This morning, my son and I were talking about the legacy of 44 and Syracuse football running back Sean Tucker. My son is 14 years old and wasn’t around when 44 was a thing. Yet he loves following the team, the sport in general, and he loves having discussions about topics surrounding it.
So this was nothing major or unforeseen but it occurred to me that if my son is now involved in the conversation and thinks he’s worthy of it, maybe there is something to it attracting fans of all ages. Even his own teammates like Josh Black are openly advocating for this move.
Me: “yo @seantucker2020 are they going to give you #44 yet?” pic.twitter.com/NJCyyc6NxW
— Joshua Black (@jnblack85) November 2, 2021
Now I’ve heard the comments from Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack about how they’ve discussed the issue and they have no plans to bring it back this season. He cited talking to people who wore 44 and that it’s a complex issue. And while I respect the current AD, I wholeheartedly disagree and think the perfect time to do this is at the final home game against Pittsburgh.
It’s time for Syracuse football running back Sean Tucker to receive number 44.
Saturday, November 27th is Senior Day in the Carrier Dome. We say goodbye to those 5th-year seniors who came back to help this program improve upon a disappointing season last year. We will either go into that game bowl game eligible or hoping to be.
Pittsburgh is a team many consider a contender for biggest rival going back to their Big East days. Maybe making it even more special will add inspiration as well, kind of like chugging an energy drink. This game matters.
Sean Tucker is currently leading the ACC in rushing and is also second in the entire country. He’s currently third all-time for most yards in a season in Syracuse football history. His name is mentioned in Heisman conversations, even if right now he’s a long shot. He matters to this team.
The Pittsburgh game is scheduled for Thanksgiving break for students so many of those amazing fans won’t be there. Syracuse has many passionate fans but there are many who will only attend if it’s a big event. Local and national media love a feel-good story so a big event would possibly spark media attention and attract fans. Fans and that kind of attention matter.
These matter because it puts more eyes on the product including Heisman voters, bowl game selection committees, and possible commits/recruits. A former tradition is revived and should the day come when Floyd Little’s grandson attends the university, it can be even cooler to acknowledge the tradition and pass it down to him, keeping that momentum going.
It says to Sean Tucker that we appreciate you and your accomplishments and want to reward you with this number. It says that while you wear it, you can still carve out your own legacy with it for another year or maybe two if we Orange fans are lucky. It says we love you, Sean.
Fans young and old are excited about Sean Tucker and what he brings to this program. Why not put the spotlight on him and maybe, just maybe spark a sales increase in the sales of 44 jerseys with his name on it.
Imagine the excitement of 44 jerseys filling up office spaces, middle schools and the Syracuse quad as fans embrace a star player and a program that’s given them hope as of late. Sean Tucker has the star appeal that can spark inspiration and interest.
So why not take the guy who only tweets once a week but that one tweet leaves many waiting with anticipation and maximize it for the good of everyone? Why not reward him and all the fans calling for such recognition? Why not embrace it and market it to the benefit of everyone involved?
Why not make this Pittsburgh game matter even more and make it more of an attraction for TV and the fan base? Why not give everyone what they’ve been asking for and give Sean Tucker the 44 jersey in the final game of the regular season to carry into a possible bowl game and next season as well?