Tag: Mr. Two Bits

Gator great Major Wright to serve as Mr. Two Bits vs. Ole Miss

Legendary Florida defensive back Major Wright is returning to the Swamp this week to serve as Mr. Two Bits ahead of the Ole Miss game.

Former Florida safety [autotag]Major Wright[/autotag] is the latest Gators legend to earn an invite to serve as the honorary Mr. Two Bits in the Swamp.

Sixteen years ago, Wright cemented himself in Gators history by delivering one of the biggest hits the sport has ever seen during the 2009 BCS National Championship Game against Oklahoma. Now he’ll in the footsteps of Gators greats such as [autotag]Jevon Kearse[/autotag], [autotag]Emmitt Smith[/autotag] and [autotag]Rex Grossman[/autotag], all of whom have donned the yellow shirt and Orange and Blue tie this season.

“I’ve been wanting to do it,” Wright said. “Now that I’m getting the chance and it’s going to be amazing.”

Major Wright at Florida

Wright signed with Florida as a four-star prospect ranked No. 43 nationally, regardless of position, by 247Sports. He appeared in all 41 games over his three years in Gainesville, making 33 starts at free safety. He collected 165 tackles, eight interceptions, 10 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a national championship with the Gators.

He decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2010 NFL draft, where he was selected 75th overall in the third round by the Chicago Bears. Over 77 career games with the Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he made 242 total tackles and secured nine interceptions, peaking from 2012-2013.

What’s next for Florida?

The Gators play their final home game of the season against Ole Miss on Saturday, Nov. 23. Kickoff is set for noon ET and will be broadcast on ABC.

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Former Gators QB Rex Grossman is Mr. Two Bits vs. LSU

When the LSU Tigers come to Gainesville this weekend, legendary Gators quarterback Rex Grossman will be in attendance and serve as the honorary Mr. Two Bits.

Florida is turning to a Gators legend for the Mr. Two Bits honor this weekend against LSU. 2001 Heisman Trophy runner-up [autotag]Rex Grossman[/autotag] will don the yellow shirt and Orange and Blue tie on Saturday, according to the University Athletic Association.

It’s the latest honor for Grossman who recently was named an SEC Legend by the conference office. He will be recognized that the conference championship game in Atlanta on Dec. 7.

“Pretty cool combo, right?” Grossman said.

Grossman has fond memories of his time at Florida, including witnessing the original Mr. Two Bits, George E. Edmonson Jr., hyping up the crowd in the stands. He admits that he’ll need to watch some YouTube footage to get the chant just right, but it’s an exciting time for the Gators legend.

Rex Grossman’s legacy at Florida

Grossman spent three years at the University of Florida (2000-02), earning 2001 AP National Player of the Year honors and finishing as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in the same year. He ended his Gators career with 9,164 yards and 77 touchdowns.

He was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears and played nine seasons in the pros. He led the Bears to a Super Bowl XLI appearance.

“The experience of playing for the Gators means everything in the world to me,” Grossman said. “I had the best time of my life in that era. Being able to get on the field and make things happen was the most exciting thing ever, especially coming from high school in Indiana where I played in front of 2,000 to playing in front of 90,000 on national TV. Dream come true. And now I get to come back and take it all in again.”

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Gator great running back to serve as Mr. Two Bits vs Kentucky

Legendary running back John L. Williams will serve as the honorary Mr. Two Bits this Saturday against the Kentucky Wildcats in the Swamp.

One of the best running backs in history for a program that was once known for consistently producing NFL talent will serve as the honorary Mr. Two Bits this Saturday against the Kentucky Wildcats in the Swamp.

[autotag]John L. Williams[/autotag], who played on the 1984 squad that earned the Florida Gators their first Southeastern Conference football title (which would be later revoked), spent four years in Gainesville from 1982 to 1985, amassing 2,409 yards on the ground on 468 attempts (5.1 average) over 39 games along with 14 touchdowns.

What makes those numbers more impressive is that he shared the workload with another future NFL player Neal Anderson the entire time he spent at UF (as well as Lorenzo Hampton for three years). It did not hurt that they had the “Great Wall of Florida” for their offensive line, making the Gators one of the most formidable opponents during the mid-80s.

Williams played 10 professional seasons — eight with the Seattle Seahawks, who selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 1985 NFL draft. He also played two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring.

For his NFL career, Williams finished with 5,006 yards on 1,245 carries for an average of an even four per rush, while finishing second in the Rookie of the Year race in 1986 as well as making two Pro Bowl appearances in 1990 and 1991.

Coming up for the Gators

The Gators host the Wildcats inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19, for this year’s homecoming game. Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the SEC Network.

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Gators legend Emmitt Smith to serve as Mr. Two Bits vs. Texas A&M

NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith will finally get his turn in the role of Mr. Two Bits this weekend against TAMU.

Florida football and NFL legend Emmitt Smith will serve as the honorary Mr. Two Bits for this Saturday’s SEC opener in the Swamp against the Texas A&M Aggies.

Amazingly, this will be the first time that Smith has ever donned the yellow shirt, tie and slacks immortalized by the late George E. Edmondson Jr. Despite a standing open invitation dating back to the beginning of the tradition’s new era in 2013, the all-time great running back will finally have his day inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

“It’s always a great time being back at the Swamp and this time is extra special watching my son take on my alma mater. It’s truly a full circle moment and I’m blessed to witness it,” Smith offered.

“I can still hear George Edmondson hyping up the crowd back when I was a player,” he continued. “You better believe I’m going to give it my all now that it’s my turn to give it a go. I’m ready to have a blast while keeping this tradition alive. ”

Smith spent three seasons (1987-89) in Gainesville, with 700 rushing attempts for 3,928 yards and 36 touchdowns — numbers that remain second all-time in Florida history. He was selected 17th overall in the 1990 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys and over the next 15 seasons rushed 4,409 times for 18,345 yards and 164 touchdowns, all of which remain NFL records.

In popular culture, Smith and his partner Cheryl Burke won the third season of Dancing With the Stars in 2006 — just two years after retiring from the NFL.

The legend from Milton, Florida, is now a thriving businessman in Texas at the age of 55, keeping himself busy with various ventures and charitable organizations.

Next up for the Gators

Florida will host Texas A&M inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 14. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on ABC.

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‘Madam Two Bits’ named for Florida’s matchup with Samford Bulldogs

Alachua County Teacher of Year Dwynette Smith will be “Madam Two Bits” this weekend inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium vs the Samford Bulldogs.

The honorary role of Florida football’s human mascot, Two Bits, for the Samford Bulldogs game was announced, with Alachua County Teacher of Year Dwynette Smith serving as “Madam Two Bits” this weekend inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Smith is a music teacher at Metcalfe Elementary School and is married to a fellow music instructor who serendipitously once gave guitar lessons to Steve Spurrier’s youngest son. She was named the 2024 Alachua County Public Schools Teacher of the Year last spring, chosen from a pool of 39 candidates after two decades in the county’s system.

The invitation to serve in the prestigious role was extended to her by none other than the Head Ball Coach himself. As a Gators fan her entire adult life, the honor hit Smith hard.

“I lost it,” she said Tuesday of the offer. “My head almost exploded.”

What Smith brings to the Swamp

Smith’s passion is driven by what she describes as a “spark” that applies not only to teaching but also to learning and other facets of life. She hopes to bring some of that mojo to the Swamp to help her beloved Orange and Blue.

“I’m priming myself up,” she said. “We need to support these guys. I’m sure they were disappointed with what happened last week, but it’s just one game; it’s the start of the season. So I just want to go out and get the crowd going and do my part to help them be the Gators we know they can be.”

Florida needs all it can get and Smith just might deliver the “spark” the Gator Nation has been looking for.

Next up for the Gators

The Gators will get a chance to even up their 2024 regular season record against the Samford Bulldogs next Saturday inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the SEC Network+.

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Florida football announces honorary Mr. Two Bits vs. Miami

This Florida football legend is set to be the Gators’ honorary Mr. Two Bits for their season-opener against Miami.

Former Florida football defensive lineman Jevon Kearse is set to serve as the honorary Mr. Two Bits for the game against No. 19 Miami, the University of Florida announced on Tuesday.

Mr. Two Bits is a Florida football tradition that dates back to the 1940s. The title is given to a prominent figure who is invited to lead the crowd in a cheer during the Gators’ football games.

The cheer involves the entire stadium chanting “Two bits! Four bits! Six bits! A dollar! All for the Gators, stand up and holler!”

Jevon Kearse’s Football Career

Kearse, who was nicknamed “the Freak”, played for the Gators from 1996-98, was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 1998 and was named First-Team All-SEC in back-to-back seasons (1997-98).

Over his three seasons with Florida, Kearse had 145 tackles including 34.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and an interception.

In 1996, Kearse got his first playing time as a redshirt-freshman under former head coach Steve Spurrier. That season, the Gators went on to win their first national championship in program history.

Kearse was drafted in 1999 by the Tennessee Titans with the 16th-overall pick and immediately took the NFL by storm.

That year, Kearse won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, was named First-team All-Pro, made the Pro Bowl and was on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Kearse also set the NFL record for most sacks in a season by a rookie (14.5).

Kearse went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2004-07 and finished his career back where he started on the Titans from 2008-09.

Florida’s season opener for 2024

The Florida Gators and No. 19 Miami Hurricanes square off on Aug. 31 in Gainesville, Florida to open their schedule for the 2024 season. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC Sports.

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Florida football announces ‘Mr. Two Bits’ for regular season finale

Brandon Spikes is taking over the Mr. Two Bits role on Saturday before Florida takes on Florida State in the Swamp.

For the past 10 seasons, every Florida home game has featured an honorary Mr. Two Bits who leads a pre-game cheer.

For those unfamiliar, an insurance salesman named George Edmonson began the Two Bits cheer at Gators games in 1949 and continued to do so until 2008 when he retired from the role. Edmonson became incredibly popular amongst the Florida fanbase and eventually moved onto the field to lead the cheer in a more official manner.

Since his retirement, the Gators have had guest Mr. Two Bits take over the cheer. Each honoree dons some version of the yellow shirt and orange-and-blue striped tie Edmondson wore every week, but no current member of the football program has ever taken over the role… until now.

The Gators announced that legendary linebacker and student assistant coach Brandon Spikes would lead the Two Bits cheer ahead of Saturday’s regular-season finale against the Florida State Seminoles.

“The (Florida State) game was always a big one on my calendar,” Spikes said. “I’m going to be the guy getting everybody going before the battle. That means a lot to me.”

Spikes is back in Gainesville to get his degree, and it was a no-brainer for Billy Napier to give him a spot on the staff. He’s loud, motivating and a fan favorite from his time as a player under Urban Meyer. In many ways, he’s the perfect person to take over the role, especially against FSU.

Both the Gators and Seminoles will be starting backup quarterbacks, so anything could happen despite the obvious talent gap between 5-6 Florida and No. 4 Florida State. There’s no doubt Spikes will have a sold-out crowd at its loudest by kickoff.

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Former Gator, NFL champion will be this week’s Mr. Two Bits

Super Bowl LII champion and master of the “Philly Special” Trey Burton will be the honorary Mr. Two Bits for the Tennessee matchup.

“Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar. All for the Gators, stand up and holler.”

A former member of the Florida football team, Super Bowl LII champion, and passer in the legendary “Philly Special” will be the honorary Mr. Two Bits in this week’s contest between the Gators and No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers.

Retired NFL veteran [autotag]Trey Burton[/autotag] will don the yellow button-up and striped tie to lead the “Two Bits” chant. Burton returns to a football field after retiring in 2020, playing tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears.

Burton has been away from the beautiful game to be a part of his family but he’s excited to return to The Swamp.

“I haven’t been back for a game in a while,” Burton said. “I’m going to be so dialed in for this.”

Burton plans to bring his wife, Yesenia, and three kids, Ariella, Jaxon, and Kaia, to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium so they can also enjoy the atmosphere.

“I’ve been hyping them all week, and they can’t wait,” Burton said. “They were born to go to a game.”

The Florida Gators start their conference slate on Saturday with the No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers coming to town. The rivalry game will be broadcast on ESPN at 7 p.m. EDT.

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Florida football announces Mr. Two Bits for McNeese State game

The 2023 men’s individual golfing champion will carry on George Edmondson’s tradition this weekend.

NCAA individual men’s championship winner Fred Biondi, who anchored Florida golf’s historic season last spring, has been tabbed to serve as the honorary Mr. Two Bits for the Gators’s 2023 home opener against the McNeese State Cowboys.

The tradition was originally made famous by the late George Edmondson, who served as the titular character from 1949 until his retirement from the role at the conclusion of the Gators’ 2008 season. Since then, various alumni have served in place of the Swamp legend including the one and only Steve Spurrier, Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer Cris Collinsworth, Olympic swimmer Dara Torres, and many more.

“In golf, I know what I’m doing,” Biondi told FloridaGators.com’s Chris Henry. “This is going to be like an out-of-body experience.”

Biondi will be the third golfer to take on the role, joining Chris DiMarco and Billy Horschel in the tenth year of the post-Edmondson honor. Former tailback Errict Rhett was the first to wear the gear and lead the cheer for the Orange and Blue in the Swamp 10 seasons ago.

The Gators look to even up their overall record before conference play begins against the Cowboys, who travel to Gainesville on Saturday, Sept. 9. Kickoff time is slated for 7:30 p.m. EDT inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

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Former Gator Chandler Parsons to serve as ‘Mr. Two Bits’ for Florida-Missouri game

Chandler Parsons is back in Gainesville this weekend to be inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame Friday night, and he’ll also serve as the honorary Mr. Two Bits on Saturday.

The University of Florida is inducting nine new members into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, including former Gators basketball star [autotag]Chandler Parsons[/autotag]. With the football team in need of an honorary Mr. Two Bits on Saturday against Missouri, the University Athletic Association asked Parsons if he wanted to give it a shot, and he gladly accepted.

Parsons spent four years with the Gators and finished with 1,452 points (15th all-time) and 859 rebounds (ninth). The Houston Rockets drafted him in the second round of the 2011 NBA draft with the 28th overall pick. His pro career was cut short due to injuries sustained in a 2020 car accident that was caused by a drunk driver, but he made good money over his nine seasons and now lives in California with his fiancé and 11-month-old daughter.

The entire family will be on the field when Parsons does his thing in the yellow shirt and orange and blue tie. It should be a fun moment for the couple before the two tie the knot the following weekend. Parsons has a lot going on right now, but he’s more than happy to stop by the Swamp to show his family what his college days were like.

“My (fiance) has never been back to Gainesville with me. She went to the University of Hawaii, so she really doesn’t understand about the SEC and how things operate,” Parsons said “I’m looking forward to showing them the ‘Swamp’ for the first time and showing them where it really all started for me; something that’s really been a constant for me my whole life. A grew up a fan, watching every University of Florida football and basketball game. And I will be a Gator until the day I die.”

The Gators and Tigers are set to clash at noon on Saturday, and CP will be out there bright and early to help lead the pregame festivities.

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