University of North Carolina Athletics
UNC to Honor Former Football All-Americas
June 21, 1999 | Football
October 1, 1998
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. --- The University of North Carolina will honor former football All-Americas Greg Ellis and Brian Simmons at halftime of Saturday's game against Clemson. Simmons, an outside linebacker from New Bern, N.C., and Ellis, a defensive end from Wendell, N.C., earned the right for their names and uniform numbers to be placed on the facade of the upper deck at Kenan Stadium. They join 15 other players who have had their name and numbers honored by the University for the following criteria: players who had previously had their numbers retired; consensus first-team All-Americas; or National or Atlantic Coast Conference Players of the Year.
Ellis and Simmons both were consensus first-team All-America selections in 1997. Ellis was then selected in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Simmons was a first-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ellis, Carolina's alltime quarterback sacks leader, will not be able to attend the ceremony. The Cowboys have a game on Sunday in Washington, D.C. The three-time All-ACC performer will be represented by his mother, Ozelle Ellis, and his brother, Lawrence.
Simmons plays for the Cincinnati Bengals, who are enjoying an off week. Simmons will be joined by his wife, Rachel, and his parents, Harold and Cynthia Patrick.
