Florida Gators in the NFL: Former Gators Shine Bright in Wild Card Weekend
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The NFL Playoffs are officially underway, and if Wild Card Weekend taught us anything, it’s that former Florida Gators aren’t just in the league - they’re making game-changing plays on the biggest stage. From explosive catches to clutch blocks and pressure-packed kicks, Gator alumni showed up and showed out.
Let’s break down the standout performances from this past weekend, starting with a familiar face who wasted no time making an impact.
Offense
Demarcus Robinson - WR - San Francisco 49ers
Ten years into his NFL career, Demarcus Robinson still has the juice - and he reminded everyone of that with a vintage playoff performance in San Francisco’s road win over Philadelphia.
On the 49ers’ opening drive, Robinson lit the fuse. He found a soft spot in the Eagles' coverage, turned upfield, and sprinted for a 61-yard gain that set the tone for the game. Just a few plays later, he capped off the drive with a touchdown grab, putting San Francisco on the board early.
By the end of the night, Robinson had hauled in six catches for 111 yards and a score - leading the team in receiving and giving the Niners the kind of veteran presence you need in January football.
It was a statement performance from a guy who’s been here before - and clearly still knows how to rise to the moment.
O'Cyrus Torrence - G - Buffalo Bills
When the Bills needed a push - literally - O’Cyrus Torrence delivered.
With just over a minute to play and facing a critical fourth-and-short, Buffalo handed the ball to Josh Allen and asked their offensive line to win the moment. Torrence didn’t just win it - he dominated it. The third-year guard bulldozed his man off the line, helping Allen surge ahead for a 10-yard gain that set up the game-winning touchdown.
It was a defining play in a hard-fought win over Jacksonville, and the kind of performance that doesn’t always show up in the box score. But make no mistake - Torrence was a wall all day.
No penalties, no sacks allowed, and a clean pocket for his quarterback. That’s how you earn your stripes in the postseason.
Defense
Gervon Dexter Sr. - DL - Chicago Bears
Gervon Dexter Sr. didn’t fill up the stat sheet, but his impact was undeniable in Chicago’s thrilling win over Green Bay.
With 22 seconds left and the Packers threatening in the red zone, Dexter came up huge. His interior pressure forced Jordan Love into a rushed throw on what could’ve been a game-winning touchdown.
The result? Incompletion.
Game over. Bears move on.
Dexter finished with one solo tackle and four quarterback hurries, but it was that final disruption that sealed the deal. In his third year, he’s becoming the kind of player who shows up when it matters most - and that’s exactly what you want from a playoff-caliber defensive lineman.
Brenton Cox Jr. - DL - Green Bay Packers
Though his team came up short, Brenton Cox Jr. made the most of his limited snaps in his second career playoff appearance. The third-year defensive lineman generated pressure and notched a quarterback hit, showing flashes of what he can bring off the edge.
It wasn’t a breakout game, but it was a reminder that Cox has the tools to be a disruptive presence when given the opportunity.
Special Teams
Eddy Piñeiro - K - San Francisco 49ers
Kicking in the playoffs is never easy - especially when the wind’s swirling and the pressure’s dialed up to 11. But Eddy Piñeiro stayed cool.
In his postseason debut with the 49ers, Piñeiro knocked through a field goal and two extra points, accounting for five crucial points in a tight win over the Eagles. His consistency helped San Francisco maintain control in a game where every point mattered.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was clutch - and that’s exactly what you want from your kicker in January.
Gators Still in the Hunt
As the Divisional Round approaches, several former Gators are still alive in the playoff chase. Here’s a quick look at who’s still in the mix:
- O'Cyrus Torrence - Buffalo Bills - G
- **C.J.
Gardner-Johnson** - Chicago Bears - S
- **Gervon Dexter Sr.
** - Chicago Bears - DL
- Jeremy Crawshaw - Denver Broncos - P
- Tommy Townsend - Houston Texans - P
- Graham Mertz - Houston Texans - QB
- Trent Brown - Houston Texans - OT
- DJ Humphries - Los Angeles Rams - OL
- Fred Johnson - Philadelphia Eagles - OT
- Ricky Pearsall - San Francisco 49ers - WR
- Demarcus Robinson - San Francisco 49ers - WR
- Eddy Piñeiro - San Francisco 49ers - K
- Ja'Markis Weston - Seattle Seahawks - LB (Practice Squad)
From Gainesville to the gridiron, these Gators are still making noise - and if Wild Card Weekend was any indication, they’re not done yet.