Louisville legend Ernest Givins on being inducted into the Cardinals Ring of Honor

Louisville football legend Ernest Givins was honored on Thursday evening at halftime. The former Cardinals’ wide receiver had his No. 29 jersey inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor. He also had his jersey retired, becoming the 27th Cardinal player in program history to have their jersey honored or retired. Right after halftime of the Murray State game, Sherree Burruss of the ACC Network caught up with the former Louisville legend to ask him what the honor meant to him.

“It means a lot to me. Back in those days, the program wasn’t what it is now. So, I’m very, very honored with that. And I had some great coaches. I had Bob Weber. Then I finished up with Howard Schnellenberger. So, you can’t get better than those two,” the former UofL great said.

What were his thoughts on Thursday night’s game in which the Cardinals were dominating to the tune of a 28-0 blowout?

“The Cardinals, they’re hangin’ on. They’re doing real well. They’re very, very impressive. But you’ve got to continue to do it. Each and every week. And then let’s see how you do it again,” Givins said on the sidelines in the third quarter.

Where does he see the Louisville program heading in the future under Jeff Brohm? Can it become one of the top tier programs in the country?

“This program back in the day, was struggling. This program now is up there, probably with the Top 20 programs in the nation. They have to get a couple more wins and everything. But other than that, it’s first class all the way around the board,” Givins said.

From 1984-985 with the Cardinals, Givins hauled in 67 total catches for 1,266 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. As a kick returner, he had 43 returns for 1,054 yards, while racking up two touchdowns. He earned honorable mention All American honors from the AP in 1985.

In his pro career, Givins was drafted in the second round of the 1986 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. He became one of the most prolific receivers in Houston franchise history, catching passes from Hall of Famer Warren Moon.

Givins was dominant in the franchise’s “run-and-shoot” attack, punching his ticket the Pro Bowl twice (1990 and 1992). He set a number of records with the Oilers, including the most receiving yards in a career (7,935 yards) and the most receptions in a career (542). Givins was also known for his end zone dance, dubbed the “Electric Slide”.