Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray had his number retired at his high school this past week.
Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray put himself on the map in 2015, finishing second in the AFC in rushing yards after breaking the 1000 yard barrier for the first time. He also recently had the honor of having his jersey retired at his high school alma mater, going back to his hometown for a special ceremony.
Before going to UCF and eventually to the Raiders, Murray made a name for himself at Onondaga Central High School in Nedrow, New York, getting named as New York’s Class D Player of the Year during his senior season. A year where he rushed for over 2,000 yards.
This past week, Murray’s No. 28 jersey, the same number he currently wears with the Raiders, was retired at halftime of a basketball game. An event that meant a lot to the Raiders running back in being honored by the community that brought him all the way to the NFL.
From Syracuse.com:
"That was ensured Tuesday night, when at a halftime ceremony at a basketball game the school retired his No. 28 football jersey, promising it will never again be worn at the school.Murray, who rushed for 2,194 yards on 175 carries his senior season en route to being named the New York State Class D player of the year, was, of course, appreciative.“I started going here when I was just a little boy, from kindergarten on,” the 26-year-old Murray said in a quiet moment before the ceremony. “This community, this school means a lot to me. It’s who I am. It’s where I’m from. It’s an honor for them to retire my jersey.”"
Murray had a special 2015 and is poised to have an even better 2016 as a big part of the Raiders future plans in the rushing attack going forward. This year is already off to a good start as Murray’s high school number will go down in history as one of his alma mater’s most famous alumni.