Steve Spurrier’s name is synonymous with Florida Gators football, and rightly so.1 His impact as both a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and a national championship-winning head coach has left an enduring legacy. Recognizing this, the University of Florida has honored him in a very prominent way, and there are statues that exist, and the field is named after him.2
Here’s a breakdown of how the University of Florida has honored Steve Spurrier:
- Steve Spurrier-Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium:
- Perhaps the most significant honor is the renaming of the playing surface at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to “Steve Spurrier-Florida Field.”3 This designation permanently cements his contributions to the program within the very grounds where he achieved so much.
- This renaming acknowledges his transformative influence on the Gators, elevating the program to national prominence.
- Statues at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium:
- There are statues of the University of Florida Heisman Trophy winners located outside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.4 This includes a statue of Steve Spurrier, along with statues of Tim Tebow, and Danny Wuerffel.5 So there is already a statue that exists.
- This provides fans with a place to celebrate the great players that have brought glory to the program.
Spurrier’s Gator Legacy:
- As a player, Spurrier won the 1966 Heisman Trophy, establishing himself as one of the program’s all-time greats.6
- As a coach, he led the Gators to their first national championship in 1996, along with multiple Southeastern Conference titles.7
- His “Fun ‘n’ Gun” offense revolutionized college football, and his charismatic personality captivated Gator Nation.8
The placement of the Heisman trophy winner statues, outside of Ben Hill Griffin stadium, is a very fitting tribute. Where fans will constantly be reminded of the greatness that has played on that field. The stadium itself is a monument to Florida gator football, so to have the Heisman trophy winners honored there, is very fitting.
