He paired that with four receptions for 29 yards. The Best Syracuse Orange Running Backs of All Time. But Jones is not alone in his efforts to acclimate the younger players to Syracuse's style of play. We present them here for purely educational purposes. [17] He openly admitted that his unwillingness to sign a black player was an effort to appeal to his mostly Southern fan base (they had been the southernmost team in the league for a quarter century). Football Lacrosse Rowing Soccer Track and Field Women's Sports Basketball Cross Country Field Hockey Ice Hockey Lacrosse Rowing Soccer Softball Tennis Track and Field Volleyball Athletics Dept. The teams first met on October 28, 1922 at the New York Polo Grounds battling to a scoreless[citation needed] tie kick-starting an East coast rivalry that has seen 71 total match-ups with the teams meeting almost every season from 1922 to 1990. ", "TSN Presents - Football's 100 Greatest Players", "NFL Top 50: Jim Brown is best player in league history, edges Giants' Lawrence Taylor in Daily News' rankings (Nos. In 2011, rival schools Southside High School (Elmira, New York) and Elmira Free Academy combined their athletic teams, which together were renamed the Elmira Express, named after Ernie Davis. [84], The day after Marrone's departure, Syracuse promoted defensive coordinator Scott Shafer to head coach. The rift between Coach Brown and Modell worsened when Modell brought in doctors who said Davis was well enough to play and Brown still refused to allow it. The No. 10. He is the reason No. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Honorable mention: Art Monk, Qadry Ismail, Rob Moore. Syracuse has finished in the Final Top 25 rankings 21 times in the national polls, and finished in either the AP or Coaches Polls a combined 35 times since 1952. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'orangefizz_net-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',148,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-orangefizz_net-medrectangle-4-0');Widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks ever to play for the Eagles, McNabb spent 12 seasons in the NFL, 11 of those in Philadelphia. Syracuse has finished in the Final Top 25 rankings 21 times in the national polls, and finished in either the AP or Coaches Polls a combined 35 times since 1952. (-107 rushing, 60 passing, in 49 plays)[129] From 1956 to 1966 the Orange regained command winning 8 out of 11. The Colts would go on to win Super Bowl V, 16-13, according to Pro Football Reference.com. [63] Robinson's Orange improved to 48 in 2006[64] but fell to 210 in 2007. When you think of Syracuse lore, the most prominent position is running back. One Syracuse player, Gerhard Schwedes, recommended that the whole Syracuse team leave the banquet to show solidarity with their black teammates, but the suggestion was overruled by Syracuse officials. While the JMA Wireless Dome was being built during the 1979 season, Syracuse played "home" games at three different locationsGiants Stadium, home of the NFL's New York Giants; Rich Stadium (now known as New Era Field), home of the NFL's Buffalo Bills; and Schoellkopf Field, home of the Cornell Big Red. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli), 1999 NFL Draft, first round, Philadelphia Eagles -- McNabb played 11 seasons for the Eagles (1999-2009), one season for the Washington Redskins (2010) and one season for the Minnesota Vikings (2011). He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a 2010 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He averaged 45.7 yards over 89 punts including an NFL rookie best for highest net punting average of 41.4. During this time, Eastern Championships were named by independent third-party selectors and awarded of various trophies. Davis chose to go to the Cleveland Browns where his classmate John Brown would be his roommate and Jim Brown, whom he admired, was already playing. Syracuse can claim one of the best alumni classes in NFL history with multiple players in Canton. Another player that never got a ring but a player whose name will live on in football history, and eventually enshrined in Canton.. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. In addition to breaking the running records of Brown and Davis, Little became the greatest kick returner in Orange history. Check out all the best photos from Rihanna's halftime performance! 44 is well documented. However. The best players of the decade and the team, which includes 29 players, was selected by Big East media members to celebrate the 10th year of Big East football.[142]. Nate Mink gives you his all-time Syracuse football team. If you do not want to select your favorites now, you can continue to Cuse.com and select your favorites later. [53] This was followed by consecutive 66 seasons. The disease was incurable and Davis died at age 23 at Cleveland Lakeside Hospital on May 18, 1963. Popularized erroneously in 1970 by the media as the "Syracuse 8," the nine students behind the boycott were Gregory Allen, Richard Bulls, Dana Harrell, John Godbolt, John Lobon, Clarence "Bucky" McGill, A. Alif Muhammad, Duane Walker, and Ron Womack. (National Football League), 1968 NFL Draft, first round, Miami Dolphins -- Csonka played eight seasons for the Dolphins (1968-1974, 1979) and three seasons for the New York Giants (1976-78). [1][2][3] Davis played college football for Syracuse University and was the first pick in the 1962 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Washington Redskins, but was almost immediately traded to the Cleveland Browns. He led the Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX and was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. This contributed to Modell's decision to replace Brown before the 1963 season. It's a privilege for me to address you tonight as an outstanding American, and as a worthy example of our youth. [121] Aside from Holy Cross, no team has played Boston College more than Syracuse. While the Carrier Dome is technically part of the university, it deserves its own spot on this list. For many years, Syracuse's main football rivals were the nearby Colgate Red Raiders. Davis was the lead guard for Ernie Davis on the national championship team in 1959, helping the Orange lead the country in total offense with 451.5 yards per game. [18] A deal with Cleveland was engineered by Browns coach Paul Brown without the knowledge of the owner Art Modell. [11] Later in 1963, when Elmira chose February 3 to celebrate Davis' achievements, Kennedy sent a telegram, reading: Seldom has an athlete been more deserving of such a tribute. One of those running backs is even considered among the best to ever run the football: Jim Brown. During his first three seasons (194951) and in 1958, he also experimented with an all orange look to camouflage the football. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. In much of the '80s and '90s, Syracuse and West Virginia made for one of the Big East's best head-to-head match-ups on a yearly basis. You won't find Keith Bulluck's named atop the all-time tackles list. Syracuse remained competitive through the 1960s with a series of All-American running backs, including Floyd Little and Larry Csonka (both inductees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame). Jim Brown, a behemoth of an athlete, is often considered the greatest running back to ever play. Brett Bucktooth '06, All-American lacrosse player, National Lacrosse League All-Star, member of the Iroquois Nationals and Onondaga Redhawks Ernie Davis '61, Syracuse University football running back and the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy Dwight Freeney '02, Super Bowl Champion, Indianapolis Colts No receiver ever prepared, practiced and ran as smoothly and effortlessly in and out of his breaks like Harrison, who was held back to a degree here because of the option-based type of offense run at the time. He recorded two receptions for 80 yards, one of which went for the longest touchdown reception in Super Bowl history (up to that point). 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. During its glory years beginning with the first bowl game appearance in 1952, Syracuse football used to wear white jerseys and orange pants at home at Archbold stadium. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,250],'orangefizz_net-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_4',142,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-orangefizz_net-large-leaderboard-2-0');He had 128 receiving touchdowns and had over 14,500 receiving yards. That same season, Elmira Star-Gazette sports writer Al Mallette coined the nickname for Davis, the "Elmira Express". The nation has bestowed upon you its highest awards for your athletic achievements. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. He was part of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins and was inducted in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame. In his final season with the Orangemen in 1962, he still had a decent season. The history of No. [23], While preparing to play in the College All-Star Game against the Green Bay Packers in Chicago in the summer of 1962,[5] Davis awoke with a swollen neck and was hospitalized,[1] with mumps or mononucleosis initially suspected. [86][87] The first season for the Orange in the ACC was 2013. [17] Jim Brown (a high school standout from Manhasset, New York),[18][19] considered to be one of the greatest running backs of all time, as well as one of the greatest players in NFL history,[20] was a consensus first-team All-American in 1956, finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting and set school records for highest season rush average (6.2) and most rushing touchdowns in a single game (6). He was a two-time Super Bowl Champion, going back-to-back at Super Bowl VII and VIII with the Dolphins.Hes in the Pro Football HOF. Olympic track athlete Marty Glickman, who played football for Syracuse, believed athletic director Lew Andreas was a bigot who occasionally used a disparaging term for Blacks; the 18-year-old Glickman thought Andreas should have stood up for Sidat-Singh (Glickman also faulted himself for not standing up for Sidat-Singh). Nate Mink gives you his all-time Syracuse football team. Thanks for signing up! [117] Little was Denver Broncos team captain all 9 seasons, including his rookie season and he was known as "The Franchise". As a coach, he was in charge of the Bills for a period, and was the offensive line coach for a number of teams. [52] Thus, Syracuse remained in the Big East. Your homepage will customize based on your selections. Only a guy with tenacity and bite could earn the nickname "Houng Dog" because of his talent training hunting dogs. Of the 10 athletes remaining, seven have had their jersey or number retired by Syracuse Football. His commemorative statue now stands in front of the school named in his honor, Ernie Davis Academy. [106][107] Dino Babers became the most recent head coach in 2016. The Orange battled for victory inside the walls of Archbold Stadium from 1907 until 1978. and four touchdowns. The Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy goes to the winner of the West Virginia and Syracuse football game. President John F. Kennedy had followed Davis' career and requested to meet him while he was in New York to receive the trophy. The Orange players are led by cornerback Garrett Williams at 55. It is the largest domed stadium of any college campus and the largest domed stadium in the Northeastern United States. Jim Brown, RB, Cleveland Browns Arguably the greatest athlete to ever live, Jim Brown was a star in both football and lacrosse at Syracuse. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. It was chosen to "represent the golden apples of Hesperia, as well as the story of the sunrise and hope for a golden future. Syracuse University officially retired one of the most storied numbers ever associated with a college football program #44 on Saturday, November 12, 2005. Mackey caught a 75-yard reception off a deflected pass from Colts legend Johnny Unitas. The Orange compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Later in 1963, when Elmira chose February 3 to celebrate Davis' achievements, Kennedy sent a telegram, reading: Seldom has an athlete been more deserving of such a tribute. Davis was the first African-American to become part of the organization not only at the Syracuse chapter, but for the national fraternity as a whole. [59], The 2005 season started on a high note as Syracuse nearly upset eventual Big East and Sugar Bowl champion West Virginia, forcing five turnovers in the 157 loss. Read More Jordan Fayson was an assistant coach for the Bennett football team that won its first NYSPHSAA championship on Dec. 4, 2022 at JMA Wireless Dome on the Syracuse University campus. [14] Selected by the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL) in December 1961,[15] he was then almost immediately traded to the Cleveland Browns. Since 1954, 11 players have worn the number and three of the most famous #44s Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little are in the College Football Hall of Fame. The Syracuse Orange should have some of their players picked fairly high compared to recent seasons in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.Even though we're three months away from a player being . He was a three-time Super Bowl champion and a 3-time Pro Bowler., He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008, with five 1000+ yard seasons and 8 playoff touchdowns., if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'orangefizz_net-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_7',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-orangefizz_net-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Jim Brown is not only perhaps the best running back ever but also one of the best football players of all time. Of those consensus All-Americans, 9 are unanimous selections. Formed in 1889, the program has over 700 wins and has achieved 1 consensus Division I Football National Championship, winning the championship game over the Texas Longhorns in the 1960 Cotton Bowl Classic, for the 1959 season. During his rookie year, Little led the NFL in punt returns with a 16.9-yard average. Find out more. The result was that the Colts, led by Mackey, would make it to the Super Bowl at seasons end and face the NFCs Dallas Cowboys. He would also later be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, only the second tight end in NFL history to do so at that time, according to Cuse.com. He led the Eagles to eight playoff appearances and five NFC East Division championships., McNabb never won a Super Bowl ring, but he came as close as you can, losing in Super Bowl XXXIX. After everyone ate and the trophies were handed out, the three black Syracuse players, Brown, Davis and Art Baker were asked to leave and were taken to another party in Dallas by local NAACP representatives. Washington Redskins / 26th / 305th pick /, Tampa Bay Buccaneers / 4th / 106th pick /, Washington Redskins / 12th / 117th pick /, St. Louis Cardinals / 17th / 226th pick /, New England Patriots / 5th / 135th pick /, Tampa Bay Buccaneers / 4th / 101st pick /, New England Patriots / 4th / 112th pick /, Jacksonville Jaguars / 7th / 213th pick /, Includes head coaches and coordinators only. [91], After an extensive coaching search, Syracuse announced the hiring of Bowling Green head coach Dino Babers as the new Orange head football coach. Newman Lowrance), 2002 NFL Draft, first round, Indianapolis Colts -- Freeney played 11 seasons for the Colts (2002-2012) before agreeing to join the San Diego Chargers in 2013. He led the NFL in combined yards in 1967 and 1968 and was the first ever Bronco to win a rushing title, leading the AFC in rushing in 1970 and the following year he became the first Bronco to eclipse 1,000 yards, gaining 1,133 to lead the NFL. That includes The Athletic, who released its updated Big Board of Top 100 prospects, which lists three Orange players. Now that we have finally reached the Top 10 of our list, this is where we meet the cream of the top: the best of the best, and next up is John Mackey. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. AP file photos Dick Stockton '64 NFL. (AP Photo) For more go to NFL.com/CFB247. Staff Directory 50 Years of Women's Athletics Athletics Department Mission Academic Honors ACCELERATE NIL Program Championships & Accomplishments Compliance [49] In 2004, Miami and Virginia Tech left the Big East to join the Atlantic Coast Conference,[50] followed by Boston College in 2005,[51] threatening the stature of the Big East. (AP Photo), 1963 NFL Draft, second round, Baltimore Colts -- Mackey played nine seasons for the Colts (1963-1971) and one season for the San Diego Chargers (1972). The reason we bring this up is because, in 1968, Mackey helped the Colts win the NFL championship (todays equivalent of the NFC Championship) and advance to the Super Bowl, butlost in Super Bowl III to the AFLs New York Jets 16-7. Only the Top 10 teams were recognized from 1962 to 1967. Announced schedules as of February 7, 2020.[160]. Brown won eight rushing titles in nine years (consider: Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders and Walter Payton COMBINED won eight rushing titles, and those guys were, um, pretty good); he retired as the NFL's all-time leader in rushing yards, total yards a Continue Reading 3 1 The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. [5] Syracuse has had 18 members inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, 2nd-most in the ACC, including former players Ernie Davis, Tim Green, Don McPherson, Art Monk and former coaches Vic Hanson, Ben Schwartzwalder, and Dick MacPherson. Frequently Asked Questions about the NFL and Football, Pro-Football-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREE. [93] Babers brought with him an exciting, up-tempo offense he employed both as a head coach and as an assistant coach. Sharing membership in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) since 2013, the Panthers and Orange have played a total of 74 times. [32], Maloney was the subject of criticism, not only from the fans and alumni, but also from the 1959 national championship team, members of which started a campaign calling for his ouster. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. He later was inducted both in the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame. [6] The Orange boast 8 inductees in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame, tied for the 4th-most of any school, including Jim Brown, Marvin Harrison, Larry Csonka, and Floyd Little.[7]. In the 1960s, Brown co-founded the Black Economic Union to support the growth of black-owned businesses. [24] He was diagnosed with acute monocytic leukemia and began receiving medical treatment. Inside The Loud House digs deep and ranks the top 5 players they think ran the ball best while playing for Syracuse Football. [99] Syracuse finished 48 for the second consecutive year. [14] The stadium was a city-owned facility, and the Washington city government has long been legally reckoned as a branch of the federal government (given that the Constitution gives Congress ultimate authority over the capital). On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He was Davis' teammate at Syracuse and on the Cleveland Browns, his roommate and a close friend. Davis was slated to play for the Cleveland Browns in the same backfield as Jim Brown, but died of leukemia before being able to play professionally. [123], Syracuse and West Virginia have played 60 times. [57], In 2005, the university hired Greg Robinson, defensive coordinator for Texas, as head coach. The team features a Heisman Trophy winner, three members of the College Hall of Fame and three other members of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. Video Platform powered by CBS Sports Digital. Mackey may not have been the best tight end to ever play for Syracuse Football, but he redefined the tight end position in an era when rushing the ball was a huge part of the offensive strategy. The game is traditionally played Thanksgiving Day, or the night before Thanksgiving. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. The legend of No. Your high standards of performance on the field and off the field, reflect the finest qualities of competition, sportsmanship and citizenship. The trophy was introduced in 1993 and is named after former WVU football player and Syracuse head coach Ben Schwartzwalder, who had died in March of that year. [62] The squad lost its final eight games of the season. Mackey played for Syracuse Football from 1960-1962. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. He was a 2-time Super Bowl winner, as well as a staggering 10-time Pro Bowler. A three-sport college athlete, he played football, basketball, and baseball at Syracuse in the 1920s, serving as team captain in all three sports. Mackey revolutionized the tight end position when he reached the NFL with the Baltimore Colts, and while there certainly are tight ends who put up better statistics during their career with Syracuse, it's difficult to pass over the trailblazer who made the position what it is today. Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details. He retired as Syracuse's head coach after the 1973 season, which was Syracuse's third consecutive losing season. [7] At 14 months, he was cared for by his maternal grandparents, Willie and Elizabeth Davis. [48] Syracuse, meanwhile, joined the newly formed Big East football conference with traditional rival West Virginia University, and national power Miami. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. The Big East first crowned an official champion in 1993. Both houses of the United States Congress eulogized Davis, and a wake was held at The Neighborhood House in Elmira, New York, where more than 10,000 mourners paid their respects. Redskins founder and owner George Preston Marshall was an avowed racist who kept the Redskins entirely white long after the other teams had integrated. During the funeral, a message was received from President Kennedy, and it was read aloud to all of the people attending the service. The most significant changes were the replacement of the current air-supported roof with a fixed roof, two-thirds of which will be translucent, the installation of air conditioning and the largest centerhung videoboard in college sports. Syracuse, N.Y. A beloved former member of the Syracuse football staff is rejoining it for the first time since 2015 in a new role. The three most famous #44s Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little certainly rank among the finest running backs to ever play the game. [14] Syracuse made its first bowl appearance in the 1953 Orange Bowl,[15] followed by appearances in the 1957 Cotton Bowl[16] and the 1959 Orange Bowl. 44 has become so associated with Syracuse that the university's ZIP code, 13244, was requested by university officials to remember those who wore 44 for the Orange. [71][72][73] Marrone was the first Syracuse alumnus to serve as head football coach since Reaves H. Baysinger in 1948. Despite the racial issues, Davis became the first black athlete to be awarded the Heisman Trophy (the highest individual honor in collegiate football) and he also won the Walter Camp Memorial Trophy following his 1961 season at Syracuse University. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. In addition to providing the University and the fans with an aesthetically beautiful stadium, Archbold gave the Orange football team a distinct home field advantage for all 71 years of its existence. Davis led the 1959 Syracuse team to a national championship, capping an 110 season with a 2314 win over the Texas Longhorns in the 1960 Cotton Bowl Classic, where Davis was named Most Valuable Player. [104], For much of its history, Syracuse played as an independent, as did the majority of what are now labeled as Division I FBS football-playing schools located in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. [75][76][77], Improvement throughout the program was noticed immediately, as the Orange, despite only a marginal improvement in their winloss record, going 48 under Marrone for his first year,[78] played many much more closely, including a 287 loss at number-seven Penn State. After winning the Heisman Trophy, Ernie Davis talked Floyd Little into doing an about face and playing football for Syracuse instead of Notre Dame. Check out the Top 10 photos from Super Bowl LVII! Vic Hanson was an American football player and coach, basketball player, and baseball player. His first appearance was in 1968 (Super Bowl III), and the second was in 1970 (Super Bowl V). Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports. Author Jocelyn Selim writes that at the banquet following the 1960 game, Davis was told he could only accept his award and then would be required to leave the segregated facility when the doors were opened to the public for a dance. Syracuse University was the first school to adopt only one primary color. By Mike McAllister Jan 30, 2023 12:10 PM EST. Another statue of Davis stands on the campus of Syracuse University, near the steps of Hendricks Chapel and the Quad where pre-game pep rallies are held. Brown was one of the NFL's earliest social issues activists along with a group of top African American athletes from different sporting disciplines such as Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali and Kareem Abdul Jabbar. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli) 2 / 5. It is one of the largest student organizations at Syracuse University, consisting of approximately 200 members. He also rushed the ball 58 times for 259 yards (4.5-yard avg.) He was a member of two Colts teams that advanced to the Super Bowl and one that won (Super Bowl V). [144], The National Football League 100th Anniversary All-Time Team was revealed in 2019 after being voted on by a panel consisting of media members, former players and league personnel. Below is the list of first team All Americans named by major selectors. The Seahawks cut him during training camp in the following year, and Kane moved to the Canadian . Orange teams outrushed opponents by more than 22,000 yards under Schwartzwalder. After everyone ate and the trophies were handed out, the three black Syracuse players, Brown, Davis and Art Baker were asked to leave and were taken to another party in Dallas by local NAACP representatives. Syracuse -- which has produced seven members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame -- boasts an impressive list of NFL alumni. Author Jocelyn Selim writes that at the banquet following the 1960 game, Davis was told he could only accept his award and then would be required to leave the segregated facility. [97] In the final game of the season, Syracuse lost to ACC rival Pittsburgh by a score of 7661. Davis played football for coach Ben Schwartzwalder at Syracuse University from 1959 to 1961, and went on to national fame in each of those three seasons, twice winning first-team All-American honors. Syracuse started wearing white jerseys and orange jerseys (and pants) at home again in the 2000s. Check out the top current NFL players from Syracuse. [54][55] Although they won a share of the Big East title in 2004 and competed in the Champs Sports Bowl,[56] the teams from 2002 to 2004 were considered mediocre by Syracuse standards. [108] After his successful college career, Brown went on to become one of the greatest football players of all time. 2003 NFL Draft, first round, Seattle Seahawks -- Trufant has played 10 seasons for the Seahawks (2003-2012). Jim Boeheim has been short with his answers in postgame pressers before. Davis was the number-one pick in the 1962 NFL Draft on December 4, 1961. [29] Maloney's tenure at Syracuse was marked by inconsistency. It's a privilege for me to address you tonight as an outstanding American, and as a worthy example of our youth. [96] However, they were blown out 540 in their next game by No. But Bulluck has spent more years in the NFL than any other linebacker to come out of Syracuse despite starting his college career at safety. [4] Davis was diagnosed with leukemia that same year,[5][6] and died shortly after at age 23 without ever playing in a professional game. 88 jersey retired, according toCuse.com. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. [34], Dick MacPherson was hired as the head coach in 1981[35] and after several mediocre seasons, fans wanted MacPherson fired, coining the phrase, "Sack Mac". College football fans, were ranking the best Syracuse Orange running backs of all time. AP Poll began selecting the nation's Top 20 teams in 1936.