Devin Gardner To Honor First Michigan Heisman Winner Tom Harmon By Wearing 98
By Kyle Kensing
Sep 7, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (12) warms up before the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback Devin Gardner takes the field in Saturday’s top 20 showdown between Notre Dame and Michigan, the final in the Big House for the foreseeable future, by wearing No. 98. Gardner is sporting the most unusual number for a quarterback in honor of the first Wolverine to win the Heisman Trophy, Tom Harmon.
Gardner’s overture to the 1940 Heisman winner and Michigan legend Harmon is not a one-night-only affair, either. ESPN lead play-by-play broadcaster Brent Musburger said that Gardner will wear the No. 98 for the duration of his Michigan career.
Gardner warmed up in his typical No. 12, but made the switch upon coming onto the field for the official team introduction.
Harmon is a legend beyond the collegiate gridiron. He eschewed the beginning of his NFL career, instead becoming a member of the Army Air Corps during World War II.
The use of Harmon’s No. 98 is similar to the issuing of No. 1 standout wide receivers.