Badger of Honor
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Former Badger Joe Schobert gets high school number retired

By Tanner Nestle

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 22: Joe Schobert #53 of the Cleveland Browns tackles DeMarco Murray #29 of the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 22: Joe Schobert #53 of the Cleveland Browns tackles DeMarco Murray #29 of the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Former Wisconsin Football linebacker Joe Schobert had the honor of getting his jersey umber retired at his high school.

One of the best linebackers in recent Badger history, Joe Schobert, was honored by Waukesha West High School. His number 23 will never be worn again.

Schobert was one of the best players in the state of Wisconsin as a senior, but not as a linebacker, how Badgers fans know him. He was a a very productive running back. Schobert ran for over 1,500 yards and had 23 touchdowns as a senior. Still, it wasn’t good enough to earn a scholarship at Wisconsin.

Former Wisconsin Badger Joe Schobert
MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 19: Linebacker Joe Schobert #58 of the Wisconsin Badgers (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The Wisconsin walk-on program has been picking up a lot of recognition lately, and Schobert is a prime example of what it can do. He walked on the team and eventually earned a scholarship, as many Badger walk-ons do. Schobert took his opportunity a step further and turned his scholarship and playing time into a young, but impressive NFL career.

Joe “The Show” Schobert was drafted in the 4th round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Since earning more playing time last year, he has locked down a starting job with the Cleveland Browns. The production Badger fans saw from Schobert in Madison has translated incredibly well to the pro game. Schobert looks more like a steal everyday.

Related Story: Joe Schobert is one of the best Badgers in the NFL

Schobert’s story is special, but it’s something the Badgers have been trying to sell players on for years. J.J. Watt was a former walk-on in Madison, as was Alex Erickson, Ricky Wagner, and two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Maragos. These are just a few of the Badger greats that have gone from walk-on to the NFL.

Schobert said his jersey being retired is a reminder to the kids that playfootball at Waukesha West now. “I did all the stuff they did growing up. I came from Waukesha, Wisconsin and if they do things the right way – and with a little bit of luck – they can end up where I am,” Schobert said.

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Doing things the right way, and working extremely hard, is part of the Badgers culture that Schobert helped strengthen at Wisconsin. He’s one of the best examples of what being a Badger is all about, and that will be true for years to come.