Saturday, Sept. 30 marked the end of Benilde-St. Margaret’s 50th homecoming week. It was a week of activities and events for students capped off with a win by the varsity football team, defeating SMB 27-14. During halftime of the game, BSM honored Class of 1988 alum and former NFL and University of Minnesota football player Sean Lumpkin.

Lumpkin, who wore #34 while a student, is a Red Knight for life, having been active in many ways for the school community since graduating: as a volunteer coach, motivational speaker for students, serving on the BSM board of directors and its various committees, and as a past and current parent of BSM students.

“We are grateful for Sean’s leadership and continued contribution to our community,” said Rick Johns ’70, BSM athletic and activities director. “What a thrill it is to honor such a deserving person.” Johns, along with president Danielle Hermanny ’03 and members of the football team presented Lumpkin with his jersey before a capacity crowd. 

“It honestly couldn’t have been written any better having my youngest son, Xavier, present to me my retired jersey during half time of his homecoming football game. It was also a blessing having my oldest son, Sanjay, inducted into the BSM Athletic Hall of Fame a day earlier,” Lumpkin said.

“I’m truly honored to know my plan that I started over thirty five years ago at BSM carried me all the way to the University of Minnesota and eventually landed me with the New Orleans Saints. I always tell my kids, when you work hard and do good things, I guarantee good things will happen. I’m living proof. Life is beautiful and I’ll forever cherish sharing this moment with my family and friends.”

Lumpkin currently works for Abbvie Pharmaceutical after playing safety for the New Orleans Saints (1992-1996). Lumpkin was selected 106^th during the 1992 NFL draft out of the University of Minnesota (1988-1991) where he received numerous awards, including:

• All Big Ten Second Team (1990)
• All Big-Ten First-team (1991)
• Bronko Nagurski Award (Team MVP)
• Carl Eller Award (Outstanding Defensive Player)
• Team captain (1992)
• Associated Press Third Team All-American (1991)
• Career leader in interception return yardage (283 yds) at the U of M
• Career leader (tied) for interceptions (12) at the U of M
• Career leader (tied) for most interceptions returned for touchdowns (2) at the U of M
• Record holder for two of the top six school records for interception TD returns (85 yds and 76 yds) both against Ohio State