The announcement of Charles Alexander’s jersey retirement by LSU wasn’t just another press release—it was the culmination of decades of quiet advocacy and historical reassessment. As LSU prepares to immortalize “Alexander the Great” in 2025, the question resonating through Tiger Nation isn’t whether he deserves the honor, but rather: why now, and what does it truly signify for LSU’s football legacy?
When we examine this decision beyond the surface, we discover a fascinating study in how athletic immortality is determined, how legacies are preserved, and what truly constitutes greatness in the pantheon of LSU football history.
1. The announcement more than just a press release
LSU’s announcement didn’t emerge from nowhere. It represented the successful culmination of years of persistent campaigning from former teammates, historians, and devoted fans who believed Alexander’s contributions had been overlooked for far too long. The unanimity of the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee’s decision speaks volumes—this wasn’t merely a token gesture but a deliberate correction to LSU’s historical record.
The timing suggests a strategic recognition that Alexander’s legacy deserved formal acknowledgment alongside other Tiger greats, especially as his impact has only grown more apparent with historical perspective.
2. Alexander beyond the box score
The statistics alone would justify Alexander’s jersey retirement: 4,035 career rushing yards (3rd in LSU history), 40 touchdowns, and an SEC Player of the Year award. But numbers fail to capture the visceral impact of his playing style. Alexander wasn’t simply effective—he was transformative, combining wrecking-ball power with breakaway speed in a package rarely witnessed in Tiger Stadium before or since.
As one fan recalled on social media: “I met The Great when I was around 10-11 and a chunky kid just starting football….he told me to slap a 75 on my back and tear’em up…..wore 75 my whole football career.” This personal connection transcended statistics, revealing how Alexander’s influence extended beyond the field to inspire a generation of young athletes.
3. The “why now?” question context is king
The timing of this honor, coming decades after Alexander’s playing days, invites scrutiny. Several factors likely influenced LSU’s decision to act in 2025:
First, sufficient historical distance has allowed for a more objective assessment of Alexander’s place in LSU lore. The emotional reactions of the moment have given way to historical perspective that clearly establishes his significance. Second, his 2012 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame provided external validation of his greatness. Finally, LSU’s recent championship success has created an environment where honoring the foundation builders of Tiger football resonates with a new generation of fans.
4. The criteria more than just a checklist
LSU’s jersey retirement standards are notoriously strict, requiring “truly unusual and outstanding accomplishments exceeding and in addition to all criteria used for Hall of Fame selection.” But these criteria aren’t merely technical benchmarks—they require judgment, interpretation, and a deep understanding of what makes a player culturally significant beyond statistics.
Alexander’s case is compelling not just because of what he accomplished, but how he accomplished it: with a style and impact that dramatically elevated LSU’s national profile during his era. For another perspective on LSU’s jersey retirement standards, read about the debate surrounding the question, Should LSU retire Joe Burrow’s No. 9? It’s a no-brainer.
5. The company he keeps a pantheon of power
By joining Billy Cannon (No. 20), Tommy Casanova (No. 37), and Jerry Stovall (No. 21), Alexander enters an exclusive fraternity of LSU legends whose numbers have been enshrined forever. Each represents a different facet of LSU excellence: Cannon’s raw dominance, Casanova’s versatility, Stovall’s leadership, and now Alexander’s relentless determination.
This selective group highlights LSU’s approach to immortality—it isn’t granted lightly, but reserved for those who defined their era. Learn more about the decision to honor another LSU legend: LSU to Retire Football Jersey of Jerry Stovall.
6. The ghosts of no. 4 before “Alexander the great”
While many players have worn No. 4 at LSU, none before Alexander imbued it with such significance. He didn’t merely wear the jersey—he defined it, transforming an ordinary number into a symbol of rushing excellence at LSU. This transformation represents one of the strongest arguments for retirement: Alexander didn’t just excel while wearing No. 4; he made the number itself meaningful in LSU’s rich tapestry.
The decision acknowledges that some players don’t just represent their numbers—they become inseparable from them in the collective memory of a program.
7. The fanfare a symphony of praise (and a few dissents)
The announcement generated overwhelmingly positive reactions across Tiger Nation. As one fan eloquently shared on social media: “Congratulations Charles F. Alexander on this well-deserved honor! You were my first childhood hero and I would cut-out the newspaper clippings of his games and placed them in a scrap book that, unfortunately, Katrina took away.”
Another witness to Alexander’s greatness noted: “I was a freshman on campus in 1977 when Alexander the Great shredded the LSU single season rushing record with 1,686 yards. That season was second only to the great Earl Campbell of Texas who racked up 1,744.”
Even among the overwhelming support, the retirement sparked discussions about which other LSU greats might deserve similar recognition—a healthy debate that reinforces how seriously the LSU community takes its football traditions.
8. Alexander in the pantheon a force of nature
Comparing Alexander to other LSU legends reveals his unique place in Tiger history. While Cannon possessed singular talent as a Heisman winner who could do it all, Alexander offered unmatched consistency in grinding out tough yards week after week. Where Casanova was a defensive genius with uncanny anticipation, Alexander’s impact was more visceral and immediate. Stovall excelled on both sides of the ball, but Alexander’s peak dominance at his position set him apart.
9. The ripple effect Alexander’s enduring legacy
The retirement of Alexander’s No. 4 recognizes not just what he did during his playing days, but how his impact continues to reverberate through LSU football culture. As the first 4,000-yard rusher in SEC history, he helped establish LSU’s reputation for physical, ground-based excellence that continues to influence the program’s identity today.
Beyond statistics, Alexander’s legacy lives on through the generations of LSU running backs who followed his example of combining power, speed, and determination—a template that continues to define what it means to carry the ball for the Tigers.
The uncomfortable truth
The retirement of Alexander’s jersey represents more than simple recognition of past achievements—it’s a declaration of values. By enshrining No. 4, LSU makes a statement about what qualities merit immortality: unwavering determination, transformative impact, and the ability to elevate the program on a national stage.
In this light, Alexander’s jersey retirement isn’t just about honoring one man’s accomplishments—it’s about affirming the principles that LSU football aspires to embody now and into the future. And that makes it not just a celebration of the past, but a guidepost for generations of Tigers yet to come.
