The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/347495
FROM OUR READERS Harmon, we all recall, ran, passed, punted, kicked extra points with great talent and was an All-Amer- ican, performing all those skills. Those skills eluded me, of course, but for a moment I was Tom Har- mon. Aren't those who made this pres- ent-day decision aware that they have cheapened the greatness of one of Michigan's greatest players by placing that number on a good, but not great player on today's roster? Presently, when I see Gardner under center wearing number 98, I wince, recalling Tom Harmon's great accomplishments wearing that number. From an 80-year-old, a life- long U-M sports fan who grew up in Michigan and graduated from Hope College. John Adams Hampton, N. H. John, the concept of the Legends Jer- seys was never conceived with the idea of replicating the legend in a present- day player. That would be difficult indeed, with the likes of Harmon, Ron Kramer, Bennie Oosterbaan, Desmond Howard and others being honored. Desmond Morgan, wearing No. 48, isn't expected to become President of the United States someday. The special jerseys are a way of bring- ing back the memories of those Michi- gan football legends. Meanwhile, Gardner and his team- mates might just come up with an inspired effort this fall. As another John Adams once said: "People and nations are forged in the fires of adversity." Perhaps the same can be said of football teams. ❑ When Devin Gardner was given the No. 98 jersey once worn by Tom Harmon, it was intended to bring back memories of the for- mer U-M legend, not to indicate Gardner had matched Harmon's on-field accomplish- ments. PHOTO BY PER KJELDSEN Be Heard! Send your letters to: Wolverine Letters • P.O. Box 1304 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 Or e-mail: jborton@thewolverine.com Letters may be edited for clarity or length.