May 21, 2008

College Football Hall of Famer and NCAA record-holder Al Brosky leads the list of 10 Greatest Fighting Illini defensive backs that have played at historic Memorial Stadium. Brosky is the all-time collegiate leader with 29 interceptions along with an incredible record of 15-consecutive games with an interception.

Joining Brosky on the list of greatest defensive backs are Eugene Wilson, Kelvin Hayden, Craig Swoope, Henry Jones, Mike Gow, George Donnelly, Abe Woodson, Keith Taylor and Chris Green. Woodson and Hayden both started their careers on the offensive side of the ball at Illinois before settling in as defensive backs in the NFL. Gow led the nation in interceptions as a junior, while all 10 earned at least All-Big Ten honors.

The list includes six of the top seven career interception leaders at Illinois.

At the 2008 Illini football home opener on Sept. 6 against Eastern Illinois, the 10 greatest Fighting Illini from each position who played at Memorial Stadium will be recognized and introduced to the crowd.

That game has been selected as the Memorial Stadium Renaissance Celebration following a 21-month, $120 million renovation project. The defensive backs group is the fourth of eight different groups that will be announced weekly, preceded by the linebackers, specialists and receivers, and followed by the quarterbacks, defensive linemen, offensive linemen and running backs.

Illini fans were able to vote on-line at www.fightingillini.com from March 24 through April 17 to help select the honored athletes. Players on the ballot earned either first or second-team All-Big Ten honors, or played at least four years in the NFL.

Season tickets remain on sale for $225 for the sideline seating areas. For more information regarding tickets, contact the UI Athletics Ticket Office by phone at 217-333-3470 or 866-ILLINI-1, on the Internet at www.fightingillini.com or in person at the Assembly Hall North Box Office.