Georgia Southern to Celebrate 40 Years of Modern Football
7/25/2022 3:30:00 PM | Football
Numerous items are planned throughout the season
STATESBORO - With the kickoff of the 2022 football season 40 days away, the Georgia Southern Athletics Department has announced its plans to celebrate 40 years of Eagle football in the modern era.
As part of the celebration, several items are planned for throughout the season. Among them are:
Finally, Eagle Nation will be able to select the All-40th Anniversary Team, as we honor the great Eagles of the past. Starting on Monday, Aug. 1, any eligible offensive and defensive linemen will be open for voting. Other groupings will be released each Monday, and the full team is slated to be announced on Friday, Sept. 2. A full release detailing the process will be available on Aug. 1.
Georgia Southern began playing football in 1924 as Georgia Normal School but suspended the sport after the 1941 season due to World War II. The Eagles resumed playing as an NAIA independent in 1982, and the first year of NCAA unclassified play was in 1983. In 1993, Georgia Southern joined the Southern Conference and began transitioning to the FBS in 2013 before beginning play in the Sun Belt Conference in 2014. The Eagles have won six NCAA Division I-AA national championships, 11 conference titles and three bowl games in their 40 years of uncompromised excellence.
The Eagles will open the season on Saturday, Sept. 3 at home against Morgan State.
As part of the celebration, several items are planned for throughout the season. Among them are:
- 40th-anniversary pennants for fans at a game;
- 40th-anniversary commemorative stickers available throughout the season;
- Special recognitions of former players, coaches, administrators, donors and fans throughout the season;
- Free specialized posters at every game;
- Moments honoring our national championship teams and iconic moments in Georgia Southern football history at each game;
- The 40th Anniversary logo sticker will adorn the back of the Eagles' football helmets all season;
- Signage throughout Paulson Stadium to celebrate 40 years;
- Photo moments and opportunities for fans to join the 40-year celebration at each game;
- The 40th-anniversary logo has been made available to retailers to sell officially licensed apparel and items - which benefits the athletic department due to its licensing agreement - at their stores
Finally, Eagle Nation will be able to select the All-40th Anniversary Team, as we honor the great Eagles of the past. Starting on Monday, Aug. 1, any eligible offensive and defensive linemen will be open for voting. Other groupings will be released each Monday, and the full team is slated to be announced on Friday, Sept. 2. A full release detailing the process will be available on Aug. 1.
Georgia Southern began playing football in 1924 as Georgia Normal School but suspended the sport after the 1941 season due to World War II. The Eagles resumed playing as an NAIA independent in 1982, and the first year of NCAA unclassified play was in 1983. In 1993, Georgia Southern joined the Southern Conference and began transitioning to the FBS in 2013 before beginning play in the Sun Belt Conference in 2014. The Eagles have won six NCAA Division I-AA national championships, 11 conference titles and three bowl games in their 40 years of uncompromised excellence.
The Eagles will open the season on Saturday, Sept. 3 at home against Morgan State.
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