A surprise presentation was made Friday, April 28 during the annual Friends Helping Friends basketball game at Elbert County Comprehensive High School that honored former Blue Devil Mecole Hardman Jr. by retiring his jersey.
Hardman’s jersey is the fifth football jersey in Elbert County to be retired, according to Superintendent Jon Jarvis.
The No. 4 jersey joins Clark Cleveland (No. 85 from 1961 to 1964), Charles H. Smith (No. 62 from 1961 to 1964), Brent Adams (No. 72 from 1966 to 1970) and Clark Gaines (No. 15 from 1968 to 1972). Cleveland and Smith’s jerseys were retired in 1969 while Gaines and Adams’ jerseys were retired in 1989.
Along with a framed jersey, Hardman was presented a proclamation from Superintendent Jon Jarvis, Athletic Director/Head Coach Shannon Jarvis and Elbert County Comprehensive High School principal Josh Rider.
Along with his accolades including his time with the University of Georgia and Kansas City Chiefs, the resolution honored Hardman for his conduct.
“Mecole Hardman Jr., throughout his association with Elbert County Comprehensive High School, the University of Georgia and the Kansas City Chieds and New York Jets of the National Football League, did conduct himself in such a fashion as to bring credit to himself, his family, his community and his Alma Mater.”
The jersey retirement was announced at the end of the resolution, “brining honor to one who through his dedication and perseverance serves as an example to the Elbert County community and its youth.”
Another ceremony recognizing the retirement is being scheduled for a home football game during the upcoming 2023 season.