Honoring the Head Ball Coach – Spurrier’s Most Memorable Moments
By Will Thomas
Honoring Gators’ legend Steve Spurrier
Today, one of the University of Florida’s proudest alumni, Steve Spurrier, turns 77.
Spurrier is one of the most decorated figures in Gator history. As a player, he won the Heisman Trophy in 1966 during his senior season. As a coach, he lead UF to a National Championship in 1996, won six SEC Championships, (’91, ’93, ’94, ’95, ’96, ’00), and was the first Heisman-winning coach to have a Heisman winner play for him (Danny Wuerffel).
Spurrier also introduced the “Fun n’ Gun” offense, which was a stark contrast to the ball control, run-oriented offenses that were common around the league during his time.
If I had the time and energy, I could write an endless article about what Spurrier did for the Gators as a player, coach, and alumni. But I don’t have the time nor the energy, so I’ll just go over the highlights of his illustrious career.
Game-Winning Field Goal vs Auburn (Oct. 29, 1966)
Spurrier won the Heisman as a QB, but his “Heisman moment” perhaps came from a different spot on the field. On October 29, 1966, the undefeated Gators were tied with the Auburn Tigers late in the 4th quarter.
After driving the Gators down the field and into field goal range, Spurrier called his own number, according to head coach Ray Graves, and decided to kick the game-winning field goal himself.
Nowadays QBs win the Heisman with a clutch drive, big throw, or gutsy run at the end of a game. Spurrier took the route of clutch drive and then decided to do everything himself to win the game for the Gators.
1996 National Championship
If you’re reading this article, I don’t need to tell you why it’s important to beat FSU in a football game. Unfortunately, Spurrier and the Gators couldn’t get it done in the ’96 regular season, as they lost to the Semi’s 21-24.
The good news is that Spurrier got his shot at revenge. UF and FSU met for a second matchup that year, this time in New Orleans for the National Championship.
This time, the Gators were ready.
UF took the title away from FSU, winning 52-20, giving the Gators their first national title in program history.
Best Insults Towards Rivals
As good as Spurrier was on the field, his quick wit off of it may be his best trait. Whenever asked about another school, Spurrier would take the time to insult them, no matter where he was. Here are some of his best:
“You can have good ballplayers and still not win football games – all you LSU fans know about that.”
“You know what FSU stands for, don’t you? Free Shoes University.”
“I know why Peyton came back for his senior year. He wanted to be a three-time star of the Citrus Bowl.”
“I don’t know. I sort of always like playing [Georgia] that second game because you could always count on them having two or three key players suspended.”
“The real tragedy was that 15 hadn’t been colored yet.” – Talking about a fire at an Auburn library that destroyed 20 books.
Steve Spurrier may go down as one of the most iconic and legendary Gators of all time, and it’s well deserved. What he accomplished as a player, coach, and alumni is unparalleled, and we can only hope he stays close to Gainesville for a long time.
For more articles covering the Florida Gators, go here.