Belton, Texas –
The ceremony began with a video celebrating Freeman’s football career from his first season at UMHB to his current play for the Chicago Bears.
Following the video, Freeman was joined at midfield by his parents, Angela and Jimmy Freeman; UMHB 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.
