The 2023 NFL draft kicked off on Thursday night with the first round and the first former Gator to be selected is quarterback Anthony Richardson by the Indianapolis Colts with the fourth overall pick — the highest a UF alumnus has been picked since [autotag]Kyle Pitts[/autotag] also went at No. 4 to the Atlanta Falcons in 2021.
The Gainesville native is the 54th Gator to come off the board on Day 1 in the modern era, a stretch that has seen a member of the Orange and Blue selected in every single draft — the only school that can boast such a run. The pundits claim Richardson is the most athletic quarterback in draft history which holds up well in light of his superlative combine performance.
Take a look below at photographs from the former Eastside Ram’s big night on Thursday as he enters into the professional ranks with the Colts.