Gator Standouts James, Johnson to be Inducted into Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The City of Jacksonville has announced that former University of Florida standouts Brandon James and Todd Johnson will be inducted into the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. The prestigious Induction Ceremony and Luncheon, presented by Miller Electric Company, will take place at 12:30 pm at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, a new location for this event, as part of the Florida-Georgia Weekend.
James, a running back for the Gators from 2006-09, carved out a place as one of the most electric return specialists in SEC history. Appearing in 50 career games for the Gators, he set four SEC and 11 Florida records, including career kickoff return yards (2,718), career punt return yards (1,371), most total kick returns (229), and most total return yardage (4,089). James is one of only two Gators ever to return both a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown, finishing his career with five total return scores. His explosiveness and consistency made him one of the most dangerous special teams players in the nation, finishing third among active NCAA players in return touchdowns at the time of his graduation.
James’ honors include 2008 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year, FWAA All-America, and multiple All-SEC selections. He was a critical piece of Florida’s success during the Urban Meyer era, helping the Gators capture two SEC Championships and the 2008 BCS National Championship. Beyond his record-breaking returns, he contributed as a receiver and rusher, finishing with more than 700 yards of combined offense and four additional touchdowns. Known for his game-changing speed and playmaking ability, James remains one of Florida’s most decorated and impactful special teams players of all time.
Johnson, a defensive back for the Gators from 1999-2002, was a cornerstone of the Gators’ secondary from 1999–2002, starting 35 games and appearing in 47 overall. A two-time First-Team All-SEC selection (2000–01) and Second-Team pick in 2002, he anchored the Florida defense through four bowl games, including the Sugar, Orange, and Outback Bowls. Johnson tallied 284 career tackles, 40 “big plays” (including nine interceptions, eight fumble recoveries, and three blocked kicks), and led the team in total plays for back-to-back seasons. His 102 tackles and five interceptions in 2000 highlighted one of the best defensive campaigns by a Gator safety in program history.
Off the field, Johnson earned SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition, reflecting his leadership and consistency both in the classroom and on the field. Selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft, he went on to play seven seasons in the NFL with the Bears, Rams, and Bills. Across his professional career, Johnson appeared in 80 games and totaled 196 tackles, along with two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and a sack. Known for his reliability, toughness, and impact in big moments, Johnson’s legacy remains as one of Florida’s most complete and dependable defensive backs.
The duo will join Georgia players Freddie Gilbert and Sony Michel as inductees to the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame.
Tickets for the 2025 Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon presented by Miller Electric Company, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, are on sale now at https://gafljax.com/hall_of_fame.
Established in 1995, the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame celebrates the remarkable players, coaches, and administrators who have shaped one of college football’s most enduring rivalries. Over its 29-year history, the Hall of Fame has honored more than 100 distinguished individuals, including iconic Gators like Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel, Tim Tebow, and Fred Taylor, as well as legendary Bulldogs such as Vince Dooley, Herschel Walker, David Pollack, and Knowshon Moreno.
The City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment attracts, hosts, and creates opportunities that drive economic impact, accelerate the Jacksonville brand, and improve the quality of life and cultural engagement for visitors and residents. Jacksonville hosts hundreds of diverse events yearly, making Northeast Florida a premier destination with rich tradition and world-class hospitality. For more information, visit events.coj.net.
James, a running back for the Gators from 2006-09, carved out a place as one of the most electric return specialists in SEC history. Appearing in 50 career games for the Gators, he set four SEC and 11 Florida records, including career kickoff return yards (2,718), career punt return yards (1,371), most total kick returns (229), and most total return yardage (4,089). James is one of only two Gators ever to return both a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown, finishing his career with five total return scores. His explosiveness and consistency made him one of the most dangerous special teams players in the nation, finishing third among active NCAA players in return touchdowns at the time of his graduation.
James’ honors include 2008 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year, FWAA All-America, and multiple All-SEC selections. He was a critical piece of Florida’s success during the Urban Meyer era, helping the Gators capture two SEC Championships and the 2008 BCS National Championship. Beyond his record-breaking returns, he contributed as a receiver and rusher, finishing with more than 700 yards of combined offense and four additional touchdowns. Known for his game-changing speed and playmaking ability, James remains one of Florida’s most decorated and impactful special teams players of all time.
Johnson, a defensive back for the Gators from 1999-2002, was a cornerstone of the Gators’ secondary from 1999–2002, starting 35 games and appearing in 47 overall. A two-time First-Team All-SEC selection (2000–01) and Second-Team pick in 2002, he anchored the Florida defense through four bowl games, including the Sugar, Orange, and Outback Bowls. Johnson tallied 284 career tackles, 40 “big plays” (including nine interceptions, eight fumble recoveries, and three blocked kicks), and led the team in total plays for back-to-back seasons. His 102 tackles and five interceptions in 2000 highlighted one of the best defensive campaigns by a Gator safety in program history.
Off the field, Johnson earned SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition, reflecting his leadership and consistency both in the classroom and on the field. Selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft, he went on to play seven seasons in the NFL with the Bears, Rams, and Bills. Across his professional career, Johnson appeared in 80 games and totaled 196 tackles, along with two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and a sack. Known for his reliability, toughness, and impact in big moments, Johnson’s legacy remains as one of Florida’s most complete and dependable defensive backs.
The duo will join Georgia players Freddie Gilbert and Sony Michel as inductees to the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame.
Tickets for the 2025 Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon presented by Miller Electric Company, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, are on sale now at https://gafljax.com/hall_of_fame.
Established in 1995, the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame celebrates the remarkable players, coaches, and administrators who have shaped one of college football’s most enduring rivalries. Over its 29-year history, the Hall of Fame has honored more than 100 distinguished individuals, including iconic Gators like Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel, Tim Tebow, and Fred Taylor, as well as legendary Bulldogs such as Vince Dooley, Herschel Walker, David Pollack, and Knowshon Moreno.
The City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment attracts, hosts, and creates opportunities that drive economic impact, accelerate the Jacksonville brand, and improve the quality of life and cultural engagement for visitors and residents. Jacksonville hosts hundreds of diverse events yearly, making Northeast Florida a premier destination with rich tradition and world-class hospitality. For more information, visit events.coj.net.
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