1998 University of North Carolina Gator Bowl Championship Ring — Payer Issued
This is the player-issued championship ring belonging to Jonathan Linton, commemorating the University of North Carolina Tar Heels' dominant 42-3 victory over Virginia Tech in the January 1, 1998 Gator Bowl. Crafted in 10k gold with cubic zirconia stones, the ring marks the capstone of a Tar Heel team that closed the 1997 season ranked among the nation's elite.
From Chapel Hill to the NFL
The 1998 Gator Bowl was the capstone on Jonathan Linton's collegiate career leading him directly to the next level. Linton was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 5th round (131st overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft, going on to play three professional seasons in the league. This ring represents the collegiate high point that helped put him on NFL scouts' radar.
Under interim head coach Carl Torbush — stepping in after Mack Brown's departure for Texas just weeks earlier — the Tar Heels silenced any doubts with a statement performance in Jacksonville. North Carolina's defense throttled Virginia Tech, forcing the Hokies into their most lopsided bowl loss in years, while Linton contributed on the ground and through the air despite battling a knee injury suffered just two days before kickoff. The win capped an 11-1 season and cemented the 1997 Tar Heels as one of the best teams in program history.
| Championship | 1998 Gator Bowl (1997 season) |
| Player | Jonathan Linton, Tailback - Team Captain |
| Type | Player-issued |
| Material | 10k Gold |
| Stones | Cubic zirconia (CZ) |
| Result | North Carolina defeated Virginia Tech, 42-3 |
| Regular Season Record | 10-1 (11-1 including bowl) |
1998 UNC Gator Bowl Ring — Quick Facts
- The 1998 Gator Bowl was played January 1, 1998, at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida.
- North Carolina entered ranked No. 7 nationally after a 10-1 regular season.
- Jonathan Linton served as a team captain during the 1997 season, alongside Greg Ellis, Vonnie Holliday, Jeff Saturday, and Brian Simmons.
- Linton was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 5th round (131st overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft and went on to play three NFL seasons.