FORVER 48: DC to retire Ben Davis' No. 48 at Homecoming '24

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The No. 48 formerly worn by legendary Yellow Jacket football player Ben Davis will be retired with a halftime ceremony at Saturday's Homecoming football game, the DC Athletic Department announced on Tuesday. The former NFL All-Pro will be honored alongside the 2024 DC Hall of Fame inductees and Coaches of the Year during halftime of Defiance's matchup against Manchester. Along with a weekend full of gatherings and recognitions, sports fans in Northwest Ohio will have a chance to witness a first-time event in Yellow Jacket athletics as one of the College's finest athletes has his football jersey formally retired.

Davis was a standout running back for the Yellow Jackets from 1963-66 and helped lead the team to an undefeated season in 1966, which also resulted in the Mid-Ohio Conference championship and a top-10 finish in the national rankings. Davis racked up over 2,000 all-purpose yards and found the end zone often as a two-time AP Little All-American, All-District 22, and First Team All Mid-Ohio Conference performer. To this day, he still holds the program record for the longest punt return touchdown of 96 yards.

The Birmingham, Ala. native was a three-sport athlete at Defiance while also wrestling and running track for the Yellow Jackets. After graduating in 1967 with a degree in business education, Davis was selected in the 17th round of the 1967 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He immediately made an impact as a dynamic return specialist and defensive back. In 1968, he was named All-Pro by the Sporting News with eight interceptions on the season. He played 10 seasons in the league, seven of them with the Browns that included four division titles. He also played three seasons with the Detroit Lions.

Davis was inducted into the Defiance College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981. Following his playing days, Davis enjoyed a successful business career that included ventures in founding and operating television, cable, and radio stations, and an office solutions company.

Saturday's Homecoming contest will see the Defiance Yellow Jackets host the Manchester Spartans for a non-conference contest. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Justin F. Coressel Stadium.

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