Utah football is bringing its most meaningful tradition to Las Vegas for the Pac-12 championship game.
The “moment of loudness” to honor Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe, who both tragically died nine months apart, has been held this season at Rice-Eccles Stadium during the break between the third and fourth quarters.
The moment of loudness will be held during the third break of the second quarter during the Pac-12 championship game tonight.
Utah football confirmed that Lowe’s mom, Donna Lowe-Sterns, will be an honorary captain for tonight’s game.
After Lowe’s death, Lowe-Sterns spoke to the team.
“Having Aaron’s mom come and talk to us and tell us to continue on because that’s what he would want is kind of the last thing we needed before we could really do it,” Utah wide receiver Britain Covey said in October. “That’s what helped us the most, was having his mom to tell us to go on and dominate the rest of the season. That helped because now you feel like you’re going out here with a bigger purpose. We’ve got a couple of tributes that we do during practice to Ty and Aaron that helps you play for something bigger than you.”
Instead of a moment of silence, fans have turned on their phone flashlights and lit up Rice-Eccles Stadium and have participated in a “moment of loudness” to celebrate the lives of Jordan and Lowe.
Utah plays a video between the third and fourth quarters, narrated by coach Kyle Whittingham.
“Time and time again, you’ve head of their smiles and how they could light up this stadium. Both Ty and Aaron exuded happiness and joy and they both defined what it meant to live, not just exist. To fight through hard times, to get back up when you fall, and to work to get 22% better every day. They left an impact on each of us and on you, our fans, that cannot be described.”
“So today, we ask — in honor of Ty and Aaron — that you smile. Smile big like they did. Smile, stand, cheer and let your voices ring from the mountains to the heavens in a moment of loudness, exuberance, joy and celebration for the lives of Aaron Lowe and Ty Jordan.”
Utah has honored the lives of Lowe and Jordan in many ways this season. The program set up memorial scholarship funds in their names, retired their No. 22 jersey in a ceremony during halftime of the UCLA game, and have worn memorial helmets during the Colorado game, featuring the “22 forever” logo.
Utah and Oregon face off in the Pac-12 championship game tonight at 6 p.m. MST at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.