smotheringD

August 25th, 2011 at 12:39 PM ^

Outside the box but it is Denard.  He probably deserves it.

Funny thing is...he'd never wear it.  In his mind it would be like saying, "It's about me, I'm number 1" and that is the absolute opposite of Denard.

 

blueneverquits

August 25th, 2011 at 12:41 PM ^

I have to imagine the team would be fine with that - really, who would dispute it?  But I don't think Denard would be ok with that.  I think the only way he accepts the #1 jersey is if the rest of the team wants him to do it.

justingoblue

August 25th, 2011 at 2:16 PM ^

We had special players fifty years ago and it hasn't become a problem. If a Heisman trophy winner wants to make his number a reward for a position (like endowing the jersey scholarship) then I'm all for it, even if it means filling up the entire field with "special numbers". In reality this will not happen. 1, 2, possibly 7 in the coming years, and I could also see 77, but beyond that I can't think of a easily recognizable number that conveys excellence at a position. Somebody more familiar with history might be able to name more numbers, but I challenge anyone to make the case for more than a few beyond the ones I've named.

freernnur5

August 25th, 2011 at 12:50 PM ^

I don't think its so much about "special players" as it is a way to motivate guys to do more. If it can get all of the WRs going just a little bit harder trying to earn it, would that really be a bad thing?

 

jmblue

August 25th, 2011 at 1:24 PM ^

I agree.  I'm not arguing against captains.  I'm noting that being a captain is a distinction awarded to only a couple of players.  The team awards are others.  It's best not to obsess over logical extremes.  You can emphasize the team and still do these things.

 

wile_e8

August 25th, 2011 at 12:58 PM ^

Of course I see this just after reading the front page and its mention of fake controversies. So *now* it's ok for a non-WR to have the #1 jersey? Whatever.

Moleskyn

August 25th, 2011 at 12:49 PM ^

Juding from comments on here, and other people I've talk to, I feel like Braylon has lost a lot of respect from the fanbase. The guy has acted like a tool since he left Michigan. Not that that strips away his status as a Michigan alum, but does he really have the clout to say something like that? My knee-jerk reaction to this is, "Who cares what Braylon thinks anymore?"

UMaD

August 25th, 2011 at 12:50 PM ^

The 'tradition' of the #1 is more about a guy who is a difference-maker on the field than position --  Someone the defense has to pay attention to with multiple defenders unless they want to see referee armpits.  Denard fits the bill.

UMaD

August 25th, 2011 at 1:17 PM ^

I'm saying there's a more important factor than position.  I don't think anyone would have been upset if Woodson wore #1.

The 'tradition' has changed plenty since the 70s and didn't become anything worth mentioning until Edwards, when Lloyd told him it was something to be earned. Prior to that, #1 was just a number they gave to WR, including true freshman (e.g., Greg McMurtry.)  Alexander inherited as an (unproven) sophomore after McMurtry left.  Then Tyrone Butterfield (true freshman WR) wore it.  Then David Terrell (true freshman) wore it. He ended up being really good, and the #1 jersey by then had some cache around it, which is why Braylon wanted it in the first place...but Lloyd, and his attitude towards #1 is what makes it special.

The #1 is about character and excellence.  You have to PROVE that you deserve it. If it's just the best WR on the Michigan roster, then it loses meaning IMO. 

jmblue

August 25th, 2011 at 1:31 PM ^

It's true that the jersey did not always have to be "earned" but it's always carried a certain cachet.  If a wideout came into the game wearing #1, the TV guys would take note: "Well, you know the staff thinks highly of this kid."  It's a receiver's number.  QBs get the glory of having the ball on every play.  A WR can get the glory of the #1 jersey.

UMaD

August 25th, 2011 at 1:47 PM ^

but Tyrone Butterfield, man.  Even Mario Manningham would have been a waste to some degree if he earned it (and that's why Lloyd might not have given it to him...).

I'd rather the honor be associated with character than slavishly tied to a single position.  Giving it to Denard would make the #1 jersey mean even more than it does right now. 

As much as everyone seems to detest Braylon, I think he's right on this one.  Its not about position.