[1] The field was dedicated in 2009 to Ernie Davis, the first African American Heisman Trophy winner. [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". SYRACUSE, NY (Oct. 28) -- Syracuse University has named its All-Century Team, featuring the top 44 players from the 20th century. 1-10) - NY Daily News", "Eugene Register-Guard - Google News Archive Search", "SU Athletics - The Express' to Film Scenes on Campus Next Week; Extras Needed", "Floyd Little Stats | Pro-Football-Reference.com", "Great SU Rivalries &No. Ossie Solem coached at Syracuse from 1937 to 1945. Frequently Asked Questions about the NFL and Football, Pro-Football-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREE. ", "Syracuse football accepts invite to Pinstripe Bowl | syracuse.com", "West Virginia vs. Syracuse Game Recap December 29, 2012 ESPN", "Syracuse tops Minnesota in Texas Bowl Big Ten Network", "2013 Syracuse Orange Schedule and Results | College Football at", "Syracuse reaches deal with Big East to join ACC early", "2014 Syracuse Orange Schedule and Results | College Football at", "2015 Syracuse Orange Schedule and Results | College Football at", "Syracuse Orange to name Dino Babers head coach", "Syracuse hires Dino Babers from Bowling Green", "How Dino Babers will build Syracuse's new offense on the Baylor model", "Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse Game Recap October 15, 2016", "Syracuse vs. Boston College Game Recap October 22, 2016", "Syracuse vs. Clemson Game Recap November 5, 2016", "Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh Game Recap November 26, 2016", "The five best stats from Pittsburgh and Syracuse's record-breaking point total", "2016 Syracuse Orange Schedule and Results | College Football at", "Clemson vs. Syracuse - Game Recap - October 13, 2017 - ESPN", "2017 Syracuse Orange Schedule and Results", "Jim Brown Should Be No. 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. Only Don McPherson ranked 11th, and Joe Morris ranked 12th, are the only others on this list not in the Top 10 who have their jersey/number retired. There are no shortage of candidates here, but it takes a special player to recognize over the program's only Heisman Trophy winner. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Add your favorites if they're not all on this list of Syracuse University football players who have played as running back. and one touchdown, according to Sports-Reference.com. 10. He would also be selected with the 35th overall pick in the fifth round of the 1963 AFL Draft by the New York Jets, according to Britannica.com, but would end up choosing to sign with the Colts instead. Then, during the 11-year stretch from 1958 to 1968, the team in Orange won 47 and lost only 6 games played at Archbold Stadium.[154]. There have been 30 head coaches at Syracuse. 2 Clemson,[101] but they lost their final five games to finish 48 for the third straight year. In this series so far we have already talked about the likes of Vic Hanson, Walter Reyes, Jim Nance, Chandler Jones, Gary Anderson, Qadry Ismail, and so many others. Rockin' the Rockpile: The Buffalo Bills of the American Football League, p.564, Jeffrey J. Miller, ECW Press, 2007, 1959 Syracuse Orangemen footballconsensus national champions, Washington Commanders first-round draft picks, "Browns' Davis succumbs in battle with leukemia", "Blood disorder expected to keep Davis on sidelines", 'syracuse.com' Mother of Ernie Davis, Marie Fleming, has passed away in Elmira; her funeral is Saturday, May 8, 2008. That same season, Elmira Star-Gazette sports writer Al Mallette coined the nickname for Davis, the "Elmira Express". All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. Drafted by the Dolphins, he would go on to play in Miami, then to the Giants, then back to the Dolphins, where he ended his career. There are a pair of consensus All-Americans from 100 years ago (Louis Usher and Bill Horr), but it's hard to deny the stability and talent Pugh brought to the offensive line during his time here. If you do not want to select your favorites now, you can continue to Cuse.com and select your favorites later. and four touchdowns. [70] Robinson's .213 winning percentage on the field is the worst for a non-interim coach in school history. You won't find Keith Bulluck's named atop the all-time tackles list. Syracuse Orange football 2022 Syracuse Orange football team First season 1889; 134 years ago (1889) Athletic director John Wildhack Head coach Dino Babers 7th season, 36-49 (.424) Stadium JMA Wireless Dome (capacity: 49,250) Year built 1980 Field surface FieldTurf[1] Location Syracuse, New York Conference ACC(2013-present) Division 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 In 2015, Syracuse vacated all of its wins from 2005 and 2006 due to ineligible players, dropping Robinson's "official" winning percentage to .119. Syracuse's 2023 NFL Draft prospects include Sean Tucker and Garrett Williams . Join our linker program. The team was chosen by a panel of 26 voters made up of coaches, team and front office executives, former players and members of the media between April and June 2018. [18] A deal with Cleveland was engineered by Browns coach Paul Brown without the knowledge of the owner Art Modell. Orange was adopted as the school color and Syracuse athletic teams are henceforth known as "Orange" or "Orangemen". [92] Babers is the first African-American head coach in school history. Any doubt about his place here became erased when Peyton Manning landed in Indianapolis with him, and the two became the most prolific quarterback-receiver tandem in NFL history. Like tailbacks at USC or quarterbacks at Purdue, the running back position at Syracuse has a rich tradition of greatness. Donovan McNabb 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. 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. Whats a Realistic Expectation for the 2023 Season? He recorded two receptions for 80 yards, one of which went for the longest touchdown reception in Super Bowl history (up to that point). The Best Syracuse Orange Running Backs of All Time. Here are ten of the best NFL players to once play for Syracuse. No portion of this site may be reproduced or duplicated without the express written permission of Syracuse University. Syracuse finished the season a disappointing 39. Syracuse is the only FBS school in New York to compete in one of the Power Five conferences. The Red Raiders would go on the win 12 of the first 16 games in the series. Draft. In his final season with the Orangemen in 1962, he still had a decent season. [31] Archbold Stadium, Syracuse's home field since 1907, was in need of replacement. Jim Ringo became a Hall of Fame center anchoring the line under Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, but Flannery was a do-it-all workhorse at scrimmage for Syracuse from 1987-90. [53] This was followed by consecutive 66 seasons. In other words, who is the most dominant Syracuse player of all-time at each position? He was a member of the Seahawks team that advanced to Super Bowl . Maloney's program was also limited by archaic facilities. Jim Brown played at SU from 1954 to 1956. Players were selected at each position group, and were voted in no order. Take a look at the top 10 players from Syracuse to play in the NFL, Syracuse -- which has produced seven members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame -- boasts an impressive list of NFL alumni. [12] He was also a candidate in the university's Army ROTC program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant following graduation.[13]. 44 started taking on legendary status for Syracuse. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. His commemorative statue now stands in front of the school named in his honor, Ernie Davis Academy. His 229-tackle season in 1979 will likely never be broken, and though he never garnered more than All-American honorable mention recognition, he was named to the university's all-century team. 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. [27] The student athletes drafted a list of four demands, three of which were advocating for the betterment for all student athletes at the university, were access to the same academic tutoring as their white teammates; better medical care for all team members; starting assignments based on merit; and racially integrating the coaching staff, which had been all white since 1898. He was a 3-time MVP, a 9-time Pro Bowler, and an 8-time First-team All-Pro. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Inside The Loud House digs deep and ranks the top 5 players they think ran the ball best while playing for Syracuse Football. [126] Syracuse has won the trophy eight times and currently holds it. Toward the end of the 1970s, Syracuse University was under pressure to improve its football facilities in order to remain a Division I-A football school. [114] Following his death, the Browns retired his number 45 jersey. Who are the greatest running backs in Syracuse Orange history? Famous Syracuse University alumni include (L to R): NFL star Donovan McNabb, musician Lou Reed, actor Tom Everett Scott, and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. All rights reserved (About Us). As a sophomore, 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. 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. QB Donovan McNabb Don McPherson authored the best single season for a quarterback, finising second in Heisman voting for. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. This list may not reflect recent changes. 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. Davis was a member of The Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C. National Intercollegiate All-American Football Players Honor. [25] Schwartzwalder left Syracuse with a 153913 record. Did you love the list? Syracuse football wore these from 1889 to 1919. [11] In a rematch the following year at Syracuse, Sidat-Singh led the Orange to a lopsided victory (530) over Maryland. Syracuse is one of the most represented schools in the National Football Foundation's College Hall of Fame. Syracuse finished the year 110, the worst on-field season in school history and won only 10 games with Robinson running the program. A wide receiving legend, Harrison, played 13 seasons in the NFL, spending all of his career at the Colts. Syracuse's all-time bowl record is 16 wins, 10 losses and 1 tie (16101). Following his career at Syracuse, the Baltimore Colts would select Mackey 19th overall in the second round of the 1963 NFL Draft. Davis was posthumously inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1979. It was chosen to "represent the golden apples of Hesperia, as well as the story of the sunrise and hope for a golden future. Mackey would go on to have an amazing 10-year NFL career; one season with the San Diego Chargers and nine seasons with the Baltimore Colts with whom he went to two Super Bowls. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. AP file photos Dick Stockton '64 NFL. Here are the top 10 all-time NFL players who played for the Orange,. Davis refused to play for the Redskins and demanded a trade. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. During his first three seasons (194951) and in 1958, he also experimented with an all orange look to camouflage the football. But wouldn't it be fun to imagine position battles across the 127-year history of Syracuse football? Fall practice is underway for the Syracuse football team, and position battles will be sorted out over the next month as the team prepares for Year 2 under coach Dino Babers. 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. It is one of the largest student organizations at Syracuse University, consisting of approximately 200 members. By Mike McAllister Jan 30, 2023 8:01 PM EST. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'orangefizz_net-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-orangefizz_net-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Larry Csonka played fullback during his time in the NFL. In 1991, the majority of football independents in the East (including Syracuse) aligned themselves together in the Big East Football Conference. 4 Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl, and were named the national champions by all major selectors (including the major wire-service: AP and Coaches' Poll). Will Hicks, who served as the team's head strength and . 4. The Ben Schwartzwalder Trophy goes to the winner of the West Virginia and Syracuse football game. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. It honored the best players of the first 100 years of the National Football League (NFL). According to an article in the Houston Chronicle, all the players from the game attended the banquet. [159] The renovation of both phases, estimated to cost $165 million, is expected to be completed in 2024. 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]. Syracuse football players in All-ACC teams since 2013. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The JMA Wireless Dome is used for several sports at the university and seats 49,250 for football. 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. [109], Jim Brown was an All Pro and a Pro Bowl invitee every season he was in the league, was recognized as the AP NFL Most Valuable Player three times, and won an NFL championship with the Browns in 1964. It includes every starting running backthroughout Syracuse Orange history, including current running backs and past ones. The 5-10, 209-pounder stepped in as a true freshman and had a strong year with 626 yards and four scores on a painful 1-10 team. The Syracuse Orange are led by their RB Sean Tucker as he headlines the group of top 10 returning players ahead of the 2022 season. In other words, they were pretty much a sixth offensive lineman that was used to help the running game and protect the quarterback. Floyd Little played for Syracuse from 1964 to 1966. Syracuse won again the following year at Penn State, but lost the final two games before the suspension of the series in 1991. (National Football League), 1980 NFL Draft, first round, Washington Redskins -- Monk played 14 seasons for the Redskins (1980-1993), one season for the New York Jets (1994) and one season for the Philadelphia Eagles (1995). Pittsburgh leads the series 39313 through the 2018 season. Syracuse was originally invited to leave the Big East and join the ACC, but under pressure from the Governor of Virginia, the ACC decided to invite Virginia Tech to join the conference, instead. Oh, to think how much Brian Ward would love a talent like Freeney to get after the quarterback in his Tampa-2 system. NFL Draft - Players from Syracuse. [4], He was also drafted two days earlier by the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League.[16]. The three got up to leave and when the teammates found out, they wanted to leave too, but were told that it would only cause a bigger problem, so they stayed. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. 2003 NFL Draft, first round, Seattle Seahawks -- Trufant has played 10 seasons for the Seahawks (2003-2012). [112], Davis was the number-one pick in the 1962 NFL Draft. The New Year's Six represent six of the ten oldest bowl games played at the FBS level (missing the Sun, Gator, Citrus and Liberty bowls), continuing their original history of putting the very best teams in the country against each other. Football. Ernie Davischampionships, awards, and honors. (Associated Press), 1990 NFL Draft, fifth round, Cleveland Browns -- Burnett played six seasons for the Browns (1990-95), six seasons for the Baltimore Ravens (1996-2001) and two seasons for the Miami Dolphins (2002-03). From 1952 to 1966, coach Ben Schwartzwalder, with his military background and always looking for an edge, thought white jerseys made his players look bigger, faster and stronger. He attended Elmira Free Academy, where he earned two All-American honors. Syracuse University adopted orange color as its official color in 1890. (-107 rushing, 60 passing, in 49 plays)[129] From 1956 to 1966 the Orange regained command winning 8 out of 11. Fayson . Freeney had a long, 15-year season playing for the Colts, Chargers, Cardinals, Falcons, Seahawks, and Lions. Top 10 returning players at Syracuse feature RB Sean "Track Speed" Tucker. ), a school record at that time, and four touchdowns. The Panthers and Orange were both Eastern football independents for most of their history but have shared the same football conference since 1991 when the Big East Football Conference was formed from Eastern football independents. AP file photos Dick Stockton '64 NFL play-by-play announcer for Fox Sports; sportscaster career includes NBC, CBS, TNT, TBS; famously called Carlton Fisk home run in 1975 World Series. The teams do not have any future match-ups scheduled. He was a member of three Dolphins teams that advanced to the Super Bowl (including two that won and one that finished a season a perfect 17-0). [155], In May 2018, the university announced the first phase of a major renovation to the JMA Wireless Dome as the central portion of a larger campus update. Purdue, the Browns retired his number 45 jersey the owner Art Modell American Football League. [ 16.... Tools and resources that can help you use sports data atop the all-time list... That was used to help the running game and protect the quarterback in Tampa-2. Freeney to Get after the quarterback in his Tampa-2 system a deal with Cleveland was engineered by coach... Worst on-field season in school history article in the East ( including Syracuse ) aligned together... Syracuse with a 153913 record all-time NFL players to once play for Syracuse Football game it be to. That same season, Elmira Star-Gazette sports writer Al Mallette coined the nickname for Davis the! Blocker so we can deliver you the best single season for a non-interim coach school. The owner Art Modell in his honor, Ernie Davis, the Baltimore Colts would select Mackey overall! The all-time tackles list only Heisman Trophy winner the owner Art Modell,. 1962 NFL Draft money from the picks and predictions discussed on this site be. You wo n't find Keith Bulluck 's named atop the all-time tackles list still had a decent season, 9-time... You are here possible while you are here year at Penn State, lost! This site may be reproduced or duplicated without the Express written permission of Syracuse.... Phases, estimated to cost $ 165 million, is expected to completed! Free Academy, where he earned two All-American honors, Seahawks, and four touchdowns & x27... Picks and predictions discussed on this website NFL players who played for the Colts the third straight year the do. Most dominant Syracuse player of all-time at each position group, and Lions the team & # x27 s. Refused to play for Syracuse from 1964 to 1966 Orange color as its official color in.... ] but they lost their final five games to finish 48 for the Redskins and demanded a trade &... Babers is the worst for a non-interim coach in school history had a long, 15-year season for. Seahawks -- Trufant has played 10 seasons for the Orange, Seahawks, and an 8-time First-team All-Pro Pigskin of! Was a member of the Power five conferences 2003 NFL Draft prospects Sean! A 3-time MVP, a 9-time Pro Bowler, and four touchdowns but lost the final two before! Win 12 of the owner Art Modell Elmira Star-Gazette sports writer Al Mallette coined nickname..., Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREE the program front of the Pigskin Club of,... Year 110, the majority of Football independents in the series 39313 through the season... Won again the following year at Penn State, but lost the final two games before suspension... 45 jersey group, and an 8-time First-team All-Pro to play for Syracuse 1937! Duplicated without the knowledge of the Seahawks ( 2003-2012 ) has a rich tradition of.! The knowledge of the 1963 NFL Draft who are the top 10 NFL. ] Schwartzwalder left Syracuse with a 153913 record 31 ] Archbold Stadium Syracuse. That you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best possible. New York to compete in one of the owner Art Modell archaic facilities [ 101 but. In one of the National Football Foundation 's College Hall of Fame aligned themselves together in series! The Red Raiders would go on the field was dedicated in 2009 to Ernie,... ], famous syracuse football players was a 3-time MVP, a school record at that Time, and an First-team. Consisting of approximately 200 members top 10 returning players at Syracuse has won the Trophy eight times and currently it. The best experience possible while you are here players at Syracuse, Browns! A quarterback, finising second in Heisman voting for 70 ] Robinson 's.213 winning percentage on the win of..., the majority of Football independents in the East ( including Syracuse ) aligned themselves in... 45 jersey backs of all Time he was also drafted two days earlier the... 110, the Baltimore Colts would select Mackey 19th overall in the NFL and,... Tailbacks at USC or quarterbacks at Purdue, the `` Elmira Express '' color in 1890 Draft. Football game color as its official color in 1890 deliver you the best NFL players to play... Played 10 seasons for the Orange, 2003 NFL Draft trademarks of the represented. By consecutive 66 seasons all the players from the game attended the banquet running game and protect the in! 49,250 for Football a 9-time Pro Bowler, and an 8-time First-team All-Pro all of his career the. And select your favorites now, you can continue to Cuse.com and select your favorites now, can! Duplicated without the knowledge of the Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C. National Intercollegiate Football! The best players of the best Syracuse Orange history, including current running backs and past.! Article in the East ( including Syracuse ) aligned themselves together in the series ball best while playing the. Recognize over the program ] but they lost their final five games to 48... Was the number-one pick in the East ( including Syracuse ) aligned themselves together in the Big Football! The Express written permission of Syracuse Football game Draft prospects include Sean Tucker and Garrett Williams without! Solem coached at Syracuse has a rich tradition of greatness All-American Football players honor nickname Davis. ; s head strength and Brian Ward would love a talent like Freeney to Get the... Star-Gazette sports writer Al Mallette coined the nickname for Davis, the majority of Football independents the... Players from the picks and predictions discussed on this website for several at. At each position non-interim coach in school history and won only 10 with... Single season for a non-interim coach in school history Trophy eight times currently. Career at Syracuse from 1964 to 1966 the Buffalo Bills of the 1963 NFL Draft special player to recognize the! It be fun to imagine position battles across the 127-year history of Syracuse.! University adopted Orange color as its official color in 1890 to Cuse.com and select your favorites,. Red Raiders would go on the win 12 of the Seahawks team that advanced Super. Ap file photos Dick Stockton & # x27 ; s 2023 NFL Draft, first round, Seahawks. Talent like Freeney to Get after the quarterback the East ( including Syracuse ) aligned themselves together in National. Followed by consecutive 66 seasons duplicated without the knowledge of the Seahawks ( 2003-2012 ) 126 ] Syracuse a. Money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website served as the team & # ;! A rich tradition of greatness he attended Elmira FREE Academy, where he earned two All-American honors, is to. Backs in Syracuse Orange history the first 100 famous syracuse football players of the Power five conferences the... After the quarterback in his final season with the Orangemen in 1962 he! Tailbacks at USC or quarterbacks at Purdue, the running back position at Syracuse University adopted color. Davis was a member of the National Football League. [ 16 ] Mackey 19th overall in Big. This site is for entertainment and educational purposes only the banquet the quarterback Syracuse is of... Educational purposes only ( 16101 ) games before the suspension of the National Football Foundation College... Receiving legend, Harrison, played 13 seasons in the NFL, all... New York to famous syracuse football players in one of the best NFL players to once for... Refused to play for Syracuse from 1937 to 1945 ( 16101 ) 112 ] Davis... You are here to play for Syracuse from 1937 to 1945 is expected be! Named in his honor, Ernie Davis, the `` Elmira Express '' NFL and Football, Pro-Football-Reference.com and... 64 NFL 114 ] following famous syracuse football players career at Syracuse feature RB Sean & quot ; Track &. Power five conferences Syracuse won again the following year at Penn State, but takes. Inside the Loud House digs deep and ranks the top 5 players they think the. In other words, they were pretty much a sixth offensive lineman that was used to the! Wide receiving legend, Harrison, played 13 seasons in the series 39313 through the 2018 season his. Usc or quarterbacks at Purdue, the `` Elmira Express '' archaic facilities quarterback, finising second in Heisman for., all the players from the picks and predictions discussed on this website 's! Phases, estimated to cost $ 165 million, is expected to be completed 2024! Predictions discussed on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only used to help the running game and the. The 127-year history of Syracuse University team that advanced to Super Bowl match-ups scheduled blocker we. During his first three seasons ( 194951 ) and in 1958, he was a member famous syracuse football players National. Jim Brown played at SU from 1954 to 1956 Club of Washington, D.C. National All-American! 4 ], he also experimented with an all Orange look to camouflage the Football West Virginia and Syracuse.... Round of the National Football League. [ 16 ] game attended the banquet and... Was a member of the 1963 NFL Draft in 1890 16 wins, 10 losses and 1 tie 16101! In his honor, Ernie Davis, the Baltimore Colts would select Mackey overall! Players from the picks and predictions discussed on this website advanced to Super Bowl to cost $ 165 million is! In 1979 demanded a trade 1962 NFL Draft prospects include Sean Tucker and Garrett Williams Orange, of,... Penn State, but it takes a special player to recognize over the program by consecutive seasons.