The Top-Four Players That Deserve A Statue Outside Of Michigan Stadium
Michigan Stadium, otherwise known as "The Big House," is one of the most iconic sports venues in the world. It's the largest stadium in the United States and the third-largest stadium in the world. Often home to over 110,000 fans on fall Saturdays, there are few places that can match the experience of watching a football game at Michigan Stadium.
Over the course of its 96 year history, Michigan Stadium has served as the home for some of the most iconic players the sport has ever seen. From All-Americans to Heisman trophy winners, there's no shortage of former Wolverines who would be worthy of a statue outside of The Big House. With four main entrances into the stadium, it made sense to narrow the list down to the top four candidates.
1. Charles Woodson
Widely considered the G.O.A.T. in Ann Arbor, Charles Woodson is hands-down the favorite for a statue outside of Michigan Stadium. He capped off his incredible Michigan career in 1997 by becoming the first (and only) primarily defensive player to win the Heisman trophy, while also leading the Wolverines to an undefeated season and national championship.
Woodson is still ranked No. 2 all-time at Michigan with 18 career interceptions, and is tied for No. 3 all time with 8 single-season interceptions.
2. Desmond Howard
He's responsible for what is arguably the most iconic moment in college football history, striking the Heisman pose in the endzone following a 92-yard punt return for a touchdown against Ohio State.
Desmond Howard arrived at Michigan as a running back, but eventually transitioned to a wide receiver where he shined. In his final season at Michigan, Howard caught 62 passes for 985 yards and 19 touchdowns - adding another two rushing touchdowns and two touchdowns on special teams. In 1991, he became the second Wolverine to win the Heisman Trophy, along with capturing the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and earning first-team All-American honors.
3. Tom Harmon
Tom Harmon played football at Michigan under legendary head coach Fritz Crisler. In his three seasons at Michigan, Harmon rushed for 2,151 yards and completed 101-of-233 attempts for 1,396 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was the nations leading scorer in 1939 and 1940, and captured the coveted Heisman trophy during his final year at Michigan (1940).
Beyond his incredible accomplishments on the football field, Harmon was also a hero in the US Military. He served in the United States Army Air Corps from 1942-1945, piloted an Army Bomber nicknamed "Old 98" (a nod to his jersey number at Michigan), and survived two separate plane crashes. Harmon was also promoted to the rank of captain, and awarded both the Purple Heart and Silver Star for his heroic actions during his service.
4. Tom Brady
Probably the most controversial pick of the group, Tom Brady would be my fourth choice for a statue outside of Michigan Stadium (Sorry AC). While his numbers at Michigan weren't necessarily Heisman-worthy, his persistence and commitment to overcome adversity certainly was.
Early in his colligate career, Brady was so frustrated that he hired a sports psychologist to help him battle his anxiety. Buried deep on the depth chart and struggling mentally, Brady also considered transferring from Michigan at one point. He had to battle with teammate Drew Henson for the starting job in both 1998 and 1999, eventually earning the title of QB1 in both seasons.
In his two years as a starter at Michigan, Brady achieved a 20-5 record and finished his career ranked in the top five in completions (442), attempts (710), completion percentage (62.3), yards (5,351) and touchdown passes (35).
Although he would go on to become the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Brady maintains that his greatest football accomplishment occurred during his time at the University of Michigan.
"I didn't have an easy experience, I didn't come in as a top-rated recruit, I didn't come in with an opportunity to play right away, I had to earn it," Brady said in a 2013 speech to the Michigan Football team. "And do you know what the greatest honor I've ever received as a player is? In my fourth year and my fifth year, I was named team captain. That, to this day, is the single greatest achievement I've ever had as a football play.
"Because the men in this room chose me to lead their team. And these were my best friends. These were the guys that knew that I liked to work. That knew that I loved football. That knew that I loved to play. That knew that I wanted to be the quarterback for Michigan."
