The Top-5 Tight Ends in Florida Gator History
No. 1 Aaron Hernandez (2007-2009)
Taking the top spot is good ole Aaron Hernandez.
His story could not be anymore tragic. He was a troubled man who had everything he could have wanted and then lost it all in a blink of an eye. I cannot help but feel sorry for him and for the people who were affected by his actions.
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Before I get into all the negative that ruined Hernandez’s reputation and career, let me shine light on the great football player he once was.
Coming into UF during the program’s second golden era, Hernandez became an unstoppable offensive weapon and a reliable target for quarterback Tim Tebow.
In his three years in Orange and Blue, Hernandez caught 111 receptions for 1,398 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He is the only tight end on this list to record over 1,000 receiving yards and his touchdowns and receptions easily surpass all others on this list as well.
He is the only tight end on this list to record over 1,000 receiving yards
He was a key component to Florida’s National Championship run in 2008.
In the 2009 BCS National Championship, he led all Gator receivers with five catches for 57 receiving yards. In the 2010 Sugar Bowl the following season, Hernandez went out in style with nine catches for 111 yards and one touchdown.
In addition to winning a championship, Hernandez won a few awards for himself. Some of them include:
- SEC Champion in 2008
- John Mackey Award in 2009
- First-team All-American in 2009
- First-team All-SEC in 2009
Declaring for the 2010 NFL Draft after his junior year, Hernandez was selected 113th overall in the fourth round by the New England Patriots.
His selection looked to be a great one for the Pats as he formed a lethal duo with fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski. Together, the Hernandez/Gronkowski attack led the Patriots to a Super Bowl appearance.
I remember just watching this offense and pondering how anyone could stop it!
Well, there was indeed one person who could stop it: Aaron Hernandez.
After the Pats gave Hernandez a five-year, $40 million extension in the 2012 offseason and his fall from grace began from there.
On June 26, 2013, he was arrested outside of his Massachusetts home and charged with the murder of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd.
I remember this day too vividly.
I was packing my things and preparing for the drive up to UF for my freshman Summer-B term. When I was up here taking classes, UF removed Hernandez’s commemorative brick from the ground near Bull Gator in front of The Swamp.
It was a part of Florida Gator history that I will never forget.
As of now, Florida has severed all ties with Hernandez. It is as if he never even played at UF.
Shortly after being indicted for Odin Lloyd’s murder on August 22, 2013, Hernandez was again indicted on May 15, 2014 on the counts of murdering two men in Boston.
On April 15, Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
*All stats accredited to Gatorzone.com, College Football @ Sports-Reference.com, & Pro Football-Reference.com