Jawaan Taylor at the Super Bowl LIX Media Day in the Caesars Superdome. Taylor won a ring with Kansas City last season against San Fransisco.
Gators in the NFL: Pro Bowl Recap and Super Bowl Preview
Thursday, February 6, 2025 | Football
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Jonathan Greenard made his Pro Bowl debut while four former Gators gear up for Super Bowl LIX
By: Alexander Vafeas
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - As the 2024-25 NFL season draws to a close four Gators are preparing for Super Bowl LIX while another Gator great competed in his first Pro Bowl Games.
Each week of the season, FloridaGators.com will cover all of the best moments from the NFL stars who made a name for themselves in Gainesville. Here is a look at the former Gators who are gearing up for the sports biggest game:
Pro Bowl Recap
In his fifth season in the NFL Jonathan Greenard earned his first Pro Bowl nod, becoming the 30th unique Gator to be selected, marking the 76th time a Gator has earned a nod. Greenard had a career year in 2024, recording 12 sacks, 59 combined tackles (41 solo), 22 QB hits and 18 TFLs.
Jonathan Greenard takes time to sign autographs for fans at the Pro Bowl in Orlando, Fla. Photo By: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Returning Gators
The is no lack of experience among the four Gators headed to Super Bowl LIX with all but one having been on a Super Bowl roster.
Both of the Eagles former Gators are familiar with the NFL's biggest stage, making the trip a combined three times. Eagles offensive lineman Fred Johnson has been on two Super Bowl rosters, but has yet to earn a ring. Johnson was a member of the Cincinnati Bengals when they fell to the Rams in Super Bowl LVI and was on the Eagles roster two years ago when they played the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII.
Gardner-Johnson also spent the 2022-23 campaign with the Eagles, starting 14 games at safety for the eventual runner-ups. The ball-hawking safety also led the Eagles and the league in interceptions with six that season despite missing five games due to injury. After spending a year with former Gator teammate Alex Anzalone in Detroit, Gardner-Johnson returned to the city of Brotherly Love, leading the Eagles secondary with six picks and finishing in the top 5 in pass deflections (second with 12), forced fumbles (tied fifth with one) and tackles (fourth with 59).
"This moment right here is for my team. I want to be able to enjoy this moment and do what I can to help the young guys we've got because we've got a young team"
On the other sideline Jawaan Taylor is looking for his second ring in as many years with the Chiefs. Taylor signed with KC ahead of the 2023 season and has served as their right tackle since, starting in 39 games.
New Gator
After ten seasons in the NFL DJ Humphries is headed to his first Super Bowl! A first round pick in 2015, Humphries spent his first nine seasons in Arizona starting in 98 games at left and right tackle. Humphries signed with the Chiefs in November and started two games for KC this season due to injuries on their offensive line.
Gators going to the Super Bowl
Florida is tied for third with four former Gators on the 53-man roster heading to Super Bowl LIX. The only two college teams with more representation are Oklahoma with seven and Georgia with six.The four Gators are:
