GAINESVILLE — Leonard George and Willie Jackson Sr. stood side by side and bound by history, just like they did more than 50 years ago and have been ever since becoming the first Black football players at the University of Florida.
Friday’s gathering at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium was a celebration, filled with friends, family, former teammates and photo ops. UF’s University of Athletic Association unveiled a mural at Gate 3 along the wall of the stadium’s concourse to celebrate the two men’s significance to Florida football.
“This is such an honor for me and Willie,” George told onlookers.