47 of 80 Illini greats set to return for Renaissance Celebration

September 5, 2008 2:47 PM

University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics officials announced Friday that Fighting Illini greats J Leman and Jason Reda will return to Champaign-Urbana for the Illinois Renaissance Celebration Game against Eastern Illinois Sept. 6. The pair completes a long list of legendary Illinois players who will be on hand for the 2008 home opener, when fans will get their first look at the newly finished stadium.

"I am extremely honored to be part of the 10 greatest linebackers of all time at the real 'Linebacker U,'" Leman said. "And I am really excited to see the team and all of the former players who are able to make it back to Champaign."

The Illinois Renaissance celebration will be highlighted by the return of a multitude of former Fighting Illini players, with the list of 10 greatest Illini in Memorial Stadium history at each position being honored during eight breaks throughout the game. The current team also will honor past greats by donning throwback uniforms modeled in the style of the Dick Butkus era.

fightingillini.com | Renaissance Celebration Thread

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