The Number 62: A Symbol of Sacrifice and Tradition
When the University of Tennessee steps onto the gridiron, the number 62 is more than a digit on a jersey; it is a reminder of a story that stretches from the football field to the battlefields of World War II.
Clyde Fuson, a fullback who played for the Vols during the 1942 season, embodied that story. He enlisted in the Army, served with the 335th Infantry Regiment and the 84th Infantry Division, and was killed in action in Germany. His sacrifice made him one of only four Tennessee players whose jerseys have been retired in honor of fallen servicemen.
A Hero on the Field and Battlefield
The retirement of Fuson’s number came decades later, on September 9, 2006, during a game against Air Force. The ceremony not only commemorated Fuson’s wartime service but also linked his legacy to the broader tradition of honoring athletes who gave their lives in conflict.
Fuson was not the first to wear 62; that distinction belongs to Mike Balitsaris, who donned the number from 1939 to 1941. After Balitsaris, the number passed through several hands before landing with Nick Zecchino, the final player to wear it in 1988. Each of these athletes contributed to the evolving narrative of the jersey.
The University of Tennessee’s commitment to remembering these men goes beyond a simple plaque. By retiring the number, the school ensures that future generations of Volunteers understand the weight of the jersey they wear, connecting the present to a past marked by courage both on the field and on the front lines.
Today, as the Volunteers continue to chase victory, the number 62 remains a silent sentinel, urging players to embody the same dedication, teamwork, and sacrifice that defined Fuson’s life. It is a legacy that transcends statistics, living on in every practice, every game, and every story told about Tennessee football.