One of the biggest weekends of football season is about to commence. No, this isn’t regarding college football, but rather the National Football League. With the Eagles taking on the Chiefs, all football fans will be tuned in. For Gators fans, they may be seeing some familiar faces in the Super Bowl. One of the premier programs in college football, they have a history of sending players to the big game. With plenty of talent in the NFL, the Gators have four players playing in this year’s Super Bowl, two on each team. The last game of this year’s football season, Florida, and other college football fans will be feeling bittersweet. All the talk for the Gators has been about their future and playoff aspirations. For this week, let’s look back at the past, and see how former Gators are faring in the NFL.
Gators Ready to Impact Super Bowl
Trench Monsters
The Kansas City Chiefs have two former Gators on their Super Bowl roster, both on the offensive line. Two former standouts at the University of Florida, the NFL has provided some new challenges. Jawaan Taylor was picked in the 2nd round of the 2019 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. After spending four seasons with the Jaguars, he is now on the Chiefs, where he has been up and down. A solid tackle, there have been some concerns about his discipline when it comes to penalties. Often getting flagged for false starts, he makes up for this in his pass blocking. One of the better pass blockers in the league, Taylor, could be a real difference-maker in this game. If the Chiefs want a chance at history (3 Super Bowls in a row), Taylor will have to play a clean game.
Taylor is surprisingly not the only former Gators offensive lineman on the Kansas City Chiefs. Fans may lovingly remember the name D.J. Humphries, who was a difference-maker while in college. Humphries was drafted in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Making the Pro Bowl in 2021, he has been a solid tackle during his tenure in the league. Suffering from injuries in the last two seasons, Humphries has not had his usual impact. However, he is a 10-year NFL veteran and can elevate an offensive line even when he is not healthy through his leadership. Signing with the Chiefs in November, he missed time last season after tearing his ACL. Playing in the regular season finale for the Chiefs, he did not gain the starting job for the playoffs. Most likely not starting this Super Bowl, he has been a valuable addition, nonetheless.
Offensive Line Continues
The third offensive lineman for the Gators, Fred Johnson has been a journeyman in the National Football League. Originally entering as an undrafted free agent back in 2019, he has been a part of four different teams. Joining the Eagles in 2022, it appears that he has finally found some stability in his career. Not a starter along this line, he is still a valuable backup to this team. With the Eagles flaunting one of the top offensive lines in the league, Johnson has slotted in nicely in a backup role. Not expecting to play in the Super Bowl barring any injury, he has still carved out a role in this league. Playing in a couple of games this season, he has been steady when called upon. Participating in over 50 games throughout his NFL career, he wouldn’t miss a beat if called into action.
Face of the Defense
Remembered for his tenacity on the field, CJ Gardner Johnson has been the vocal leader of this Philadelphia defense. While at Florida, Johnson was a do-everything defensive back, flying to the football. Known for his trash talk, fans have many fond memories of him during his time in Gainesville. Playing nickel for the Gators, in his final game, he had two interceptions including one for a touchdown. He went on to be drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. After three years, he was then traded to the Eagles for his first stint in Philadelphia. Signing with the Lions last season, he spent one season in Detroit before returning for his second stint. With six interceptions and 59 tackles, Johnson has been one of the premier safeties in the league. He will have to play a disciplined game to take down Kansas City.
Final Thoughts
Whether Gators fans find themselves cheering for the Eagles or the Chiefs, a former Gator will be hoisting the Lombardi trophy. In recent years, many former fan favorites have not only played in but played a crucial role in the Super Bowl. Two seasons ago, former Gator great Kadarius Toney scored and had a pivotal punt return to swing the momentum. Needless to say, having players in the Super Bowl not only reflects on the program, but it can also be meaningful for recruiting purposes. When recruits see how many players a team can get into the National Football League, they will be more inclined to commit. Gators fans will be tuned in to what should be a great final game to wrap up this football season. This should be a nice break for fans before the stress of Spring Practice and next season’s expectations arise.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
