London Fletcher, former NFL Star and John Carroll University alumnus London Fletcher, who played in the National Football League for 16 seasons, was the focus of a special half-time celebration on Saturday, November 11, at his alma mater, John Carroll University: his jersey number was retired. A two-time All-American, Fletcher wore #3 as a Blue Streak, finishing his senior season at JCU with a school record 202 tackles and was named the "1997 Football Gazette Division II Linebacker of the Year." Many of Fletcher's 1997 teammates joined him at this weekend's final game of the regular season, as they were all honored for being part of the first John Carroll football team in the program's history to win an NCAA Division III postseason contest. Gameday events included a salute to "Military Appreciation Day." Fletcher, who grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, went on to have a stellar career in the NFL as a four-time Pro Bowl selection and leading tackler for the Super Bowl XXXIV champion St. Louis Rams. He also played for the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins, retiring at the end of the 2013 season. Fletcher never missed a game in his entire professional playing career, making him one of only four players in NFL history to have played more than 250 consecutive games. London Fletcher (center) at John Carroll University's Don Shula Stadium with (L-R): Dave Vitatoe (Alumni Relations Exec. Dir.), Rev. Robert Niehoff, S.J. (President Emeritus), Laurie Massa (Sr. Athletics Dir.), and Dr. Jeanne Colleran (Interim President) November 11, 2017 A dedicated family man, Fletcher has earned recognition for his commitment to the community, including the Redskins "Walter Payton Man of the Year" award in 2008 and 2009. In 2012, he won the Bart Starr Award, which annually recognizes one NFL player for outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field, and in the community. He has established the London's Bridge Foundation, which promotes positive youth development with a principle focus on academics, leadership and community involvement. Contact: Tonya Strong-Charles | Executive Director of Media Relations | 216.397.1958 or tstrong@jcu.edu
