The Syracuse Orange will be holding nothing back when it comes to the Dome opener against the Clemson Tigers on Sept. 14. The school previously announced that it has designated that weekend for its Homecoming “Orange Central.” Now, word comes that former Syracuse great Tim Green will have his jersey retired during the game with the defending national champions.

Syracuse retiring Tim Green’s Jersey during the Clemson game on Sept 14. pic.twitter.com/JpqJFt65ix — Matthew McClusky (@MatthewMcClusky) February 4, 2019

Green was a local high school legend, becoming a star as a wrestler and football player at Liverpool High. Moving up to the collegiate level didn’t change much for Green, as he earned All America status twice as a key defensive player in Syracuse’s rebuild (1982-1985). In fact, under the tutelage of Coach Dick MacPherson, Green blossomed on the defensive line and by the time his playing days were done, he left as the school’s all-time leader in sacks (45.5).

Syracuse went from two wins during Green’s first season, to beating No. 1 Nebraska in 1984 and then to a Cherry Bowl date with Maryland his last year in uniform. Despite losing that game, it was clear that SU football was showing signs of life again—a big chunk of credit goes to the hometown hero Green who thrived for Coach’s Mac’s squads.

After graduation, Green was taken by the Atlanta Falcons with the 17th overall pick in the 1986 National Football League draft. Green played eight solid seasons in the NFL before retiring in 1993.

Although he was a classic football player through and through, Green’s legacy actually grew through his other endeavors in life. He graduated summa cum laude and then returned to Syracuse to earn his law degree in 1994. On top of working as an attorney in the central New York area (opening his own firm in 2014), Green was a color commentator for the NFL on Fox. He’s also had several other television-related jobs, including on Good Morning America and the revival of Current Affair back in 2005.

And even with all of that, Green might still be best known as a New York Times best-selling author. He has written over thirty novels, with many having children-based themes and story-lines. Green has taken his love of writing on the road, speaking at schools all over the state to encourage students to develop a love of reading at an early age.

This past fall, Green when public with the fact that he has been suffering with ALS.

During a truly gripping sit-down interview with 60 Minutes in November, Green suggested that his football playing days very well could have led to his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis. With slurred speech, the man who has been known as a star student, a star athlete, a lawyer, a commentator and a renowned author fought back tears numerous times. He did indicate, however, that there was a touch of good news as ALS has many forms and his is a “slow-progressing” version.

With that as a backdrop, Green’s jersey is rightfully set to join the other Syracuse greats in the rafters for the Orange’s game against those potentially top-ranked Tigers. The No. 72 hanging as a symbol of the great player who helped transform an entire program and as a tribute to someone who embraced life in such a profound way.

Furthermore, it will can only add to what should be an electric atmosphere. What with Homecoming “Orange Central,” Green’s ceremony, the possibility of ESPN’s College Gameday coming to town. Not to mention the actual game itself. There might even be a sellout crowd on hand. The fans will have a lot to cheer for, most especially the Syracuse kid who has more than made good in his life, both on the field and off.

Want more #jokesandgarbage in your inbox? Sign up for the weekly NunesLetter!