If you’re a member of the Temple football program, you’re desperate to wear a jersey that is only a single digit.
Those numbers are reserved for the nine best players on the field, a tradition started by former head coach Al Golden and since reinstated by Matt Rhule. Now, sponsors can get a piece of the action by plunking down a few dollars.
In a new program called “The 9,” supporters of the program can sponsor an individual jersey number for a mere $50,000 annually. The program was announced on the Temple athletics website on Monday.
“This program is made for the ‘Best of the Best’ of Temple Owl fans,” said Deputy Director of Athletics Craig Angelos. “As our single digit numbers are earned and limited to our top players, this is limited to our top supporters. It is an exclusive club and these nine members will feel special in so many ways.”
Numbers one-through-three have already been sponsored. If Temple can manage to find six more boosters to bite on the promotional program, they’ll have added an additional $450,000 to the program. Not too shabby.
Those who sponsor the jersey numbers receive the following:
- Interaction with your assigned student-athlete throughout the year
- Custom jersey with your name and the assigned number
- Tickets for you and a guest to travel on the team plane to one mutually agreed upon Football away contest
The Owls are in a transitory phase heading into the 2017 season. After coach Rhule accepted the role of head coach at Baylor, the team handed the reigns over to coach Ed Foley. This is Foley’s first head coaching position in the FBS, and he’ll be looking to build on consecutive double-digit win season in 2015 and 2016.
He has big shoes to fill, but with an extra $450,000 in the programs back pocket, he might be able to entice top prospects with state-of-the-art facilities and trips to Italy. It’s worked out pretty well for Michigan.
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