Utah Football Remembers Ty Jordan On Christmas Day
Dec 26, 2022, 10:20 AM
(Photo courtesy of Utah Athletics)
(Photo courtesy of Utah Athletics)
SALT LAKE CITY- While the Holidays have a way of bringing so much joy, they can also bring immense pain for many. The Utes are two years into understanding that pain all too well. Running back Ty Jordan was well on his way to being a star for Utah until a tragic accident on Christmas Day cut his life terribly short. In the midst of the euphoria that often surrounds the holiday and impending repeat visit to the Rose Bowl, Utah football took time to remember their teammate, friend, and brother, Ty Jordan.
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A Morning No One Will Forget
If you have any kind of connection to the state of Utah, Utes fan or not, you probably remember where you were and what you were doing when you found out Jordan was no more. December 26 two years ago was filled with a lot of confusion early on, followed by numb disbelief and intense sadness.
Just three days before his death, on December 22, Jordan was recognized by the Pac-12 as the Offensive Freshman of the Year among his many other accolades.
He had some big shoes to fill, and he did just that! @YogiRoth 👏@_ylfotyt is only the second @Utah_Football player to earn any #Pac12FB yearly award, along with @PresMoss2. pic.twitter.com/J8c1M3Ez5n
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) December 22, 2020
A week before, Jordan along with backup quarterback Drew Lisk, helped lead the Utes to a comeback victory against Washington State. Jordan finished the day with 22 carries for 154 yards and three touchdowns while adding two receptions for 33 yards.
Utah Football Making Life Count
Time has a way of healing all wounds and Utah football is managing to live life in honor of Jordan (and Aaron Lowe who tragically passed nine months after Jordan).
Against all odds, the Utes eventually went on to win their first Pac-12 Championship and make their first Rose Bowl appearance against Ohio State in the face of immense adversity last season.
It’s a great day to smile.
It’s a great day to spread infectious optimism.
It’s a great day to live and love fearlessly.
It’s a great day to remember @_ylfotyt and @Ezmoneylowe while getting 22% better at whatever your heart desires.
❤️2.22.22 ❤️#22Forever pic.twitter.com/ALioywhqfe
— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) February 22, 2022
The Utes recently beat the odds for a second time after all hope looked lost of repeating as Pac-12 Champions in the 2022 season which they dedicated to Jordan and Lowe who both wore the number 22. Not only does Utah now have a second conference championship trophy, but they are a week away from playing in their second Rose Bowl against Penn State with hope of finishing the job for their teammates who never stopped believing in Utah’s potential to be great.
Michelle Bodkin is the Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of both the Crimson Corner Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and The Saturday Show (Saturday from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.) on The KSL Sports Zone. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @BodkinKSLsports
