Fresno State Athletics
Messer Honored to Have Jersey Worn Again
8/9/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 9, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - Before they even met, Dale Messer and Ryan Mathews had a connection. They both love No. 21, they both have Valley ties, and they both share the same position. So Thursday's meeting on the Bulldog practice field for Messer was like looking into the past.
Dale Messer is one of five former Fresno State football players to have his number retired by the program. Messer, who wore No. 21, was a two-time All-America selection at running back and had a five-year professional career with the San Francisco 49ers.
Messer, a Lemoore native, led the rushing attack at Fresno State for three years. He was a three-time All-Conference player and wore the No. 21. Messer graduated from Fresno State in 1961.
Mathews, entering his freshman season, is a Bakersfield native. He is one of the top recruits head coach Pat Hill has landed in recent years and comes into Fresno State after leading California in rushing last season in his senior year.
"He is a great player and person. Coach called me and asked me about the No. 21," Messer said. "I got to meet him today and he is a real nice gentleman. I think I made the right decision."
So when Mathews asked Hill about the No. 21, he said it was retired, but he would see what he could do. After a phone call to Messer, the 70-year-old decided this would be a good time to have his number worn again, and felt honored.
Messer, who has lived in Fresno since his playing days, says the number will be out of retirement until Mathews' playing days are over, and then the jersey will go back into retirement.
Mathews is wearing No. 23 at practice and for the first scrimmage, as a new No. 21 is on order. It's been 10 years since a No. 21 has needed to be ordered for a player.
The last Fresno State number to come out of retirement was Kevin Sweeney's No. 9, which Tyrell Grayson wore during his days as a Bulldog.
QB Club Tailgate Kickoff The Fresno State Quarterback Club will hold the annual Tailgate Kickoff Party on August 19 at 5 p.m. at the Fresno Convention Center. Bulldog student-athletes and coaches will be on hand for autographs and to talk about the 2007 season. For more information about the Tailgate Kickoff or the information about QB Club memberships, contact the Fresno State Quarterback Club at (559) 278-7801.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - For information on season tickets, packages and specials for the 2007 season, click the tickets icon at the top of this page. Fresno State opens the season at home on September 1 against Sacramento State.
