Extra Point: Sharrif Floyd’s Class Act

November 17, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd (73) against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Jacksonville State Gamecocks 23-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Sharrif Floyd is one class act.

There are many great things to say about Sharrif’s exploits on the field, but off the field two words are all you need. CLASS ACT!

Here’s a player that came to Florida from the tough streets of Philadelphia committing late to former coach Urban Meyer. Unlike many Gator recruits from the state of Florida, he had no prior rooting relationship with the University of Florida.

After his freshman season he watched as the coached he committed to left and a new staff came in. He never complained, he never expressed regret or remorse for the decision to come to Gainesville. While he’s been here, he has been embroiled in few controversies except one related to his relationship with a father figure who befriended him while in high school but, other than that, he has been relatively drama free.

Floyd came in as the number one rated defensive tackle in the nation his senior year and has not disappointed. He’s had a solid career and has put himself in position to become a likely first round pick in this year’s NFL draft.

Unlike many highly rated athlete’s he didn’t just take off at the first chance forgetting his teammates and the school he called home for three seasons. He made the decision to leave with the aid of his coaching staff whom he trusted to help him make the right decision. When he announced he would be leaving school early to enter the draft he mentioned that had the staff told him otherwise he would have returned for his senior season.

So here he is on the verge of becoming an instant millionaire and what does he do? He takes out an advertisement in the Independent Alligator a local Gainesville newspaper to publish an open letter thanking the Gator Nation for the opportunities he’s been given.

This is the mark of a great Gator and Class Act!

Here’s an open letter from the Gator Nation to Sharrif Floyd.

"“Gator Nation rejoiced the day you committed to play football at the University of Florida and we have enjoyed watching you tear up opposing offensive lines and lead the Gator defense for the last three years. This past season you helped lead the resurgence of the Gator football program back to the elite status of college football. Now you’re on the verge of representing the Gator Nation on Sundays in the NFL and we will certainly miss you in the orange and blue but can’t wait to see you on the big stage. Thanks for all the hard work, and all the great memories. You truly embody the words to the Gator fight song, ‘through all kinds of weather, we all stick together for F-L-O-R-I-D-A. Go Gators!’ “"

You are one great Gator and a real Class Act!

Go Gators!

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