Belton, Texas –
The ceremony began with a video celebrating Freeman’s football career from his first season at Â鶹ÊÓƵֱ²¥ to his current play for the Chicago Bears.
Following the video, Freeman was joined at midfield by his parents, Angela and Jimmy Freeman; Â鶹ÊÓƵֱ²¥ President and First Lady Randy and Julie O’Rear; Cru Vice President for Athletics Randy Mann; and Head Football Coach Pete Fredenburg. Freeman was presented with a framed replica of his Cru jersey by Fredenburg. Another jersey will be put on display in the Andersen Field House near the Jerrell Freeman Team Room.
Then, in a surprise for Freeman, the crowd was directed to look to the south end zone where his brother Jimmy and two nieces, Ashley and Mariyah, unveiled a special monument below the scoreboard. The monument bears a number eight at its top, followed by a list of some of Freeman’s athletic accomplishments, and his name at its base.
The Crusaders finished the game with a 20-15 victory over HSU. Following the win, several fans took photos next to the new monument, which will be a permanent fixture in Crusader Stadium, celebrating the achievements of one of the Crusader Football program’s greatest stars, while inspiring current and future players to reach new heights.