Florida football has officially embraced the Boys of ’84. But where is the trophy?
The 1984 Florida Gators football squad will receive attention this weekend. However, until a Spielberg-style plot surprise occurs, that team’s ultimate achievement will not be seen.
If you hunt hard enough, you can find “1984 SEC Championship” posters, T-shirts, and paperweights for sale online. No matter how hard they look, no one can find the 1984 SEC championship trophy.
Not that UF searched particularly hard.
Consider this a little flaw in Florida’s attempt to make amends with the best squad in school history. While that assertion is questionable, there is no denying that it is the most forlorn squad to ever wear orange and blue.
After 51 seasons, the Gators finally won the SEC football championship. Generations of admirers can
finally die in peace.\
The SEC then removed the title, instilling fear of God/NCAA investigators in UF’s spirit. The University Athletic Association wanted 1984 to never happen again, which is very understandable.
What happened to the players was difficult to grasp. It was as if UF had divorced itself from a difficult marriage and wanted nothing to do with the children.
The children could not help but notice. They disliked being erased from UF history, particularly after the establishment of NIL. Some of the unlawful goodies they received could fit in Carson Beck’s $300,000 Lamborghini glove compartment.
“We love the University of Florida,” said Lomas Brown, a former Florida offensive lineman. “We just want the school to love us the way we love it.”
The University of Florida will celebrate Homecoming Weekend.The Boys of ’84 will be acknowledged at the Kentucky game. John L. Williams will portray Mr. Two Bits.
He was one of three first-round NFL draft picks at tailback for Florida that year. Every offensive line starter would earn All-SEC honors during their careers. The main polls did not recognize probationary teams, although The Sporting News and the New York Times named Florida national winners.
With four decades of catching up to do, it should be a memorable reunion. But I can’t help but assume there will be something lacking.