GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida is launching the officially licensed Ring of Honor merchandise collection to commemorate some of the best of Florida football. Unveiled in September 2006, the Ring of Honor recognizes a select group of football players and coaches that have achieved remarkable achievements such as winning a Heisman Trophy, NFL Hall of Fame induction, collegiate category leaders, and multiple consensus All-American honors, among others.
The specially curated Ring of Honor collection, which was developed with the help of the university’s exclusive licensing agent, CLC, will feature the former players that have earned the prestigious honor. The collection will highlight two players each year for the next three years, with Emmitt Smith and Jack Youngblood kicking off this inaugural season. In addition to the merchandise program, the University Athletic Association will be developing ways to celebrate these honorees throughout the season.
Jack Youngblood, regarded as one of the best defensive ends in Gator history, was named to the 1970s Southeastern Conference All-Decade team. He was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992 and became the first player from Florida to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2001. A first-round selection in 1971, Youngblood was inducted into Florida’s Ring of Honor in September 2006.
Emmitt Smith is one of the most prolific rushers in the history of the game. He was a consensus first-team All-America selection who holds numerous collegiate and NFL rushing records. He was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007 and the NFL Hall of Fame in 2010. Smith set 58 UF records before posting his record-breaking career in the NFL, where he still holds the top-marks in rushing yards (18,355) and rushing touchdowns (164).
The Ring of Honor merchandise collection will feature officially licensed Florida branded apparel and non-apparel items, including a collectible jersey, from best-in-class licenses such as Nike/Jordan Brand, Top of the World, Highland Mint, and others.
Ring of Honor Emmitt Smith and Jack Youngblood merchandise will be available beginning July 24 at 10 a.m. on Fanatics, Gator Sports Shop, and other key retail partners, including Gator Nation, the University of Florida bookstore, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Alumni Hall.
