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Rutigliano and Green Jerseys Retired at Half
10/25/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Halftime Show Photo Gallery
Before a near record-setting Homecoming crowd at Williams Stadium, two of the most notable figures in the history of the Flames football program were honored today. During a special halftime ceremony, jerseys were retired for former head coach Sam Rutigliano and Liberty and NFL standout Eric Green.
Two years ago, Liberty retired its first football jersey in honor of founder and former chancellor Dr. Jerry Falwell. Liberty's No. 1 fan since opening the University in 1971, Falwell was ceremonially honored during Liberty's Homecoming match-up with William & Mary on Oct. 14, 2006, as a No. 71 jersey was hung just over his press box suite.
Following a halftime concert from Liberty alumnus Michael Tait, Rutigliano and Green joined Falwell in the elite group of retired jersey honorees. An "HC" jersey was hung in honor of Rutigliano, while a No. 86 jersey now rests next to Rutigliano's paying tribute to Green's storied career at Liberty.
Rutigliano, the winningest coach in the program's history, guided Liberty for 11 years (1989-99). He posted a 67-53 record during his 11-year tenure and his teams were consistently ranked in the Top 20 of many NCAA I-AA football polls.
The program's highest ranking was No. 8 in 1990, as the Flames started the season, 4-0. In 1997, he guided the program to a tie for the most wins in school history with a 9-2 mark, which included victories over No. 19 Caly Poly and No. 15 Appalachian State.
Rutigliano gained national notoriety prior to his days at Liberty, as he was a seven-year head coach for the NFL's Cleveland Browns. During his days with the Browns, he was twice named AFC Coach of the Year, while being named NFL Coach of the Year in 1980.
Rutigliano's professional experience helped him mold and shape numerous athletes at Liberty to play at the next level. During his 11-year career at Liberty, he coached 19 players who went on to sign professional contracts. He also coached 11 All-Americans, including two first-team All-America honorees.
Under Rutigliano, Green honed his skills, which led to the tight end's stellar NFL career. He caught the attention of the nation during his final go around in a Liberty uniform, putting up unprecedented numbers his senior year.
Green polished off a stellar career at Liberty by catching 62 passes for 905 yards, while setting a single-season program record with 10 touchdowns in 1989, a mark that still stands today.
The Savannah, Ga., native completed his days in a Liberty uniform with 99 receptions for 1,442 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 14.6 yards per catch. The most memorable of those 99 receptions came against Eastern Michigan, when Green finished with 10 catches for 123 yards and the game-winning reception during Liberty's upset over Eastern Michigan.
Green earned Associated Press second-team All-America honors in 1989, before becoming Liberty's only first-round NFL Draft selection, when the Pittsburgh Steelers took the tight end with the 21st-overall pick.
Green went on to have a storied 10-year NFL career, finishing his decade of professional football by catching 362 passes for 4,390 yards and 36 touchdowns. During his first year with the Steelers, he caught the eye of the nation by pulling in 34 passes for 387 yards and seven scores, helping him earn AFC Rookie of the Year honors. Green was also named to the NFL Pro Bowl in 1994.
United again, the pair of Liberty legends, who helped put Liberty football on the national scene received standing ovations from the 14,563 fans who packed Williams Stadium today.
Before a near record-setting Homecoming crowd at Williams Stadium, two of the most notable figures in the history of the Flames football program were honored today. During a special halftime ceremony, jerseys were retired for former head coach Sam Rutigliano and Liberty and NFL standout Eric Green.
Two years ago, Liberty retired its first football jersey in honor of founder and former chancellor Dr. Jerry Falwell. Liberty's No. 1 fan since opening the University in 1971, Falwell was ceremonially honored during Liberty's Homecoming match-up with William & Mary on Oct. 14, 2006, as a No. 71 jersey was hung just over his press box suite.
Following a halftime concert from Liberty alumnus Michael Tait, Rutigliano and Green joined Falwell in the elite group of retired jersey honorees. An "HC" jersey was hung in honor of Rutigliano, while a No. 86 jersey now rests next to Rutigliano's paying tribute to Green's storied career at Liberty.
Rutigliano, the winningest coach in the program's history, guided Liberty for 11 years (1989-99). He posted a 67-53 record during his 11-year tenure and his teams were consistently ranked in the Top 20 of many NCAA I-AA football polls.
The program's highest ranking was No. 8 in 1990, as the Flames started the season, 4-0. In 1997, he guided the program to a tie for the most wins in school history with a 9-2 mark, which included victories over No. 19 Caly Poly and No. 15 Appalachian State.
Rutigliano gained national notoriety prior to his days at Liberty, as he was a seven-year head coach for the NFL's Cleveland Browns. During his days with the Browns, he was twice named AFC Coach of the Year, while being named NFL Coach of the Year in 1980.
Rutigliano's professional experience helped him mold and shape numerous athletes at Liberty to play at the next level. During his 11-year career at Liberty, he coached 19 players who went on to sign professional contracts. He also coached 11 All-Americans, including two first-team All-America honorees.
Under Rutigliano, Green honed his skills, which led to the tight end's stellar NFL career. He caught the attention of the nation during his final go around in a Liberty uniform, putting up unprecedented numbers his senior year.
Green polished off a stellar career at Liberty by catching 62 passes for 905 yards, while setting a single-season program record with 10 touchdowns in 1989, a mark that still stands today.
The Savannah, Ga., native completed his days in a Liberty uniform with 99 receptions for 1,442 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 14.6 yards per catch. The most memorable of those 99 receptions came against Eastern Michigan, when Green finished with 10 catches for 123 yards and the game-winning reception during Liberty's upset over Eastern Michigan.
Green earned Associated Press second-team All-America honors in 1989, before becoming Liberty's only first-round NFL Draft selection, when the Pittsburgh Steelers took the tight end with the 21st-overall pick.
Green went on to have a storied 10-year NFL career, finishing his decade of professional football by catching 362 passes for 4,390 yards and 36 touchdowns. During his first year with the Steelers, he caught the eye of the nation by pulling in 34 passes for 387 yards and seven scores, helping him earn AFC Rookie of the Year honors. Green was also named to the NFL Pro Bowl in 1994.
United again, the pair of Liberty legends, who helped put Liberty football on the national scene received standing ovations from the 14,563 fans who packed Williams Stadium today.
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