Telling the story of Syracuse’s legendary #44

Syracuse Orange fans who attended the football team’s most recent game against Boston College had the opportunity to see a new, special addition in the JMA Wireless Dome.

Saturday marked the first time fans and the rest of the public had to look at the Legend of 44 display. The collection aims to honor the legends of Syracuse Athletics who wore the iconic number, as well as their success with Syracuse University and afterwards. It was first unveiled at a private ceremony on Friday alongside some previous 44’s, including Michael Owens, Terry Richardson and Rob Konrad.

Konrad, the first fullback to wear #44, said it’s been a 20-year journey to bring the display to life, and he hopes it can shine a light on how the number gained its fame and the famous names who had the honor of donning it.

“It’s a great collegiate story, possibly the most famous number in college football,” Konrad said. “I just want that story to be told and be there for fans to be able to see and maybe understand and see some of the some of the vintage things.”

(Writer’s note: photos courtesy of Christian De Guzman.)

Over a decade ago, Konrad said he was with Jim Brown when a man came up to the legendary running back with an old helmet. The man wanted to ask Brown if that was his college football helmet. As it turned out, it was, and even had Brown’s signature in it.

The helmet itself has a unique history.

Former Syracuse football coach Ben Schwartzwalder’s granddaughter had it in her attic, and later sold it to a collector. Konrad said the collector assisted with the vintage uniforms seen in the movie The Express, the 2008 sports drama about Ernie Davis.

“When I heard that and they (the university) were retiring the number, it kind of hit me. I said ‘well, I have I have all the last jerseys and helmets, and here’s the first one, right? Be kind of neat to have bookends to this case,’” Konrad said.

From there, Konrad spearheaded the effort to gather many of the pieces fans will be able to see as part of the collection.

The display features a historic treasure chest of memorabilia, most notably from arguably the three most famous 44’s in school history: Brown, Davis and Floyd Little. Among them include Davis’ cleats from his Heisman trophy year and the actual trophy itself, vintage NFL gear, authentic uniforms and a five-page letter from coach Schwartzwalder to a reporter about Brown, Davis and Floyd Little and how they were recruited.

“That letter from Coach Ben was something I never thought I’d run across,” Konrad said.

Also as part of it, visitors to the Dome will notice a timeline of the number’s history and all the athletes who have worn it, along with additional photos and videos.

“Some really great stuff, and I think fans will enjoy when they have the opportunity to see it,” Konrad said.

The display is located in the Dome’s west end zone concourse outside Club 44. It’s also a collection that could even expand more than what it is currently. Konrad joked ever since the idea was announced, more artifacts and memorabilia keeps showing up to his house and office.

Going forward, Konrad says he hopes fans can better understand the tale behind the number and the stories of the famous Syracuse legends who took the field with it.

“There’s a lot of pressure that goes along with or in that number at Syracuse, and a lot that goes with it. We all know each other and our families, and so, it’s special,” Konrad said. “I like them to understand the narrative, just of how it became the legend of 44.”