The Florida Gators greatest player, who was previously retired, has just declared his return to the team, and the team is…
The University of Florida has produced some of the finest football players, so determining the top 20 Gators in school history is difficult. We gave it a shot. Here we go, in chronological sequence.
Van Sickel is the first Gator football player to be named first-team All-American (1929).
He was a two-way standout at Florida, where he helped the Gators to a 23-6 record in three seasons.
Despite suffering injuries during his final season, Van Sickel is one of nine Florida players inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Ferguson should be mentioned briefly while discussing legendary Florida Gators athletes.
Ferguson, a three-year starter for the Gators, set several school records during the 1941 season, including 43 receptions, 668 receiving yards, and five touchdowns.
In addition to his outstanding football abilities, Ferguson competed on Florida’s track and field and baseball teams, as well as boxing.
He also participated in the Allied assault of Normandy during World War II, but died in 1954 at the age of 34 from head wounds.
The Fergie Ferguson Award is presented yearly to a Gators football senior who demonstrates exceptional leadership, character, and courage.
The “Ol’ Ball Coach” is a College Football Hall of Fame player and coach. Before leading the Gators to the 1996 national championship, he was the first University of Florida athlete to earn the Heisman Trophy.
That happened in 1966, when Spurrier guided the Gators to a 9-2 record.
Spurrier’s second All-American season came after he won the Walter Camp Trophy in the previous year. Spurrier finished his college career with 4,848 throwing yards and 37 touchdowns.
He is also one of six players and the only coach to be inducted into Florida’s “Ring of Honor.”
