The Legend of Billy Joe…should be a book, or a movie. Can’t wait to cheer as loud as possible when he is announced. He deserves our full-throated appreciation (and apology) for his time connected to the greatest era of Husky football.
I graduated in ‘91. Billy Joe was the cockiest QB I had seen in a husky uniform, and his swagger was essential to that undefeated season. The comeback win at Nebraska is still my favorite husky game. I always thought BJH was a dude, and was never angry at him. I actually have a signed photo of him as the Rose Bowl MVP in my garage. I would cheer my voice horse if I was at the game tomorrow. Thank you, BJH. 🫡👏
Great article, Christian. I was a student at UW for the three Rose Bowls, and it was so much dang fun watching those teams. I held no ill will towards Billy Joe, and I'm glad he's getting some recognition. He and Brunell were a great QB tandem.
Great article, glad theyre having him. I never thought ill of him. Maybe i was ahead of my time but i always thought the NCAA were the bad guys. And the thing that hurt the program the most actually was James leaving in protest when they needed the steady leadership thru the probation. Always thought if he had toughed it out the next ten years would have been very different
Always liked Billy Joe, & thought the NCAA sanctions were just a way to bring the DAWGS down.
U$C could NOT stand not being the powerhouse of the West Coast.
Agree with Rick W.
I was fortunate enough to meet and become friends with Owens era #36, and and when this part of Husky history came up, he got mad and said about James " he quit on his team"
Beautiful story. I was at the UW at that time, and Billy Joe and the team brought me so much enjoyment. He seems to have his head in the right place, and I'm happy for him.
Would have liked to know more about the loan and stuff...wouldn't have been so pissed off for the last 33 years. But I had always heard it was the pac10 (lead by oregon and usc) than the ncaa that laid the sanctions. And of course the idiot barbara hedges did absolutely nothing to stop them.
But of course it was the seattle times that did the story. Such a crap paper with a crap owner.
As a person who grew up in Orting as he did, I have followed his career since before high school. What has always impressed me is how uncommonly competitive he is.
I was a new father that fall but my son was not allowed out of ICU and Intermediate Care for 6 weeks, until he reached 5 lbs. the nurses demanded we go to home games to get us out of the hospital. I never thought BJH was anything other than a 19 year old who was taken advantage of by a fan (father of one of BJH's friends) who just was a fan wanting to contribute and did not care of the rules. "Lack of institutional control" was correct, CDJ just thought his system in place would have team leaders that would have seen this and reported to coaching staff. Well it was not that good. No show summer jobs at car dealerships in LA, extravagant gift baskets in hotel rooms on visits... all small but not rule abiding. The pac 10 gave punishment of 2 year bowl ban, reduction in scholarships etc. Don said ok. UW pres said no take two years TV $$ instead of bowl bans. Don was furious. He told pres Gerberding that these kids were recruited by bowl games and athletic department was in the black financially due to football program. Gerberding was always jealous that Coach James seemed to have more power than him at UW. Gerberding said it's his call and NO. Don reportedly said, if you don't just accept the punishment as decided by Pac 10 conf he would resign. So Don was a man of his word and his actions timing wise , kept Lambo and remainder of the staff employed. This version was reported correctly 5 years after the Seattle times version which is why a lot of people blamed BillyJo for the whole debacle, nope it was my favorite coach and one of my favorite men. CD James, class class class
The Legend of Billy Joe…should be a book, or a movie. Can’t wait to cheer as loud as possible when he is announced. He deserves our full-throated appreciation (and apology) for his time connected to the greatest era of Husky football.
Great story Christian! Makes me miss the old days and just hope we have another Natty before I become Steve Dirt!
I graduated in ‘91. Billy Joe was the cockiest QB I had seen in a husky uniform, and his swagger was essential to that undefeated season. The comeback win at Nebraska is still my favorite husky game. I always thought BJH was a dude, and was never angry at him. I actually have a signed photo of him as the Rose Bowl MVP in my garage. I would cheer my voice horse if I was at the game tomorrow. Thank you, BJH. 🫡👏
Great article, Christian. I was a student at UW for the three Rose Bowls, and it was so much dang fun watching those teams. I held no ill will towards Billy Joe, and I'm glad he's getting some recognition. He and Brunell were a great QB tandem.
Great article, glad theyre having him. I never thought ill of him. Maybe i was ahead of my time but i always thought the NCAA were the bad guys. And the thing that hurt the program the most actually was James leaving in protest when they needed the steady leadership thru the probation. Always thought if he had toughed it out the next ten years would have been very different
It’s about time. Let the past go and celebrate his legacy at UW.
Economy of words to communicate what legions of Husky fans feel. Good on you!
Loved this article.
Early adopter of NIL. Will always hold BJH close in my memories of Husky football legends!
Always liked Billy Joe, & thought the NCAA sanctions were just a way to bring the DAWGS down.
U$C could NOT stand not being the powerhouse of the West Coast.
Agree with Rick W.
I was fortunate enough to meet and become friends with Owens era #36, and and when this part of Husky history came up, he got mad and said about James " he quit on his team"
And yes, GREAT article.
Thanks,,
JAY
You have to be a pretty gifted athlete if you play football and shoot a 61 in your spare time. :)
Beautiful story. I was at the UW at that time, and Billy Joe and the team brought me so much enjoyment. He seems to have his head in the right place, and I'm happy for him.
I watched tape of his son playing receiver for Texas State. Young Joey is really good.
Would have liked to know more about the loan and stuff...wouldn't have been so pissed off for the last 33 years. But I had always heard it was the pac10 (lead by oregon and usc) than the ncaa that laid the sanctions. And of course the idiot barbara hedges did absolutely nothing to stop them.
But of course it was the seattle times that did the story. Such a crap paper with a crap owner.
As a person who grew up in Orting as he did, I have followed his career since before high school. What has always impressed me is how uncommonly competitive he is.
I was a new father that fall but my son was not allowed out of ICU and Intermediate Care for 6 weeks, until he reached 5 lbs. the nurses demanded we go to home games to get us out of the hospital. I never thought BJH was anything other than a 19 year old who was taken advantage of by a fan (father of one of BJH's friends) who just was a fan wanting to contribute and did not care of the rules. "Lack of institutional control" was correct, CDJ just thought his system in place would have team leaders that would have seen this and reported to coaching staff. Well it was not that good. No show summer jobs at car dealerships in LA, extravagant gift baskets in hotel rooms on visits... all small but not rule abiding. The pac 10 gave punishment of 2 year bowl ban, reduction in scholarships etc. Don said ok. UW pres said no take two years TV $$ instead of bowl bans. Don was furious. He told pres Gerberding that these kids were recruited by bowl games and athletic department was in the black financially due to football program. Gerberding was always jealous that Coach James seemed to have more power than him at UW. Gerberding said it's his call and NO. Don reportedly said, if you don't just accept the punishment as decided by Pac 10 conf he would resign. So Don was a man of his word and his actions timing wise , kept Lambo and remainder of the staff employed. This version was reported correctly 5 years after the Seattle times version which is why a lot of people blamed BillyJo for the whole debacle, nope it was my favorite coach and one of my favorite men. CD James, class class class
This is just really good writing. Thanks Christian for your perspective, research, and flavor on this.
When I picture Billy Jo in my mind, I see the 4th down conversion at Nebraska that changed the game, the season, and the program forever.
Now I have a new cool picture of him as a dad and grandpa.