Southwest Retires Scharping Jersey

In conjunction with his recognition at the Southwest High School Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony, Max Scharping was also honored with a jersey retirement.

Family, friends, and former coaches gathered at Dahlin Family Stadium in the afternoon on May 28, 2026, for his No. 77  jersey retirement ceremony.

Scharping was moved by the gesture.

“I mean, it’s an incredible honor,” Scharping said. “I never would have imagined that I would have gotten this… I don’t even have the words. Very special for just a small kid from Allouez. Never would have imagined, but I guess hard work can get you there.”

Scharping first earned statewide recognition in 2013 when he was named a Wisconsin Football Foundation National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete, highlighting his success as both a student and athlete during his time at Southwest High School. 

During his high school career he was a three-time All-Fox River Classic Conference selection. Notably, Scharping started on both sides of the ball over the course of his last three seasons, marking one of the most successful eras of Southwest high school football.

Scharping graduated from Southwest in 2014 and went on to play college football at Northern Illinois University. There he quickly established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the Mid-American Conference. During the 2015-16 season, he earned Freshman All-American honors, was named Academic All-MAC and First Team All-MAC, and received NIU Football's prestigious "Top Dog" award, which recognizes excellence in academics, teamwork, and work ethic.

His success continued throughout his collegiate career. In 2017, Scharping earned First Team All-MAC honors, was named a CoSIDA Academic All-American, and received Academic All-MAC recognition. He was also named to the Outland Trophy Watch List and the Danny Wuerffel Award Watch List.

The 2018 season proved to be one of the most impressive of his career. Scharping was named a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the "Academic Heisman," recognizing the nation's top scholar-athletes. He also earned First Team All-MAC honors, CoSIDA First Team Academic All-American recognition with a 3.99 GPA, MAC Distinguished Scholar Athlete honors, and College Football News All-American recognition. In addition, he was named a semifinalist for the Danny Wuerffel Award.

In 2019, Scharping added to his long list of accomplishments by being named a National Football Foundation National Scholar Athlete. He also earned MAC Distinguished Scholar Athlete and Academic All-MAC honors.

While his accolades are extensive, coaches, teammates, and educators have often pointed to Scharping's leadership, character, and dedication as qualities that set him apart. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for his work ethic, discipline, and commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

Following his standout collegiate career, Scharping achieved his goal of playing in the NFL, becoming a source of pride for Southwest High School and the Green Bay community.

School officials say the jersey retirement is intended to recognize not only Scharping's athletic accomplishments but also the example he has set for future generations of Southwest students and athletes.

Scharping spoke to the core values he learned while at Southwest High School that helped him be successful on and off the field in high school, college and the NFL.

“When I think about what helped me succeed both academically and athletically, it really comes down to a few core values that used to be hung up in the weight room when I was [at Southwest],” Scharping said upon receiving his Distinguished Alumni Award. 

Scharping's legacy will serve as a reminder for students of the words that marked the walls and inspired him during his time at Southwest High School; persistence, respect, integrity, determination, effort, honor and strength.

See click on the photos below to see larger images from the jersey retirement ceremony.