John Elliott wasn’t quite known as Jumbo yet when he departed Sachem in 1983. By the time he left Michigan, however, he was simply a thoroughbred lineman whose size and strength would carry him through a successful pro career.
For his accolades and accomplishments at Michigan, Elliott will be inducted to the Wolverines’ Hall of Honor this February, according to Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon.
Elliott, who graduated from Sachem in 1983, will be inducted with runner Kevin Sullivan and softball player Traci Conrad. They will be recognized at halftime of the Michigan-Minnesota football game Saturday and honored at a banquet in February. An interactive area inside Crisler Center highlights the careers of the 208-plus members of the Hall of Honor.
“Traci, John and Kevin are elite student-athlete alumni who have achieved at the highest level during their Michigan and post-graduate endeavors,” said Brandon in a statement. “We are so proud of their accomplishments on the field, in the classroom and in the community during their time representing the block M. We look forward to their induction into the Hall of Honor later this academic year.”
Elliott is also an inductee of the Sachem Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame. He has been on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame the last three years as well.
Jumbo’s Michigan Highlights
- Two-time All-American and is regarded as one of the top offensive linemen ever to don the winged helmet
- Started then-school record 44 games for an offensive linemen, a mark that ranks sixth for the position group
- Two-time All-Big Ten first team selection and was a finalist for both the Outland Trophy and the Rotary Lombardi Award as senior
- Graduated from Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1987
Jumbo’s Pro Highlights
- Second round draft pick of the New York Giants in the 1988 NFL Draft
- Played 14 years in the NFL, eight seasons with the Giants and another six seasons with the New York Jets
- Helped pave the way for a 1,000-yard rusher during 13 of his 14 NFL seasons and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1993
- Was a starter on the Giants team that won Super Bowl XXV and was selected to the organization’s 75th anniversary all-time team
About the U-M Hall of Honor
- Established in 1978 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions as athletes, coaches and administrators.
- Student-athletes inducted into the Hall of Honor have met the following criteria, listed in order of importance: University of Michigan graduate; NCAA champion or national championship team member; All-American; national or conference player of the year; individual or team Big Ten champion; all-conference award recipient; U-M, Big Ten, NCAA, World, US or Olympic record holder; U-M team captain; Olympic team member or medalist.
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro