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Florida football: A Gator will get a Super Bowl ring this season

By Will Thomas

Jan 21, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (19) reacts after recovering the onside kick against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half in the AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (19) reacts after recovering the onside kick against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half in the AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida football got to watch a lot of their former players shine in the NFL Playoffs. Three of the teams that played in their Conference Championships had a former Gator on their team and the one that didn’t got blown out by over 20 points.

Coincidence? I think not.

Now, with the Super Bowl matchup set, Florida fans have some good news: A Gator will get a ring this season.

Both the Chiefs and Eagles feature former Gators in key roles on their team.

In Philly, CJ Gardner-Johnson is one of the most talented players on one of the best defenses in the NFL. He was tied for the league lead in interceptions with six, even though he missed a few weeks toward the end of the year.

In the Eagle’s game against the 49ers in the NFC Championship, CJ got five tackles and didn’t have the chance to pick many balls off with San Fran’s QB issues. He and the Philly defense have their work cut out for them when they take on Mahomes and the Chiefs.

One reason why the Chiefs will be tricky to stop is Kadarius Toney. Toney has become a spark in Kansas City and is showing off his playmaking ability and quickness in Andy Reid’s offense.

Against the Bengals in the AFC Championship, Toney had just one catch for nine yards before suffering an ankle injury and sitting out the rest of the game. He almost made an incredible catch for the first touchdown of the game but just barely lost the ball when he hit the ground.

Toney has 16 catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns on the season. He’ll continue to be a major threat as long as he’s healthy.

KC also has two more Gators that aren’t as flashy as Toney, but still make a big impact. Tommy Townsend has been one of the best punters in the league this season, with a 2nd best average in the league at 50.4 yards per punt.

He also has the second-longest punt of the year at 76 yards.

Carlos Dunlap is also active for Kansas City, but he doesn’t get many consistent snaps among their talented front. Still, he’ll get a ring if they win as he’s totaled 25 tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble on the season.

No matter the outcome, a Gator will head into the off-season with a Super Bowl ring.

Keep up with Florida football at Hail Florida Hail.

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