The University of Tennessee detailed its criteria for retiring football jersey numbers Tuesday, naming a committee that consists of the men's athletic director, the university president, the chairman of the athletics committee of the board of trustees and the president of the lettermen's association.
Candidates must receive a unanimous vote of the committee and unanimous approval of the athletics board.
"The three (named Tuesday) really stood out,'' said athletic director Mike Hamilton. "This is not something we plan to be doing on a regular basis.''
Among the criteria listed, candidates must be recognized as good citizens both in their UT career and beyond. Candidates must be at least five years removed from UT.
Candidates "must not have achieved greater fame or identity from another institution or University.''
Candidates must have achieved three of the five following collegiate honors: induction to the College Hall of Fame; SEC player of the year; consensus All-America; Heisman Trophy; win either the Sullivan Award, Draddy Award or SEC athlete of the year for all sports.
As pro players, candidates must have achieved three of the following: NFL Hall of Fame; NFL offensive or defensive MVP; Pro Bowl status five times; hold a major career or season statistical record.
Candidates enshrined in both the college and pro halls of fame are given "strong" consideration.
Retired numbers can be reactivated with permission of the athlete or his surviving family members.
Phillip Fulmer through the years
Bruce Pearl through the years
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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