Graphic: UAA Communications
Gators Standouts Graham, Haden to be Inducted Into Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 | Football
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The City of Jacksonville has announced that former University of Florida standouts Earnest Graham and Joe Haden will be inducted into the 2023 Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 27, as part of Florida-Georgia weekend.
Earnest Graham Jr. emerged as one of Florida's elite running backs. He holds a prominent place in Gators history with 33 career rushing touchdowns and 3,065 rushing yards. His versatility extends to 3,468 all-purpose yards and nine career 100-yard rushing games, tying for fifth in school history. A key player in multiple seasons, he led the 1999 squad with 654 yards, the 2001 team with 650 yards, and the 2002 team with 1,085 yards. He stands as the sole player in school history with three 100-yard rushing games and an average of 135 yards per bowl game. Transitioning to the NFL, Graham signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003 and remained with the team through 2011.
Joe Haden made history as the first true freshman to start at cornerback on UF's opening day in 2007. Starting all 40 games at cornerback for the Gators, Haden concluded his college career with impressive stats including 218 total tackles, 157 solo, 34 pass breakups, eight interceptions, and 3.5 sacks. As the 10th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns and after a successful seven seasons with the team, Haden showcased his talents with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a fitting conclusion, he announced his retirement on Sept. 21, 2022, signing a one-day contract with the Cleveland Browns.
The duo will join Georgia player Terrence Edwards and Coach Mark Richt as inductees to the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame.
Created in 1995, the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame honors and recognizes the memorable players, coaches, and administrators involved in the long-standing rivalry. Over the Hall of Fame history, there have been over 100 people inducted including legendary Gators Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel, Tim Tebow and Fred Taylor, as well as Bulldogs legends Vince Dooley, Herschel Walker, David Pollack and Knowshon Moreno. For more information, visit https://flgajax.com/.
Tickets for the 2023 Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon presented by Miller Electric Company are on sale now at https://bit.ly/FLGA23HoF.
The City of Jacksonville Division of Sports and Entertainment attracts, hosts and creates opportunities that drive economic impact, accelerate the Jacksonville brand and improve the quality of life and cultural engagement for visitors and residents. Jacksonville hosts hundreds of diverse events each year making Northeast Florida a premier destination with rich tradition and world-class hospitality. For more information, visit https://events.coj.net.
Earnest Graham Jr. emerged as one of Florida's elite running backs. He holds a prominent place in Gators history with 33 career rushing touchdowns and 3,065 rushing yards. His versatility extends to 3,468 all-purpose yards and nine career 100-yard rushing games, tying for fifth in school history. A key player in multiple seasons, he led the 1999 squad with 654 yards, the 2001 team with 650 yards, and the 2002 team with 1,085 yards. He stands as the sole player in school history with three 100-yard rushing games and an average of 135 yards per bowl game. Transitioning to the NFL, Graham signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003 and remained with the team through 2011.
Joe Haden made history as the first true freshman to start at cornerback on UF's opening day in 2007. Starting all 40 games at cornerback for the Gators, Haden concluded his college career with impressive stats including 218 total tackles, 157 solo, 34 pass breakups, eight interceptions, and 3.5 sacks. As the 10th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns and after a successful seven seasons with the team, Haden showcased his talents with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a fitting conclusion, he announced his retirement on Sept. 21, 2022, signing a one-day contract with the Cleveland Browns.
The duo will join Georgia player Terrence Edwards and Coach Mark Richt as inductees to the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame.
Created in 1995, the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame honors and recognizes the memorable players, coaches, and administrators involved in the long-standing rivalry. Over the Hall of Fame history, there have been over 100 people inducted including legendary Gators Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel, Tim Tebow and Fred Taylor, as well as Bulldogs legends Vince Dooley, Herschel Walker, David Pollack and Knowshon Moreno. For more information, visit https://flgajax.com/.
Tickets for the 2023 Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon presented by Miller Electric Company are on sale now at https://bit.ly/FLGA23HoF.
The City of Jacksonville Division of Sports and Entertainment attracts, hosts and creates opportunities that drive economic impact, accelerate the Jacksonville brand and improve the quality of life and cultural engagement for visitors and residents. Jacksonville hosts hundreds of diverse events each year making Northeast Florida a premier destination with rich tradition and world-class hospitality. For more information, visit https://events.coj.net.
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