It was back in 1993 that Florida coach Jon Sumrall got to witness a Steve Spurrier-led Gator team as a child.
Long before he could have imagined leading the Orange and Blue, Sumrall witnessed UF defeat Alabama from the south end zone of Legion Field.
“I’ve grown up watching this conference and this school and the people that have been a part of the history of this program,” Sumrall said. “So to be in the same role as a guy like Coach Spurrier, I don’t know about starstruck, but it’s almost like pinch yourself.”
Now this season will be even more of a full-circle moment for Sumrall as Florida football will be honoring Spurrier’s Heisman Trophy season with 1966 throwback jerseys.
“I’ve seen them, and I’m excited about them,” said head coach Jon Sumrall. “I look forward to them. Long way off from us actually wearing them, but I do think they’re a cool tribute and such a cool look.”
That year, Spurrier threw for 2,012 yards and 16 touchdowns as Florida finished the regular season with an 8-2 record and a No. 11 ranking in the polls. He then became the head coach at UF for 11 seasons and led the Gators to the 1996 national championship.
“You work so hard to grow as a professional in your career and to get to a spot where I’m getting to do the same job day in and day out that he did, and he did it at a ridiculously high level,” Sumrall said. “I’m always blown away that I get the privilege to walk the same walk that somebody like he did.”
For Sumrall, the dream has been enhanced as Spurrier has been receptive to his family and coaching staff.
“His wife has been great to my wife,” Sumrall said. “They’re unbelievable people. Caring, compassionate, obviously won at the highest level here. I think I’ve had the most fun just hearing him tell stories.”
Sumrall has gotten to hear those stories regularly at recruiting dinners regularly now. He even joyed Sumrall’s coaching staff preseason party.
“He’s got this brilliant collection of memories,” Sumrall said. “It’s fun, man. Colorful personality. Nothing like him. He is Florida football.”
Reach Florida Gators writer Andrew Abadie at AAbadie@usatodayco.com or on X (formerly Twitter) at @AndrewAbadie. You can also find him on Facebook at Andrew Abadie Sports Reporter or on Instagram @andrewabadie_sports.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Jon Sumrall excited to honor Steve Spurrier with Florida football’s 1966 throwbacks
Reporting by Andrew Abadie, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Andrew Abadie, Gainesville Sun | USA TODAY Network
