This weekend, during their game against Eastern Michigan, the Kentucky Wildcats payed tribute to former player Nate Northington in a variety of ways. After all, it is the 50th anniversary of Northington becoming the first African-American to play football in the SEC.
Clearly, this is an historic commemoration of a watershed moment in college athletics, and it follows last year’s unveiling of the statue at Kroger Field commemorating the first four African-American players in program history.
The statue that will forever honor Wilbur Hackett, Houston Hogg, Greg Page and Nate Northington. pic.twitter.com/FzXkCNSAMi
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) September 22, 2016
One way in which Kentucky will salute Northington is by wearing a sticker on their helmets that reads “23”—Northington’s number while at Kentucky.
The whole team is #23 today! #WeAreUK pic.twitter.com/bpwijXq0mv
— UK Equipment Staff (@UKequipment) September 30, 2017
Northington, who was named the team’s honorary captain today, also joined Coach Stoops and the rest of the team during the Cat Walk, which made for a pretty poignant moment as he shook hands with fans—both young and old.
Honored to have Nate Northington join @UKCoachStoops in leading our Cat Walk today! pic.twitter.com/TSDHOnFGFg
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) September 30, 2017
Before the game began, Kentucky brought Northington out onto the field, and UK beat writer Joe Mussatto described the scene he witnessed at Kroger Field:
Nate Northington is an honorary captain for today's game. Standing ovation for him.
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) September 30, 2017
By the way, you should carve a few minutes out of your Saturday to watch this great video that ESPN put together about Northington and the role he played in helping de-segregate the SEC back in 1967.