Breaking News: Wisconsin Badgers American National Football League Community Overjoyed as Head Coach Luke Fickell Makes Major Announcement Honoring Legen
Madison, WI – August 5, 2025 – A wave of excitement and pride has swept through the Wisconsin Badgers and broader American National Football League (NFL) community as Head Coach Luke Fickell made a major announcement that has fans celebrating across the state and beyond. In a heartfelt press conference held at Camp Randall Stadium, Fickell officially revealed that the Wisconsin Badgers will be permanently honoring legendary running back **Ron Dayne** in a historic and unprecedented way.
Coach Fickell announced that Ron Dayne, one of the most iconic figures in college football history, will be **immortalized with a statue on the University of Wisconsin campus** — a long-awaited tribute to his monumental achievements and enduring impact on the sport. The statue will be placed outside Camp Randall Stadium, standing as a symbol of excellence, perseverance, and Badger pride.
“This is more than just a statue,” Fickell said. “This is about honoring one of the greatest players to ever wear the cardinal and white — a man who carried not just the ball, but the hopes of this program on his back for four unforgettable years. Ron Dayne is a Badger legend, and it’s time we make that permanent.”
Ron Dayne’s career at Wisconsin from 1996 to 1999 is the stuff of legend. Known affectionately as “The Great Dayne,” he set the NCAA Division I-A (now FBS) all-time rushing record with 7,125 yards a mark that still resonates deeply with football fans. Dayne won the **1999 Heisman Trophy**, capping off a college career filled with record-breaking performances, two Rose Bowl MVP honors, and a lasting legacy as a power back who could not be stopped.
After college, Dayne went on to play in the NFL for teams like the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and Houston Texans. While his professional career had its ups and downs, his college achievements have remained a gold standard for running backs.
The announcement has sent waves of emotion and nostalgia throughout Wisconsin. Former players, coaches, alumni, and fans have expressed overwhelming support for the decision, many taking to social media and local news to share their admiration for Dayne and their appreciation for Coach Fickell’s leadership.
“Ron Dayne is Wisconsin football,” said former teammate Chris McIntosh, now UW’s Athletic Director. “He gave us everything he had, every single play. This statue will remind future generations of what greatness looks like.
This announcement also signals something deeper: the rekindling of a proud tradition under Coach Fickell, who has been focused on reconnecting the program’s past with its promising future. Since taking over in 2022, Fickell has consistently emphasized culture, legacy, and the importance of honoring those who paved the way.
“By celebrating Ron Dayne, we’re also setting a standard for what it means to be a Badger — toughness, humility, and heart,” Fickell added. “This is for the fans, for the players, and most of all, for Ron and his family.”
The unveiling ceremony for the statue is expected to take place later this season, during one of the home games in front of a packed house at Camp Randall. Alumni, NFL greats, and current players are expected to be in attendance for what promises to be an emotional and unforgettable moment in Wisconsin football history.
As the Badgers gear up for another competitive season in the Big Ten, the spirit of Ron Dayne will loom large — not just in bronze, but in the hearts of everyone who bleeds red and white.
The Wisconsin Badgers football program, established in 1889, is one of the most storied teams in college football. Competing in the Big Ten Conference, the team has produced numerous All-Americans, NFL stars, and u
nforgettable moments on the gridiron.