J. Michael Sturdivant erupts as two former Gators fight for NFL roster spots

NFL preseason is winding down, and that means this weekend is the last gasp for a handful of former Gators who are on the bubble of making the 53-man roster for their respective teams.

J. Michael Sturdivant and Dameon Pierce are two of those players hoping to keep their respective NFL dreams alive, and on Friday, both gave their best attempt to prove they belong on the final rosters.

Former Gators J. Michael Sturdivant and Dameon Pierce do well in NFL preseason finale 

We highlighted Sturdivant earlier in the week as someone who was firmly on the bubble heading into this weekend. After going undrafted, he landed as a UDFA with the Green Bay Packers and has been having a solid camp for a UDFA. Coming into this weekend, ESPN felt Sturdivant was 7th on Green Bay’s wide receiver depth chart, and his fate would be determined by whether or not the Packers kept six wide receivers or seven.

Sturdivant made sure he made his case to stick around loud as he popped off for 112 yards, which included a 39-yard touchdown, on six catches. 

Sturdivant came to Florida after two years at UCLA, which was preceded by two years at Cal. He was noted for his speed, but his actual ability to get open and catch the ball was a question mark. He finished the 2025 campaign with 411 yards receiving off 27 catches. 

Given that he ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, there is a world where an offensive coordinator not named Billy Napier could unlock his full potential.

Pierce has been in the NFL a bit longer, but his role with the Philadelphia Eagles is very much on the bubble heading into cut day. Health has been a big deterrent for Pierce since his rookie year in the NFL and even this preseason he has been hampered by a hamstring issue.

He got his first preseason action of 2026 on Friday, and while he only got four carries, he made the most of them. Pierce racked up 44 yards off those four carries, including a highlight-reel first down where he dragged multiple defenders with him.

After being underused by Dan Mullen during his time at Florida, Pierce was drafted in the 4th round in 2022 by Houston. He had a quick pit stop with Kansas City last year before trying to catch on with the Eagles this season.

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