Blowback Against Rocket Sanders Transfer Obscures Important Point about Honoring No. 5
Former All-SEC running Rocket Sanders entered the transfer portal late Tuesday night and Arkansas football fans had a lot to say about the move. Some expressed shock and sadness that a player of his caliber was moving on.
After all, losing a running back who is just one year removed from being the SEC’s second-leading rusher shouldn’t be easily dismissed. But as the initial surprise wore off, a few fans turned critical as they brought up what’s become by this point a regularly recurring question: Should Arkansas football finally retire the No. 5?
Defining the Number for Arkansas Football
In sports, there’s a certain reverence for players who are able to transcend their team or school and are easily recognized by nothing more than their jersey number.
When one thinks of the No. 5 and Arkansas football, there is only one name that comes to mind.
Darren McFadden.
From 2005-07, what McFadden was able to do is difficult to put into words. He gave Arkansas fans a level of anticipation, excitement, hope and pride that has never really been matched.
McFadden was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in both 2006 and 2007, becoming the only Razorback player to ever have that honor. Of course, he finished runner-up both years, which is still very controversial years later, but it cemented his place among other legends in Arkansas history.
“I feel like I made a name for the No. 5,” McFadden said in an interview following his runner-up finish in the 2006 Heisman voting. Many fans agree with McFadden’s words and believe Sanders’ announcement further reinforces the notion that no Razorback should wear the number again.
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