Jim McMahon to enter BYU's Hall

Former All-America quarterback Jim McMahon will have his No. 9 jersey retired as he enters the BYUHall of Fame later this fall, the school announced Thursday.

A ceremony, during which his name will be permanently displayed under the press box at LaVell Edwards Stadium, will be held at halftime of the BYU-Utah State game Oct. 3.

McMahon finished his BYU career in 1981 with 9,536 yards passing and 84 touchdowns. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, and at one point he held 70 NCAA passing records.

He finished third in the 1981 Heisman Trophy voting and shared Offensive Player of the Year honors with USC's Marcus Allen. He also won the inaugural Davey O'Brien Award and the Sammy Baugh Trophy that year.

McMahon will become only the sixth BYU player to have his jersey retired, joining Eldon Fortie, Marion Probert, Steve Young, Gifford Nielsen and Ty Detmer.

He also recently finished online courses to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree, which is a prerequisite to become a member of the school's Hall of Fame.

"I am very proud of Jim for finishing his degree," former BYU coach LaVell Edwards said in a statement. "He is a competitor and a finisher. ... Jim was a great leader and had a complete understanding of the game. He is very deserving of the Hall of Fame and having his jersey retired."

McMahon was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1982 and played 16 seasons in the NFL.

"Jim is one of the elite college quarterbacks of all time," BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe said in a statement. "He loved the game of football and always played the game like he was having fun. He was a great leader and a great teammate.

"I know there are a lot of people all over the country who are excited for Jim to be formally recognized as one of the Cougar greats."