Former UF Football Players Gaffney, Leak To Be Inducted In 2015 Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame
By GatorZone.com // September 18, 2015
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA (GatorZone.com) – Two national champions, a three-time Super Bowl champion, and one of the top players ever at their position will be honored with induction for the 2015 Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame class on Friday, Oct. 30 as part of the Florida-Georgia Weekend.
The 20th annual luncheon and induction ceremony will be held at EverBank Field will recognize legendary Bulldogs Richard Seymour and Rex Robinson with Gator greats Chris Leak and Jabar Gaffney.
“We are honored to recognize this very deserving class of inductees,” said Dave Herrell, Sports & Entertainment Officer, City of Jacksonville.
“The Florida-Georiga Hall of Fame is an important event for Jacksonville to showcase the tradition and excellence of one of the best rivalries in collegiate athletics.”
A native of Jacksonville, Gaffney starred at Raines High School and caught the eye of head coach Steve Spurrier. Playing two seasons at Florida, Gaffney made his mark on the program – first with a memorable touchdown catch to beat Tennessee with 14 seconds left that propelled the Gators to the SEC title game in 2000. His solid play as a freshman garnered SEC Freshman Player of the Year honors.
A first team All-SEC selection both years, he was also named a first team All-America selection following the 2001 season while earning the Paul Warfield Award for being the nation’s most outstanding wide receiver and being named MVP by his teammates.
A second round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2002 NFL Draft, he played 11 seasons in the NFL, making two trips to the playoffs and played in Super Bowl XLII.
A four-year starter at quarterback and former top-ranked recruit, Leak led the Gators return to national prominence. A two-time team captain, he led the Gators to the SEC Championship game in 2006 and followed it up with the 2007 BCS National Championship.
Named to the SEC All-Freshman team, Leak went on to star for the Gators and left as the school’s all-time leader in passing yards (11,213). Along with being an exceptional athlete, Leak also excelled in the classroom.
Listed on the SEC Academic Honor Roll each year he attended Florida, he then graduated with honors in December of 2006. After a stint on the Gators coaching staff, Leak joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers staff this year.
One of the top defensive lineman ever at Georgia, Seymour was a four-year letterwinner, earning all-SEC honors twice and earned All-America honors his senior season.
A first round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2001 NFL Draft, he was an anchor of the great Patriots dynasty that won three Super Bowls in four years, highlighting a 12-year career that led to seven Pro Bowl selections. He was also selected to the Patriots 50th anniversary team and the NFL All-2000s decade team.
A highly recruited kicker out of high school, Robinson chose the Bulldogs and would be put to work quickly. A star all four years, he earned recognition on the All-SEC Freshman team after being the team’s leading scorer and then was selected first team All-SEC his final three years.
His stellar play was recognized during Georgia’s magical 1980 national championship season, earning All-America honors his senior season. Following his collegiate career, Robinson kicked one season for the New England Patriots in 1982.
Tables for the event are on sale through the Sports & Entertainment Office. Contact Chandler Fussell at 904-630-7244 for more information.
