For the first time in school history, Utah has officially retired a number in its football program.
The No. 22 received that hallowed designation Saturday night between the first and second quarters of the Utes’ game against UCLA at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Retiring No. 22 was yet another way the school has honored two players who have lost their lives in the past year.
Running back Ty Jordan died Dec. 25 and defensive back Aaron Lowe died Sept. 26.
Below the press box at Rice-Eccles Stadium, a banner featuring No. 22 and the names of Jordan and Lowe is now displayed.
Their families attended the ceremonies.
The school has also established memorial scholarships in the players’ names. Moving forward, recipients will be chosen based on qualities of Jordan and Lowe that they exemplify.
On Oct. 16 against Arizona State, Utah debuted a new video that will play during every home game between the third and fourth quarters. In the video, narrated by coach Kyle Whittingham, fans are encouraged to live like Jordan and Lowe did by being “22 percent better” every day.
The Pac-12 Conference also honored Jordan and Lowe Saturday. All five home teams — Arizona State, Oregon, Cal, USC and Stanford — painted their 22-yard lines red in tribute to them.