Razorbackers
Fansided

Honoring Darren McFadden's jersey draws mixed reaction from fans

Who would've have thought honoring the best player in school history would cause such a divided fan base.
ByAustin Farmer|
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks former running back Darren McFadden (center) is honored between quarters and helps the spirit squad lead the crowd in a cheer during the game against the LSU Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. LSU won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks former running back Darren McFadden (center) is honored between quarters and helps the spirit squad lead the crowd in a cheer during the game against the LSU Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. LSU won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images | Brett Rojo-Imagn Images

The legend of Darren McFadden just got even bigger. On Tuesday’s episode of The Razorback Daily, Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek surprised the Hog favorite with news that his iconic No. 5 jersey will become the school’s first-ever “Honored Jersey.”

Starting Aug. 30 in Little Rock, when Arkansas opens its season against Alabama A&M, any Razorback who wears No. 5 will sport a special patch featuring McFadden’s likeness alongside the words “Darren McFadden Honored Jersey Patch.”

The celebration won’t stop there. On Oct. 18, during Arkansas’ matchup with Texas A&M, McFadden’s jersey will be hung in Razorback Stadium alongside other Razorback greats, including Clyde Scott’s No. 12 and Brandon Burlsworth’s No. 77.

While No. 5 won’t be retired, this honor marks a new chapter in how Arkansas celebrates its legends—similar to LSU’s tradition of reserving No. 7 for its top playmaker, often accompanied by a patch for players who can’t wear the number due to position restrictions.

McFadden, widely considered the greatest Razorback of all time, is now immortalized in a way that keeps his legacy alive on the field. Still, the move has sparked debate among fans. Some applaud the continued presence of No. 5 in Razorback uniforms, while others believe the number should be fully retired to preserve its singular significance.

Arkansas football fans react to Darren McFadden's Honored Jersey patch

Trey Biddy from HawgSports.com shares his thoughts on the jersey news, providing context about who will wear No. 5 this season. Defensive lineman standout, Cam Ball, will display No. 5 on the defensive side of the ball while true freshman Ja'Kayden Ferguson will sport it for the offense.

Some are ecstatic about the move, calling it 'fantastic.' One fan even made a comment about how the patch is much less of an eyesore than corporate sponsor patches.

However, there's a loud subsection of fans who criticize Yurachek for not going all out. "Can't even retire a jersey right,' said one X user, while many compared the 'botched' moment to still not having a statue of Arkansas basketball legend Nolan Richardson. Even Inside Arkansas' John Nabors doesn't understand the move.

One fan/Basketball enthusiast named Ben Brandon couldn't understand the outrage, suggesting that there's nothing the football program could do to make some fans happy.

Home/Football