Florida names football field after Steve Spurrier

The man responsible for dubbing the home of the Gators "The Swamp" got another tribute in addition to his bronze statue outside of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as Steve Spurrier had the field named after him today. It is a deserved honor for Spurrier, who helped elevate Florida both as a player and coach, and is also a nominee for the 2017 Class of the College Football Hall of Fame. The newly-christened Steve Spurrier - Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will see its first football game on September 3 in the Gators' season opener against UMass.

Before making hay in the coaching ranks, Spurrier was just as great as a player for the Blue and Orange, setting school and SEC records with 4,848 passing yards and 37 touchdowns from 1964-66 and was just as capable on special teams, as demonstrated against Auburn in 1966 when a 40-yard game-winning field goal. As the Ol' Ball Coach, he was transcendent at UF with his innovative Fun n' Gun, winning eight SEC East Division titles, six SEC crowns, and the 1996 national championship.

The elongated name of the field, while a great distinction for arguably the greatest Gator, has drawn some some criticism for how clunky the wording is for it. While they may have a point of the wordiness of the place where the Gators play, it is a recognition that is due to Spurrier, who left an incredible impact on Florida as well as the game of college football.