Stanford’s Nov. 7 game against Oregon has a preseason billing of one of the most important Pac-12 games of the season. Now, it has even more meaning.
Stanford announced that No. 7 jersey of former quarterback and All-American John Elway will be retired at halftime of the game. Elway will become the third Stanford player to have his jersey retired, joining No.1 Ernie Nevers and No. 16 Jim Plunkett.
“Today is an exciting day for Stanford football, and you can’t talk about Stanford football without talking about John Elway,” said Cardinal coach David Shaw in a statement. “Like Frankie Albert and Jim Plunkett before him, John’s Elway’s greatness set the standard for quarterback play for a generation of athletes.”
Elway, who went on to win two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos and is now the organization’s executive vice president, threw for 77 touchdowns over his four-year career (1979-82) and owns Stanford’s single game-record with six touchdown passes (Oregon State, 1980). He was also a two-time Pac-10 Player of the Year (1980, ’82).
“I am extremely humbled that Stanford has chosen to recognize me in this very special way,” Elway said. “It’s a tremendous honor to join Cardinal legends Ernie Nevers and Jim Plunkett with this distinction.
“Being a student-athlete at Stanford and earning my degree from the school are two things I take the utmost pride in accomplishing. Without question, my four years at Stanford played an integral role in who I am and any success I’ve had. In particular, my teammates and coaches deserve so much credit for making me better, both on and off the field.
“I will always cherish my time on campus as well as the friendships from Stanford that have lasted more than 30 years. I look forward to returning for this occasion and celebrating with the great Cardinal fans.”
Well-deserved for Elway. Congratulations.