Recognizing his contributions to Volunteer Football as a player, the University of Tennessee retired Johnny Majors' No. 45 jersey Saturday before the Tennessee-Florida game.
According to a press release posted on UTSports.com, Majors joins seven other UT players including Peyton Manning and Doug Atkins.
Majors played for the Vols from 1954-1956. He is a 1987 inductee of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. His honors include SEC Player of the Year and two All-SEC selection for tailback (1955 and 1956.) Majors was an unaminous All-American in 1956. UT Sports says in 1956 he led the Vols to a 10-1 record with an appearance in the Sugar Bowl and a final national ranking of No.2. These accomplishments led to Majors being an unanimous All-American. Majors also finished second in the Heisman Trophy votes.
Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dave Hart said, "It is only fitting to honor such a distinguished playing. Johnny Majors is one of the greatest players in the rich and storied tradition of Tennessee football, and we are proud to bestow this honor upon him."
Majors is from Lynchburg, Tennessee.
Major's jersey is being retired, but his number 45 will be used again due to new criteria for these types of honors according to the university.