Utah’s announcing on Monday that it is establishing a “Ring of Honor” at Rice-Eccles Stadium, recognizing Ute football greats, might not be an original idea. It is, though, a good one.
Enough stellar players and coaches have come through that program to run rings around Rice-Eccles, or at least one ring, depending on the size of the lettering, including the initial honoree — quarterback Alex Smith. The requirement for consideration for Smith and anyone else in the future to have their names hoisted up, according to a release sent out by the university, goes like this:
“Each former Ute that will be considered for the outstanding distinction must meet at least one of the required criteria, which includes owning school records, being a consensus All-American, playing 10 or more years in the NFL and coaching a team to at least two conference championships, among others.
“Each inductee into the Ring also must have been inducted into the Crimson Club Hall of Fame, graduated from a four-year institution or attended the U. for at least three years.”
Not exactly sure who made those rules and/or why, but I’d expand the durn things. The reason being that many names, beyond the few, bring back great memories of plays, of teams, of moments that for Utah fans have marked their lives, like road signs along a long and twisting two-lane. And every time those fans look up at the honored ring, they see those markers and reflect fondly on not just their passion for Utah football, but on all the happenings that were going on for them at that particular point in time.
That’s a beautiful thing that football — and all sports — can do for folks who invest their time, interest and, yes, money in an endeavor they love. No downside to that.
What I have here, then, is an incomplete list of names that should or could follow Smith — “I’m incredibly honored and humbled,” the QB said — up on the ring. It’s not as exclusive as what the school issued for its standard, but to each his or her own. My criterion wanders off, here, there, everywhere, but … no matter. Thing is, I’m sure I’ve left off some worthy names, names that mean something to the people who matter most — Utah fans. And that’s where all y’all come in. You longtime — and short-time — Utes certainly have strong thoughts of your own regarding which players were best, most impactful, most memorable, most deserving, most this or most that. Here are mine, in no particular order. See what you think, who you would delete or add or confirm with enthusiasm.
— Kyle Whittingham.
— Eric Weddle.
— Ty Jordan.
— Aaron Lowe.
— Steve Smith.
— Jamal Anderson.
— Star Lotulelei.
— Luther Elliss.
— Roy Jefferson.
— Steve Clark.
— Lee Grosscup.
— Devin Lloyd.
— Paul Kruger.
— Steve Odom.
— Trevor Reilly.
— Zane Beadles.
— Bryan Rowley.
— Jordan Gross.
— Britain Covey.
— Erroll Tucker.
— Ron McBride.
— Lance Scott.
— Filipo Mokofisi.
— Larry Wilson.
— Jaylon Johnson.
— Tom Hackett.
— Chris Kemoeatu.
— Matt Gay.
— Louie Sakoda.
— John White IV.
— Devontae Booker.
— Marv Bateman.
— Morgan Scalley.
— Mike McCoy.
— Brian Johnson.
— John Frank.
— Carl Monroe.
— Kautai Olevao.
— Nate Orchard.
— Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala.
— Garett Bolles.
— Sean Smith.
— Dalton Kincaid.
— Zack Moss.
— Cody Barton.
— Tim Patrick.
— Julian Blackmon.
— Mitch Wishnowsky.
— Bradlee Anae.
— Ike Armstrong.
As mentioned, there are more.
Maybe Utah should indeed change the “Ring of Honor” to the “Rings of Honor.” Run ‘em around the tub. Where some might see recognition inflation devaluing the tributes, others might figure, hey, there’s nothing wrong with not just feeling a sense of satisfaction that so many great athletes and coaches have come through the program, whether or not they fit the official criteria, but hanging the brag straight up on the stadium walls for all to see.