The Syracuse University football program has had a dreadful season on the field, entering Saturday's regular season finale at 3-8 overall and losers of seven straight games.

However, the last day of the regular season has provided a nice moment, as the athletic department opened up an official 'No. 44' exhibit at the JMA Wireless Dome.

The exhibit was set up, in part, by Syracuse product Rob Konrad, who is the last player to ever wear No. 44 for the Orange. He said that the No. 44 represents a standard of excellence and he spoke about the work it took to acquire some of the artifacts, including a Jim Brown helmet from the 1950s.

You can hear that in the video below:

Further comments from Konrad

The following appeared in a press release from Syracuse Athletics on Nov. 20. These comments expand on what was said in the video above:

"The Legend of 44 was introduced to me as 'the standard of excellence," Konrad said. "When I wore it, I was personally taking responsibility to represent the No. 44's reputation on and off the field - compete, lead, and win with humility. My goal with this exhibit is to share the Legend of 44 with current students, alumni, and all of Orange Nation, honoring the men who created a standard and symbol of greatness, courage, hope, opportunity, overcoming adversity and breaking barriers, which many of us aspire to in sports and life."

The legend of No. 44

Also from the press release:

It grew to prominence when legendary running backs Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little donned the number at 'Cuse and continued its legacy through other great players including Rob Konrad, Michael Owens and Terry Richardson, among others.

...The West End Zone Concourse outside Club 44 will now feature the Legacy of 44 display. The new fixture pays homage to the tradition and legacy of the players who wore it during their time at Syracuse and their accomplishments afterwards.The display will have game-worn memorabilia – including helmets from Brown and Konrad, which celebrates the origin of the number's legacy with Brown through Konrad being the last to wear it. It also will showcase game-worn cleats from Davis' Heisman season, authentic uniforms, cards and more. The display will have a timeline of the number, honoring every player to have worn it, plus video and photo displays.

About Konrad

Konrad spent four years with the Orange, playing from 1995-98. He had 295 career carries and just over 1,500 yards. He punched home 20 touchdowns and saw significant playing time in each of his four seasons. He also caught three touchdowns, helping the Orange to three consecutive nine-win seasons and an eight-win season. He played with the likes of Marvin Harrison and Donovan McNabb, two of the best players to ever suit up for the Orange. 

Konrad was a second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 1999 NFL Draft. He played six seasons with Miami, amassing seven total touchdowns. He helped the Dolphins to the playoffs in 1999 and 2000.

About Jim Brown 

Arguably one of the greatest athletes to ever live, Brown scored 19 touchdowns in three seasons with the Orange, running for a nation-best 13 touchdowns in 1957. 

In the NFL, he spent nine years with the Cleveland Browns, averaging 104.3 rushing yards per game, which is the highest total in NFL history. He had 106 career rushing touchdowns, was a nine-time Pro Bowler, an eight-time All-Pro and a three-time MVP.

About the Orange's finale

Syracuse will play Boston College (1-10) at 3 p.m. ET. Then it's off to the offseason. 

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