Eastern Illinois University’s athletic program is poised to honor one of its most distinguished alumni, Sean Payton, by retiring his football jersey number. Barbara Burke, the Eastern Illinois athletic director, announced that Payton’s No. 18 will be officially retired during the Panthers’ 2010 football season home opener. The ceremony is scheduled for September 11th against Central Arkansas, marking a significant moment in the history of Eastern Illinois Football Uniforms and the legacy of its celebrated players.
Payton’s legacy with the Panthers is firmly rooted in his outstanding performance as quarterback from 1983 to 1986. During his time on the field, he propelled Eastern Illinois to the NCAA FCS quarterfinals in 1986, etching his name into the university’s athletic annals. His collegiate career concluded with him holding EIU records for total offense (10,298 yards), passing yardage (10,655 yards), pass completions (758), and touchdown passes (75). While Tony Romo, now quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, surpassed his touchdown pass record in 2002, Payton’s achievements remain a benchmark of excellence for Eastern Illinois football. Notably, he recorded five games with over 400 passing yards, including an exceptional 509-yard game against Saginaw Valley, showcasing his dominance in Eastern Illinois football uniforms.
“We are incredibly proud to retire Coach (Sean) Payton’s No. 18 this season,” stated Burke. “He embodies the spirit of Eastern Illinois, not only through his remarkable success as a player but also his extraordinary achievements in the professional arena. We are truly grateful that he is taking time from his demanding schedule to return to campus for this special occasion.”
Payton, currently preparing for his fifth season as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, has reached the pinnacle of professional football. In 2006, he was honored as NFL Coach of the Year, and last season, he guided the Saints to their first Super Bowl victory, further cementing his status as a football icon. The NFL schedule allows Payton to attend the ceremony, as the Saints will play the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, September 9th, before their subsequent game on Monday, September 20th against San Francisco, providing a window for his visit to Charleston.
Adding a touch of contemporary relevance to this historical moment, senior wide receiver Charles Graves is currently the player wearing the No. 18 jersey for the Panthers. He will be the last Eastern Illinois player to don this number, marking the end of an era for No. 18 within Eastern Illinois football uniforms. Last season saw Tony Romo’s No. 17 become the first Eastern Illinois football number retired during a homecoming victory against Tennessee Tech on October 17th, setting a precedent for honoring legendary players and their contributions to the program’s heritage.
Eastern Illinois has a tradition of recognizing its athletic greats, with four other sports numbers already retired in addition to Romo’s No. 17. These include NBA All-Star Kevin Duckworth’s No. 00, MLB All-Star Marty Pattin’s No. 19, women’s basketball standout Nancy Kassebaum’s No. 13, and soccer player Erik Proffitt’s No. 19. The retirement of Sean Payton’s No. 18 further enriches this esteemed list, underscoring the university’s pride in its athletic legacy and the iconic Eastern Illinois football uniforms worn by these legends.
For fans eager to witness the unfolding season, season tickets for Eastern Illinois football are currently available for purchase. Interested individuals can call (217) 581-2106 or obtain a ticket brochure from local businesses. Single game tickets for the 2010 season will be on sale starting August 2nd. This season promises to be memorable, celebrating both the future and the storied past of Eastern Illinois football.
