Tennessee football: Players who wore No. 32

Tennessee football: Players who wore No. 32

KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee has a football program rich in history and tradition, and over the years many great players have played on Rocky Top.

Vols Wire looks at which players wore each jersey numbers for the Volunteers.

No. 32

The number, which has been worn by many great running backs throughout the history of college and professional football, has officially been retired by the University of Tennessee.

It was taken out of circulation in honor of William “Bill” Nowling.

Nowling, a fullback, played for Robert Neyland and John Barnhill. A three-year starter in Knoxville, Nowling (1920-1944) was killed in World War II.

No. 32, which has not been worn on Rocky Top since 1987, was officially retired in 2006 during UT’s game against Air Force.

All-time players to wear No. 32 at Tennessee:

Joe Wallen (1937-39)

Bill Now1ling (1940-42)

Carl Smith (1956-58)

Bunny Orr (1959-61)

Jim Sullivan (1962-64)

Jimmy Glover (1965-67)

Steve Wold (1969-70)

Paul Careathers (1972-74)

Mike Hussisson (1975)

Junior Reid (1978)

Hubert Simpson (1979-80)

Mike Moeller (1983)

Charles Wilson (1984-87)