The Gators are wearing black uniforms for the first time in a salute to those who serve when the team tackles Arkansas in the Swamp this weekend.

by Rick Hurtado (BSPR '18, MS '20)

The Gators will honor members of the armed forces, veterans and local first responders in style this weekend when they take on the Arkansas Razorbacks Nov. 4 during this year’s “Saluting Those Who Serve” game.

As part of this year’s honoring, the football team will wear alternate black uniforms for the first time in school history.

In recognition of the teamwork spirit and the core values that characterize military members and first responders, the back of each player’s jersey will display one of five words that are synonymous with the principles embodied by those who serve. The terms, which were selected by a representative of each branch of the military and first responders, are “commitment,” “courage,” “excellence,” “honor” and “integrity.”

“I know the Gator Nation is excited about the team wearing black uniforms, but I don’t want us to lose sight of the intent relative to creating awareness and showing gratitude and appreciation for all branches of our military and first responders,” said Coach Billy Napier. “We’re doing something that’s going to be a lot of fun, but ultimately, we’re hopeful that we can recognize and show appreciation for a lot of selfless people that have chosen a profession of service and put their lives at risk each day.”

In addition to in-game initiatives, the Gators will honor those in service throughout the week by inviting members of each U.S. military branch to address the team at the conclusion of each practice to create awareness among team members about those who dedicate their lives to service.

“There’s a lot we can learn from these special people,” Napier said. “Last year we were able to invite members of the military to talk to the team and it was pretty awesome to hear from them. I know it impacted our players and staff in a positive way. It’s really important to me in terms of creating a level of respect and gratitude for some of these things that we take for granted at times.”