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Michigan AD Warde Manuel says he’d have ‘no problem’ retiring Charles Woodson’s number
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The only defensive player to ever win the Heisman Trophy might have another honor coming his way in the near future.
During a press conference discussing a variety of topics, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel was asked about potentially retiring the jersey of standout defender Charles Woodson. Manuel is apparently extremely open to that idea.
“Charles is phenomenal,” Manuel said, according to The Detroit News. “Love him as a former player but more importantly I love him as a person. At the appropriate time, with the appropriate discussion and knowing all the details, I would not have a problem if that number was retired.”
Woodson was a key member of Michigan’s 1997 team that went undefeated and claimed a national championship. He also won the Heisman Trophy that year. He tallied 44 tackles, intercepted eight passes and scored four touchdowns during the season.
Michigan has retired just six jerseys, including No. 48 worn by president Gerald Ford, Heisman Trophy winner Tom Harmon’s No. 98 and, most recently, Desmond Howard’s No. 21.
Recently, Jim Harbaugh asked Woodson to be the honorary captain for the Wolverines matchup against Ohio State at the end of the year.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB