and the Packers start their NFL season the next day in San Fransisco.
Sat Sept 15th - UMass: POSSIBLE, Packers and Bears play on Thursday Night the 13th, so Charles has the actual weekend off. Kind of a let down game though.
Sat Oct 13th - Illinois: POSSIBLE, Packers are in Houston for SNF. Could Charles attend an afternoon game at the Big House on Saturday and then head to Houston for a night game on Sunday?
Sat Oct 20th - MSU: DOUBT IT, Charles and the Pack play at the Rams at 1pm the next day, I doubt he'd have the flexibility to be away on a Saturday before an early game. But, it is only going DTW to St Louis... so I won't say a 100% no.
Sat Nov 10th - Northwestern: PROBABLE, This is the Packers' bye week. Less than ideal opponent, but still a good chance. Most NFLers visit on their bye weeks anyway.
Sat Nov 17th - Iowa: PROBABLE, Pack vs. Lions on Sunday the 18th. He'll be in the area anyway for a game, last game of the year, bigger name opponent than Northwestern.
I'll have to ask Jamiemac for the odds, but were I a betting man, I'd guess the Iowa game.
Packers Schedule: http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/schedule/_/name/gb/green-bay-packers
F-STAEE!
and the greatest all-around football player since Jim Thorpe.....
They're not even doing it this year anyway, at least as far as I know. Hoke said he wants to wait until V. Smith graduates before Woodson gets the Legends Jersey.
I'd start speculating on when it would be done in the 2013 season. There should be 7-8 home games, with much more in the way of home marquee matchups (OSU, ND, NEB).
Here's what I'd do:
Three patches for the three Heisman winners. A running back doesn't have to play #98, but the number will still have a patch. These patches are for special memorials to those who brought fame, style, and notoriety to the university as their skill set was universally hailed as the best in the country.
"Unspoken" agreements about certain numbers. #1 is saved for special talents at receiver. #2 is for corners. After that it gets too difficult as we've just had too many players with too many numbers. No quarterback, running back, offensive linemen (Long and Dierdorf stand out but different numbers, same position), etc.
An idea to honor others would be listing every All-American with said number on that locker. Maybe include every 1st Team Big Ten as well.
Recap:
- Patches and speciality lockers are for Heisman winners
- Unspoken agreement about #1 and #2 jerseys that go to special receivers or corners.
- Listing every All-American of that number on that locker.
That's what I'd do at least. Most teams don't honor people at all but Desmond made a big deal about it, rightfully so as he's kind of a 'lost' Heisman winner with Woodson around, so it's been discussed a lot. The locker idea is just a subtle way to catch attention to players who made an impact. I fully except Brandon to implement some stupid idea though which people here will praise as being "great for recruiting" (I.E., ugly ass jerseys that make me want to change channels from embarrassment).