Keiwan Ratliff set a school record with nine interceptions in 2003. (File photo)
Keiwan Ratliff Finishes What He Started 18 Years Ago
Friday, August 10, 2018 | Football, Scott Carter
Himself.
They dream of game-winning touchdowns and earning a college scholarship and perhaps playing professionally like Ratliff, who spent seven seasons in the NFL after a spectacular career with the Gators from 2000-03. Ratliff's credentials as a player were unquestioned.
Named SEC Defensive Player of the Year by The Sporting News in 2003, Ratliff still owns the Gators' single-season record with nine interceptions that season. He was a second-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals, starting his NFL career back home in his native Ohio.
Still, Ratliff had some reservations about his role as teacher and life instructor.
"I talk to kids about getting their degree when they go to college and I help them get scholarships and train,'' he said. "I kind of felt like a hypocrite, preaching to them all the time about not letting these institutions take advantage of you, make sure that degree is the No. 1 priority while you are there. I didn't actually live those words."
Ratliff set out to change that starting in 2015 with some help from his wife and two kids.
Approximately 30 credit hours short of his degree in sociology, Ratliff re-enrolled at UF and took a class. Whenever he got busy with life and put school on hold again, his family would remind him he still hadn't crossed the finish line.
Ratliff will finish his personal marathon on Saturday when he participates in UF commencement ceremonies, nearly 15 years since he played in his final game at UF.
"Now that I can walk across that stage and have that degree, those words will mean a little bit more coming from me,'' Ratliff said.
Ratliff settled in Orlando after his NFL career and has worked with former UF players Keanu Neal, Marcell Harris and others to stay involved in the game that made him a household name in Gator Nation. He still enjoys sharing stories and tips with current UF players when in town.
"To see them living out their career in the Swamp, now I get to create new memories that aren't so old as my own,'' he said.
Ratliff signed with the Gators out of Whitehall-Yearling High School near Columbus, Ohio. In his four seasons at Florida, Ratliff was one of the most exciting players to watch in school history. He scored six touchdowns (three interception returns, two fumble returns and a reception) and served as a team captain his senior season.
Ratliff admits that back then, football often came first and school second. This time around he took classes with the seasoned outlook of a 37-year-old man who is interested in helping others chase their dreams.
"This was actually the easiest school has ever been for me just because of the fact I was finally into being a student,'' he said. "All through life growing up, they say student-athlete, but I was an athlete-student. I always did enough to get by. I didn't want to just pass [this time]. I wanted to pass with a good grade.
"Now I look forward to getting grades back, I look forward to taking some of those tests."
Ratliff will have his own cheering section at Exactech Arena when he walks across the stage.
His mom, brothers and nieces planned to make the trip to Florida. Of course, Ratliff's wife, daughter and son will be there. Ratliff said a former teammate or two -- Gus Scott for one – planned to come to offer their support.
He is still not sure exactly sure what to expect.
"I was not all that interested in walking until my wife and my mom and others told the significance it would have for my kids see me do it,'' he said. "It's going to be a nice little turnout. They are trying to keep stuff from me, so I don't know who all is coming."
What Ratliff does know is next time he stands in front of a group of young players interested in playing college football, his message has more authenticity.
He can not only tell them he is a former NFL player, but a college graduate.
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