During the Homecoming football game on Oct. 9, Liberty University Athletics retired the No. 23 jersey of former All-American and NFL running back Rashad Jennings (’09).
In his three years with Flames Football (2006-08), Jennings rushed for 3,633 yards and set program records for career rushing touchdowns (42), 100-yard games (22), and points scored (278).
Jennings became the sixth LU player to be selected in the NFL Draft when the Jacksonville Jaguars picked him in the seventh round in 2008. He had a seven-year career in the NFL, rushing for 3,772 yards and 23 touchdowns, while playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2009-12), the Oakland Raiders (2013), and the New York Giants (2014-16).
Following his professional playing days, Jennings competed on the 24th season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, winning the Mirrorball trophy. His autobiography, “The IF in Life: How to Get Off Life’s Sidelines and Become Your Best Self,” was named to the New York Times Bestseller List.
Homecoming marked the second time Liberty Athletics has recognized Jennings. He was one of five inductees named to the 2018 Liberty Athletics Hall of Fame class.
The native of Forest, Va., has continued to have an impact on his community and alma mater more than a decade later. The Rashad Jennings Foundation holds Camp 180 on campus every summer, where Jennings trains and mentors about 500 young men and women.
