Football History

Born May 15, 1969, in Pensacola, Florida, was Emmitt Smith the legendary University of Florida running back of 1987 to 1989 was born. Emmitt joined the college ranks with a bang as he arrived at University of Florida as the national player of the year, scoring 109 touchdowns at his Pensacola, Florida high school.  

The NFF says that in just his first game he broke the school single-game rushing mark in an upset of Alabama. He gained 1,341 yards as a freshman, and finished ninth in the Heisman voting. His top-ten finish was only the second time a freshman had broken into the top ten. He also earned national freshman of the year honors that initial season.  Smith was gifted with exceptional balance and great vision which allowed him to seemingly do the impossible. In his junior season he finished third in the nation in rushing, was a near-unanimous All-America selection and placed seventh in the Heisman vote. In three years he set 58 school records rushing for 3,928 yards, scoring 36 touchdowns and earning SEC Player of the Year honors. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Emmitt Smith into their legendary museum in 2006. Emmitt was the first round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990 NFL Draft as the 17th overall selection. He played 15 seasons as a back in the League and came out of it as the All-Time Rushing Champion with 18,355 yards with 11 straight 1000 yard seasons and 3 Super Bowl Titles.

In 1993, Smith was names as the NFL’S MVP as well as the Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl XXVIII.  Emmitt Smith was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Here are some interesting factoids about the Florida Gators football program:

-Spurrier vs. Bowden Rivalry:

-It defined an era with 14 matchups in 12 seasons, with both teams often ranked.

-Despite Spurrier's success, he never won in Tallahassee (most notably the '94 "Choke at Doak").

-Subsequent coaches Zook and Muschamp managed victories on FSU's turf.

-SEC Domination:

-Florida holds the record for most SEC Championship appearances (10) and wins (8).

-Spurrier and Meyer contributed the most SEC Championships (5 and 2, respectively).

-Florida also started the SEC's BCS Championship run with a win in 2007.

-Surprising Stats:

-Muschamp's win percentage was lower than Zook's despite reaching a conference championship game.

-Emmitt Smith set a single-game rushing record before leaving early due to concerns about Spurrier's offense.

-Chris Leak, Florida's passing record holder, has as many national championships as Danny Wuerffel.

-"Mr. Two Bits" George Edmondson led cheers for 59 years without attending UF, receiving an honorary alumnus title.

-The Florida-Georgia rivalry began in Jacksonville, and the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" moniker emerged in the 1950s.

As we continue our exploration of the traditions and storied history of Florida Gators football, it's clear that this program is woven into the fabric of college football's rich tapestry. From the iconic "Swamp" of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to the fervent "Gator Chomp" heard across stadiums nationwide, the Gators' legacy is one of passion, resilience, and unparalleled achievements. Through eras marked by legendary coaches and standout players, each season has added new chapters to a narrative cherished by fans and alumni alike.

Looking forward, let us continue to honor the traditions that define Gators football—a commitment to excellence on and off the field, a dedication to sportsmanship, and a unity that transcends wins and losses. As the sun sets on one season and rises on the next, the Gator Nation stands strong, united by a love for a team that embodies the spirit of Florida pride. Here's to celebrating the past, embracing the present, and eagerly anticipating the future of Florida Gators football—a program that will forever remain at the heart of college football lore.

There is so much more to explore, so check out our other stories of Florida Gators football history.