Maryland will honor late offensive lineman
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Members of the Maryland football team will wear a helmet sticker with No. 79 to honor former teammate Jordan McNair, who collapsed at a practice session in May and subsequently died.
In an announcement Monday, the school said no player will wear his number for the next three years — the time in which he would have been eligible to play. In addition, a moment of silence will be held at the Texas and Temple games, and his locker will be encased in glass.
Speaking in Cole Field House on campus with his teammates lined up behind him, Maryland offensive lineman Ellis McKennie said, “Every play we make, every snap we take, will be in Jordan’s honor.”
He added, “Jordan was fearless. He was a dreamer. He would do anything for his teammates.”
McKennie said one student athlete each year will receive a scholarship “in Jordan’ s Offensive honor .” lineman to the mistakes family and acknowledged made were Johnny Jordan said, “He in his treatment in the May was a gentle giant, and, we 29 workout. as a team, will continue to Coach DJ Durkin was carry on his legacy for this placed on administrative season and far beyond.” leave Aug. 11. Strength and
McNair was running laps conditioning coach Rick on the practice field May 29 Court resigned, and two when he was overcome by members of the football staff heat and exhaustion. After remain on administrative being treated at the team facility, leave. the offensive lineman Offensive coordinator and was taken to a hospital and former Pitt offensive coordinator died of heatstroke June 13. Matt Canada is serving
The school has apologized as interim coach.