I have mixed emotions about this too. First, let me say I am proud for Kevin. And I do feel he is deserving of this honor. He is a great ambassador for the university. Since going 1-A Kevin is the top athlete we have sent to the NFL and I am proud to see him excell.
Now, for the flip side. From the interviews I heard today, MTSU representatives made a point to say this was based on his MT accolades, and not his pro career. Fair enough, he was a awesome player and again, does great things off the field. But we had some hellacous talent in the Boots era. I would rank Don Griffin and Joe Campbell as equals in the talent department. Heck, the NFL career for Griffin is probably the best ever for a Blue Raider. He was a NFL lock down corner for a SF team loaded with talent. And those who saw Campbell would be hard pressed to name a more electric, entertaining Blue Raider.
Guys like Marty Carter, Kelly Holcomb, Mike Caldwell, Vince Hall, Tony Burse, Steve McAdoo and even a kicker named Kelly Potter all had careers that should be considered worthy of consideration for such an honor.
That said, I am not sure what any of those gentlemen did for MT after leaving. I can honestly say, I have been proud to see the involvement and fan interaction that KB has had.
I know we can't retire them all, but it's been way too long since we retired any. Maybe this is something our new fan committee can run with. Some type of ring of honor? Post their name in the stadium without officially retiring it. That would recognize some of our greats and re-involve them with the program.