Jordan McNair made not have been on the field for the Maryland Terrapins' season opener, but his teammates made sure that everyone at FedEx Field knew he was still on the minds of the Terps.
Even before kickoff it was an emotional affair for Maryland, playing their first game since McNair's death back in June.
Trotting out for the captains' meeting at midfield against the Texas Longhorns, five Terrapins made the treak. Vincent Flythe, Ty Johnson, Darnell Savage, Jr., and Brett Kulka accompained themselves with McNair's No. 79 jersey.
Terps vs Longhorns #honoringagreatteammate79 pic.twitter.com/F6AV2it4hY
— The Jordan McNair Foundation (@JMFoundation_) September 1, 2018
Before the kick, there was a moment of silence for McNair, where fellow offensive lineman Ellis McKennie waived the No. 79 flag. Not once did that flag touch the ground throughout the entire contest on Saturday afternoon.
The most notable action happened on the first play of the game. Ten Terps took the field with McNair's right guard spot left open. With a point to the sky, quarterback Kasim Hill let the play clock run out.
Forever a Terp.
For the first play of the game, Maryland took the field with 10 players. The right guard spot was left open to honor their late teammate Jordan McNair. pic.twitter.com/ksnEIvsbD4— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 1, 2018
Texas head coach Tom Herman without hesitation declined the delay of game penalty.
After the 34-29 victory, there was not a shot of Maryland to be had without the No. 79 flag or McNair's jersey. McNair's memory was paraded around the stadium after the final whistle.
.@TerpsFootball will never forget Jordan McNair.
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 1, 2018
Here's to seeing a whole lot more of that No. 79 flag in 2018. pic.twitter.com/Dt7toxzoF8
Players rush to the fans in end zone and wave #79 banner for Jordan McNair pic.twitter.com/RO1yhX3UXS
— David Steele (@David_C_Steele) September 1, 2018
Additionally, the Terps wore No. 79 helmet stickers for this game. Stickers they will also wear for the remainder of the 2018 season.
Once back in the locker room, the game ball was placed in McNair's locker as a tribute from interim head coach Matt Canada.
Matt Canada said they placed the game ball in Jordan McNair’s locker after the game. #Terps pic.twitter.com/sVbGgYz8vX
— Aaron Oster (@TheAOster) September 1, 2018
If there is anything today has taught us, once a Terp, always a Terp.
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