The number 34 will never be worn again on the famed grass of North Florida Christian's football field.
Ernie Sims, one of the best players in program history and former No. 1 overall recruit in the nation in 2003, will have his jersey retired at halftime of the Eagles' home game against Marianna. Sims won four state championships with NFC before embarking on a three-year career with Florida State and eight years in the NFL.
He is heralded as one of the Seminoles' best linebackers, earning All-American honors. Sims recorded 200 tackles, including 21.0 for loss with 7.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and one blocked kick. He won a pair of ACC titles with the program before he was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, selected by the Detroit Lions.
Over his eight-year NFL career, Sims accumulated 623 total tackles, with 26.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hurries, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one interception, spending time with the Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, and Dallas Cowboys.
Sims currently serves as the linebackers coach for FSU. Despite some struggles from the Seminoles, Sims's linebacker unit is one of the best on the team, led by Chris Jones.
NFC is 2-6 and hosts Marianna (3-4) at 7 p.m., looking for a shock win on a special night.
Liam Rooney covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: North Florida Christian retiring local legend Ernie Sims jersey