My 44 Link

My earliest memories of Syracuse football are of another number 44, Floyd Little. My uncle was a grad student here at SU in the 60’s and always got season tickets. About once or twice a year he would take my brother or me to a game. It was there, in old Archbold (not Arch-i-bald) Stadium that my allegiance to Syracuse football began.

I am reminded of this because of the movie that will premiere here next week, “The Express.” Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy, wore the number 44 when he played running back here at Syracuse. Davis was, by all accounts, a gifted athlete, solid citizen and student and a “can’t miss” prospect in the NFL. He was called The Elmira Express as he was from Elmira, N.Y. and, well, he was fast.

While the past will be celebrated in the movie, it’s no secret that the SU football team has struggled to be competitive the last few years. And not surprisingly, the fans are anxious for the team to return to its winning ways. And while I would love nothing more than to see SU run the table and win all of the rest of their games, I’m realistic enough to know that probably won’t happen. Will it dampen my spirits? Occasionally. Will I be angry with that? Not really. Will I call for the coach to be let go? Not my call.

I’ve come to the conclusion that there are different kinds of fans. There are those who gain some self-worth when their teams do well. There are those who support the team when things go well and find other things to do when they don’t. There are fans that think they know all the secrets of how to win, all the time. And finally, I think there are fans like me. I’m a fan of Syracuse football because for me, my allegiance started in the middle 60’s when my uncle took me to a game and let me sit in the student section and take part in the tradition. Watching the cheerleaders get physically passed up the on the hands and shoulders of the students. Shouting down the opponent’s fans on the opposite side of the field. And watching the occasional flask get passed around. For me, being a fan is more than winning or losing, it’s kind of pact I signed with my uncle. As long as the school puts out a team, I’ll be there to watch.

As I’ve watched Floyd Little’s life out of football, he’s been an exemplary citizen, a successful businessman and an unwavering supporter of this school. My 44 link is to him and if he won’t quit, neither will I.