In all the years Arlington's oldest high school has fielded a football squad, no student athlete there has received the esteemed honor of having their jersey retired. Until now.

Luke Joeckel returned to Arlington High School on Friday to accept this dubious distinction, along with some of his family members, who watched his number 72 retired, which means no other AHS athlete will grace the field with that number.

"It's a tremendous honor for a tremendous person," AHS Football Coach Scott Peach said during a pep rally. "I don't know if I can even begin to tell you what his accomplishments have meant to this school, or even what his family's accomplishments have meant to Arlington High."

A lot, it appears. Several of the Joeckels have played sports at AHS in football and volleyball, and all excelled. Many were in attendance to see the unveiling. Luke Joeckel's accomplishments, however, stand out, and not just among his other family members.

No other Arlington native has been drafted in the National Football League. or any professional sports league, for that matter. higher than Joeckel, who went to the Jacksonville Jaguars last year as the number-two pick overall after putting in a distinguished career at Texas A&M, where he captured the Outland Trophy and was a consensus All-American.

At AHS, Joeckel was an All-State offensive lineman as a senior while twin brother Matt played quarterback.

Joeckel was able to attend the ceremony since the Jaguars had an off week of games. He spoke to students who filled the gym, hobbling out due to that high ankle fracture he suffered during the first quarter of the Jaguars' game at the St. Louis Rams. Joeckel was wearing a large boot.

"It's great to be back, it's great to be back at Arlington High," he said to the roar of the crowd. "It's an honor to have my jersey retired. I'm just very grateful to have attended school here. It's a great place to learn and play sports."

A pair of cased jerseys flanked Joeckel; one is for the school to display while the other goes home with the player. In the back of the gym, a large, life-size photo of Joeckel as a Jaguar was also unveiled.

This isn't the first time Joeckel has been back to AHS. He has returned several times before to meet with the football team and give encouragement.

"What makes this so special is the fact that Luke is such a good kid," said Peach, who described his time with Joeckel as "wonderful."

"He's smart, he's talented, and he has a kindness in his heart you don't see a whole lot of with anyone, let alone football players whose persona is always to be tough," Peach added. "It was a wonderful opportunity to coach him and now it's wonderful to watch him play at the highest level. Arlington should be proud."