Trio of former Wildcats to be inducted into Arizona’s Ring of Honor
It will be a busy weekend in Tucson next week when the Wildcats host No.12 USC. And beyond that, Arizona Football will induct a trio of Wildcats into the Ring of Honor.
When Arizona Football hosts No. 12 USC next weekend for their Homecoming game, there will be some other exciting festivities happening at that game.
During halftime against the Trojans, Arizona will be inducting three former Wildcat greats into the infamous Ring of Honor.
Using the criteria of whether the individual has brought recognition, distinction, and honor to the sports program, Arizona will honor Vance Johnson, Ortege Jenkins, and John ‘Button’ Salmon.
For those in attendance, Wildcats fans will get to witness history as three former greats are put into the Ring of Honor.
John ‘Button’ Salmon
Honestly, it is a bit shocking that this hasn’t happened already. The proverbial face of the program and inspiration behind the school’s slogan “Bear Down”, Salmon was a member of the Arizona Football team in 1924 and 1925.
A model student, a two-year letterman in both football and baseball, and student body president, tragically, John’s career was cut short after succumbing to his injuries in an automobile accident in 1926. His last message before his death became immortalized in history as he told the team to “bear down.”
Ortege Jenkins
One of the Wildcat greats at quarterback, Ortege played with the Wildcats from 1997-2000. Ranking 10th all-time in program history with 5,424 passing yards, OJ also threw for 42 touchdowns and ran for 461 yards and nine touchdowns in his career.
However, his most famous moment in Arizona Football history came when the Wildcats were playing No. 14 Washington in Seattle in 1998. Facing a 2nd and Goal and trailing the Huskies 28-24 with 12 seconds to go, Ortege took the snap and dropped back before pressure forced him to scramble.
Taking off around the 20-yard line, OJ found a crease and ran the ball until he leaped from around the four-yard line and somersaulted over two Washington defenders. His momentum carried him into the end zone, and Arizona ended up winning in thrilling fashion, 31-28. The game is now infamously known as the “Leap by the Lake”.
Arizona would go on to beat Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl, and that 12-1 1998 season is regarded as one of the best in Arizona’s history.
Next Saturday, Jenkins will join his teammate and fellow quarterback Keith Smith in the Arizona Ring of Honor with his induction later this month.
Vance Johnson
A two-sport athlete at Arizona from 1981-84, Vance is a former NFL standout and is the uncle to fellow Wildcat great, Ka’Deem Carey.
Joining Salmon and Jenkins in the Ring of Honor, Johnson’s induction is well-earned after a successful football career. A former First-Team All-Pac-120 selection in 1982, Vance when on to have a productive NFL career after being selected by the Denver Broncos in 1985.
Playing from 1985-95, Johnson amassed 5,695 yards receiving with 37 touchdowns on 415 receptions. Johnson would play in three Super Bowls for the Broncos.
Either way, next Saturday should be an exciting one, and we are happy to see our Wildcats inducted!
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