Standout running back Javon Ringer named 2023 Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame inductee
Former Spartan standout running back Javon Ringer will be inducted into the Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame, the school announced on Wednesday, July 19.
“I can’t tell you the last time I was legitimately shocked and at a loss for words,” said Ringer upon getting the call from Michigan State vice president and director of athletics Alan Haller. “That’s how I felt…I was left speechless. I was emotional. I can’t truly put into words the gratitude that I felt, the humbleness that I felt, the emotional state that I was in – it was unbelievable. I genuinely, from the bottom of my heart, didn’t think that this would be possible right now.”
The Dayton, Ohio native holds the school record for most all-purpose yards with 5,426. Ringer is also second all time among Spartan backs with 4,398 career rushing yards, 843 career carries and 19 100-yard rushing games. He ranks fifth in total touchdowns, with 35, and rushing touchdowns, with 34.
Ringer is one of just two Michigan State running backs to lead the team in rushing four consecutive seasons. Lorenzo White accomplished the same feat in while in East Lansing.
Ringer earned many accolades throughout his collegiate career. Following his senior season in 2008, he received consensus First-Team All-American and All-Big Ten honors. Additionally, Ringer was a Doak Walker Award finalist and a semifinalist for the Maxwell/Walter Camp Player of the Year Award.
Ringer tallied 22 rushing touchdowns in 2008, setting a single-season school record. He also rushed for 1,637 yards, good for third most in a single season in program history. He also led the Spartans to their first New Year’s Day bowl game in nine seasons. Michigan State fell short, falling to Georgia 24-12 in the Capital One Bowl.
As a junior, Ringer earned second-team All-Big Team honors and became the first Spartan to run for over 1,000 yards in a season since T.J. Duckett, who did so in 2001.
Ringer was named to the Big Ten All-Freshmen Team and received honorable mention Freshman All-American in 2006, according to The Sporting News.
The former Michigan State running back ran for 3,581 yards and 29 touchdowns 34 games spanning three seasons. Ringer also tallied 77 receptions, 581 receiving yards and one touchdown reception.
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The Tennessee Titans selected Ringer No. 173 overall in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Ringer played four seasons with the Titans (2009-12) before retiring after battling injuries.
Ringer rushed for 486 yards and three touchdowns on 120 carries during his NFL career. He also hauled in 38 receptions for 243 yards.
Following his retirement, Ringer worked as a recruiting intern at Michigan State under his former head coach Mark Dantonio. He then left for Toledo where he worked as a quality control coach and aided in football operations.
Ringer returned to East Lansing for a second time this offseason. The former Spartan running back joined Mel Tucker’s staff as a recruiting assistant.
“It’s been a tremendous blessing to be able to be back,” said Ringer in the school’s press release. “I’m thankful that Coach Tucker has been good letting me play my role and help the program.
The 2023 Michigan State Athletics Hall of Fame inductees include: Guy Busch, Nicole Bush, Al Dorow, Stan Drobac, Rob Ellis, Nance Lyons, David Morgan, Emily Regan and Javon Ringer.
