Steve Spurrier sits firmly on the Mount Rushmore of Florida Gator legends. Known across the sports world as “The Head Ball Coach,” Spurrier is a winner in every sense — a Heisman Trophy recipient, national championship coach, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and motivator whose legacy continues to inspire across generations.
Before becoming a household name in college football coaching circles, Spurrier made history in 1966 as the University of Florida’s first Heisman Trophy winner. Selected third overall in the 1967 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers — tied as the highest pick in school history alongside Wes Chandler, Gerrard Warren, and Dante Fowler Jr. — Spurrier laid the foundation for a remarkable six-decade football journey.
In 1996, Spurrier led the Florida Gators to their first national championship. He also delivered the program’s first official SEC Championship and ultimately captured seven conference titles — an unmatched feat in Gator history. Of Florida’s nine SEC titles since joining the conference in 1932, only Urban Meyer has added to the total, winning two, the last in 2008.
Notably, Spurrier remains the only person to win the Heisman Trophy and later coached a Heisman winner — Danny Wuerffel in 1996. He’s also the only living individual inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame twice: once as a player and again as a coach. His statue sits in front of the football field that bears his name, Steve Spurrier Field. He is also a member of the program's exclusive "Ring of Honor.” His accolades span more than 54 Hall of Fame honors, the most recent being the National Quarterback Hall of Fame in February 2025.
A Legacy That Lives On
At 80 years old, Spurrier remains a beloved figure in Gainesville and across the college football landscape. He and his wife, Jerri — his partner in life since 1966 — live in Gainesville and remain actively involved in the university and community. Coach Spurrier still visits his office at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and frequently attends Gator sporting events. He and Jerri also make regular appearances at their restaurant, Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille, mingling with guests, signing autographs, and encouraging staff with the same energy he once gave his players.
“Running a great restaurant is like building a championship team,” he often says. “You’ve got to work hard, believe, and surround yourself with great people — from cooks and servers to dishwashers and bartenders.”
The restaurant, one of the top celebrity-owned establishments in the country, is a destination not just for great food, but for Gator pride. It doubles as a hybrid museum, featuring memorabilia from Spurrier’s illustrious career and from other Gator greats. The Heisman Trophy, 14 championship rings, the cleats he wore in his iconic 40-yard game-winning field goal against Auburn in 1966, and countless game balls are among the highlights on display.
The “Championship Room” is a fan favorite — lined with portraits of the 20 Gator coaches who’ve won all 49 University of Florida national titles, including the latest by men’s basketball coach Todd Golden in 2025. The artwork is curated by James Bates, captain of the 1996 football team and one of Spurrier’s former players.
From Gridiron to Grille
Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille sources local ingredients from farms and vendors across Florida. The “from-scratch” kitchen partners with Quincy Cattle Farms, Alachua Greens, First Magnitude Brewery, Hawthorne Creek Creamery, Opus Coffee, and more. The menu is packed with nostalgic flair — from the Ike Hilliard Catch of the Day and Emory & Henry Seafood Pasta, to drinks like The Kick (named for Spurrier’s famous field goal), the SOS, CiTrUs 75, and the 52- 20 Pale Ale, a tribute to Florida’s first national title score.
Spurrier’s commitment to health and fitness is as sharp as ever. Despite some arthritis from his playing days, he maintains an active lifestyle with daily workouts — focusing on core strength, light weights, and stationary biking. He and Jerri, a former aerobics instructor, walk daily and ensure every travel destination includes access to a gym and walking trails. Their passion for wellness is reflected in both their lifestyle and their restaurant’s commitment to clean, nutritious food.
A Life of Giving Back
Off the field and beyond the kitchen, Steve and Jerri Spurrier are steadfast community supporters. They actively champion numerous causes, including the American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House, American Heart Association, Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, Tyler’s Hope, and many others.
Spurrier also remains a prominent figure in football media and storytelling. He’s been featured in countless interviews, documentaries, and videos, most notably The Believer: The Life and Career of Steve Spurrier, an ESPN film produced by country music star Kenny Chesney and Nashville filmmaker Shaun Silva. The documentary aired on SEC Network in 2014, capturing Spurrier’s fearless career and influence as a coach for both Florida and South Carolina.
Forever a Gator
Though retired from coaching, Spurrier continues to represent the Gator Nation proudly, attending Heisman ceremonies annually and staying connected to fans, players, and alumni alike. His life’s work — from Science Hill High School and the San Francisco 49ers to the University of Florida, Duke, South Carolina, Tampa Bay Bucs, Tampa Bay Bandits, Washington Commanders, and the short-lived but successful Orlando Apollos — stands as a testament to leadership, grit, and enduring passion.
Spurrier’s story is still being written — not on the sidelines, but through every handshake at his restaurant, every workout with Jerri, every game ball on display, and every life he’s impacted. At 80, the Head Ball Coach is still very much in the game.