| UF Rank | Jersey Number | Name | Pos | Years | Narrative |
|---|
25 | 10 | D. Jabar Gaffney | WR | 1999, 2000, 2001 | Derrick Jabar Gaffney (born December 1, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators, earning unanimous All-American honors in 2001. He was selected by the Houston Texans in the second round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and also played in the NFL for the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins, and Miami Dolphins. |
2 | 11 | Stephen O. “Steve” Spurrier | QB/ Coach | 1964, 1965, 1966 ; 1990-2001 | Steve Spurrier's accomplishments are impressive, both as a player and a coach for the Florida Gators. During his playing career, quarterback Steve Spurrier garnered numerous accolades. He was selected to the first team All-SEC, achieved consensus first-team All-American status, and secured the coveted 1966 Heisman Trophy [2]. Spurrier returned to the Gators in 1990 as head coach, ushering in a new era of success. Under his leadership, the team captured its first officially recognized Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship in 1991 [1]. More notably, he guided them to their first-ever national championship in 1996 [1]. He earned a place in the College Football Hall of Fame and the Gator Ring of Honor [2]. The university's Board of Regents bestowed a special honor in 2016, renaming the playing surface at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium "Steve Spurrier-Florida Field" [2]. |
62 | 12 | Kerwin Douglas Bell | QB | 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 | Quarterback Kerwin Bell was a walk-on player who was eighth on the depth chart as a freshman. He subsequently earned an athletic scholarship, the starting position, a first-team All-SEC selection and All-American honors. In 1984 and 1985, he led the Gators to their first two SEC first-place finishes. Bell finished his college career with 549 completions for 7,585 yards and fifty-six touchdowns. [12] Bell played professional football for all or part of twelve seasons, then became a successful college football coach. |
10 | 13 | Alex J. Brown | DE | 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 | Alex Brown was a defensive end and a member of the Gators' 2000 SEC championship team. He was a three-time first-team All-SEC selection, and a consensus first-team All-American. In four years as a Gator, Brown totaled 161 tackles, with forty-seven tackles for a loss and thirty-three quarterback sacks—still the best in Gators team history. [12] Brown was drafted by the Chicago Bears and enjoyed a nine-year NFL career. [30] |
150 | 13 | Ray Criswell | P | 1983, 1984, 1985 | Ray Criswell (born August 16, 1963) is an American former professional football player who was a punter in the National Football League (NFL) and World League of American Football (WLAF). Criswell was born in Lake City, Florida and played scholastically at Orange Park High School.[1] He played collegiately at the University of Florida,[2] where he was a first-team All-America selection as a senior.[3] Criswell was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 1986 NFL draft.[4] He played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) from 1987 to 1988, and the Orlando Thunder (WLAF) from 1991 to 1992. |
91 | 14 | L. Bruce Bennett Jr. | S | 1963–65 | As a senior team captain in 1965, defensive back Bruce Bennett was a first-team All-SEC selection and a United Press International first-team All-American, and led the Gators to their first-ever major bowl game. His thirteen career interceptions set a new Gators team record. [12] After college, Bennett played for the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders for seven seasons, including their 1966 Grey Cup championship team. [28] |
1 | 15 | Timothy R. “Tim” Tebow | QB | 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 | Tim Tebow's college years were marked by exceptional achievements. He led the Gators to two National Championships (2006, 2008) and secured the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2007, becoming the first sophomore to do so [1]. He holds numerous records, including the SEC's all-time leader in career passing efficiency and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback [2]. Tebow's dedication extended beyond the field, earning him the 2008 Wuerffel Trophy for his community service efforts [3]. NFL (2010-2012): Tebow's professional career was shorter, but he achieved a notable feat by leading the Denver Broncos to a playoff appearance in 2011 [4]. SEC Network (Analyst): After his NFL stint, Tebow transitioned to broadcasting as a college football analyst for the SEC Network [5]. Tim Tebow Foundation: Beyond football, Tebow established the Tim Tebow Foundation, which focuses on providing year-round support for children with critical illnesses, orphan care, and illuminating the fight against human trafficking [6]. |
196 | 16 | AJ Jones | LB | 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 | AJ Jones arrived on campus as an undersized linebacker, weighing all of 170 pounds. While sitting on the sidelines due to injury he committed himself to adding strength and muscle to compete with fellow linebackers Brandon Spikes and Dustin Doe. |
42 | 17 | Chas Henry | P | 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 | Chas Henry was a punter at Florida (2007-2010): He earned the prestigious honor of being named a consensus All-American in 2010, highlighting his dominance in college punting [1, 2]. Henry's talent was further solidified by winning the Ray Guy Award in 2010. Over his four-year career with the Gators, Henry displayed exceptional consistency. He punted 182 times for a staggering 7,892 yards, averaging a remarkable 43.4 yards per punt [3]. He also displayed a knack for pinning opponents deep within their own territory, with 72 punts landing inside the 20-yard line [3]. Despite his impressive college career, Henry went undrafted in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent [4]. Unfortunately, Henry's NFL career was short-lived. He did not make the final roster for the Eagles and transitioned to a different path [4]. |
49 | 18 | Louis Oliver III | S | 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 | Free safety Louis Oliver was a walk-on player who earned an athletic scholarship, a starting position, two first-team All-SEC selections, and consensus first-team All-American honors. He was also the recipient of the Gators' Fergie Ferguson Award. In four years as a Gator, he totaled eleven interceptions. [12] A first round NFL Draft choice of the Miami Dolphins, Oliver played eight seasons professionally. [76] |
19 | 19 | Isaac J. “Ike” Hilliard | WR | 1994, 1995, 1996 | Wide receiver Ike Hilliard was a first team All-SEC selection and a consensus first-team All-American as a junior in 1996. He and fellow All-American wideout Reidel Anthony both compiled over 1,000 receiving yards and were key factors in the Gators' offense during their 1996 national championship season. [12] The New York Giants picked Hilliard in the first round of the 1997 NFL Draft, and he played in the NFL for twelve seasons. [53] |
