Navigate

Statue Unveiled Honoring 'Choo Choo' Justice '50

Football team members with new statue

Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice ’50 was a Tar Heel football star and civic leader who many people believed stood larger than life. Now, a little more than a year after his death, UNC has unveiled a bronze statue of Justice that highlights the west entrance to Kenan Stadium.

The statue was dedicated on Nov. 5 at a ceremony in front of the KenanFootballCenter. Asheboro sculptor Johnpaul Harris created the 8-foot, 6-inch statue of Justice depicted walking in his Tar Heel football uniform. The statue was commissioned by a group of Justice’s teammates, who played for Carolina from 1946 to ’49. They led UNC to a 32-9-1 record and appearances in three major bowl games.

“Charlie Justice was one of the most beloved figures in the history of this great University,” said Director of Athletics Dick Baddour ’66. “This statue is a grand representation of the impact he had on Carolina football and the University. Our fans will impressed by the work Mr. Harris has done. I know his teammates who have seen the statue have been deeply touched.”

The statue will be paid for by private contributions. Individuals interested in donating to the statue fund may do so by contacting the Rams Club at (919) 843-2000. Contributors of $100 or more will receive a certificate suitable for framing designating the contributor as a “Sculptor” of the Charlie Justice statue.


Share via: