The No. 10 Louisville Cardinals will pay tribute to Muhammad Ali with helmet decals and game day celebrations Saturday as they take on No. 2 Florida State.
University of Louisville football is commemorating one of its biggest fans during what could be one of the biggest games in program history. On Saturday, all Louisville Cardinals helmets will feature a butterfly decal on the back with “Ali” emblazoned upon it to celebrate the life of Muhammad Ali.
Ali, who passed away just over three months ago, was a huge Louisville fan in a nod to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. As he got on in years, Ali could be seen catching Cardinals football or basketball games. Ali’s son, Assad, played baseball for Louisville from 2009-12, and Ali delighted in catching his son’s games.
In honor of The Greatest! We pay tribute to the late Muhammad Ali. pic.twitter.com/WMF3xzBCL1
— Louisville Equipment (@UofLEquipment) September 16, 2016
Saturday’s game against No. 2 Florida State is the perfect time to pay tribute to a man whose famous motto “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” is the perfect way to sum up a winning game plan for the Cardinals.
The Cardinals are currently sitting on a 10th place ranking and a 2-0 record on this young season with wins against Charlotte and Syracuse. A win against Florida State, who also holds a 2-0 record, would catapult Louisville in the rankings.
The Cardinals are also celebrating Ali with a massive banner in the end zone of Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, and Ali shirts will be given to the student section. The coin toss will feature a special commemorative coin featuring the Ali butterfly design.
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Ali’s widow Lonnie and son Assad, a Louisville alum, are expected to be in attendance for the game. While nothing has been announced, it would be very fitting for Muhammad Ali’s daughter, Laila Ali, to be the celebrity picker on College Game Day.
Louisville takes on Florida State on Sept. 17 at 12pm ET on ABC.