North Florida Christian to Retire Ernie Sims Jersey
The school will honor the former standout linebacker during halftime of Friday night's home football game.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Football
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North Florida Christian is set to retire the number 34 jersey of former star athlete Ernie Sims. The ceremony will take place at halftime during the school's home game against Marianna.
Why it matters
The recognition celebrates the legacy of a local standout who went on to national prominence as both a collegiate and professional athlete. It marks a significant tribute to a player whose career began at the school and continued to the professional level.
Sims, who was the nation's number one recruit in 2003, recorded 200 tackles, 21.0 tackles for loss, and 7.0 sacks during his time at Florida State. He later became a top-10 NFL Draft pick and played eight seasons professionally.
The players
Ernie Sims
He is a former professional football player who currently works as the linebackers coach for Florida State.
North Florida Christian
It is a Tallahassee-based school where Sims played before his college and professional career.
Marianna
It is a high school football program that holds a 3-4 record and serves as the visiting opponent for the ceremony.
The details
Ernie Sims currently serves as the linebackers coach for Florida State after playing eight seasons in the NFL. He was the number 9 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
Timeline
2003: Ernie Sims was the number 1 overall recruit in the nation.
2006: Ernie Sims was selected as the number 9 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
October 23, 2026: North Florida Christian hosts Marianna at 7 p.m.
Season Trajectory
The retirement ceremony highlights a high-profile alumni homecoming during a season where North Florida Christian currently holds a 2-6 record. This event serves as a focal point for the program as it looks to conclude its season against Marianna.
Fans attending the game can expect the halftime festivities to delay the standard second-half kickoff as the program honors Sims. The event provides a high-profile distraction during a challenging season for both the 2-6 home team and the 3-4 visiting squad.
The takeaway
Honoring local legends through jersey retirements fosters long-term school spirit and keeps alumni connected to the program. Implementing such traditions can serve as a meaningful way to inspire current student-athletes through the legacy of their predecessors.
Further reading
For more on local high school gridiron developments, visit the Football section.
Live Poll
Should local schools continue the tradition of retiring jersey numbers for star student-athletes?
