A Brief Insight into the History of Florida Gator’s Football Team

The University of Florida was established in Gainesville in 1906 and fielded its first official football team in the same year. For over 110 years, the Gators played in over forty bowl games with a glorious history of winning three national championships (1996, 2006 and 2008) and eight Southeastern Conference championships (1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2006 and 2008) and have produced three Heisman Trophy winners, more than ninety first-team All-Americans and fifty National Football League (NFL) first-round draft choices. They have also won three national championships and eight SEC titles in the 112-season history of Florida football.

The Team Mascot

Besides its laurels, the Gators have an interesting team mascot. An alligator. The first live alligator, Albert, came to the University of Florida in the year 1957. Since then several different live alligators took the role of Albert like a robotic and motorized reptile. It was until 1970 that Albert became personified on the field as a full-body vinyl costume. Alberta the Alligator was introduced in 1986 as Albert's friend. Together, the two of them represented the Gator fan- loyal, proud, and spirited about the University of Florida. Now, Albert and Alberta can be seen on various things like clothes, cars, and even on television. 

The Team Colors

In 1910, Florida adopted its two colors as an homage to the two schools that merged together to form University of Florida at Lake City (blue) and East Florida Seminary (orange and black). After a decade use of royal blue jerseys, the Gators switched to orange home jerseys. Series of changes took place, they wore many different combinations of blue or orange jerseys along with blue, orange, or white pants. Manufacturers around the globe make exclusive jerseys for fans finding the best Florida gators women's clothing to cheer and express their support to the finest university team in the world. 

The first live alligator, Albert, came to UF in 1957. Several different live alligators assumed the role of Albert over the years, and even a robotic, motorized reptile held the role. It wasn't until 1970 that Albert became personified on the field as a full-body vinyl costume. Alberta the Alligator was introduced in 1986 as Albert's sidekick and friend. Together, the two of them embody the typical Gator fan- loyal, proud, and spirited about the University of Florida. Today, Albert and Alberta can be seen around the world on clothes, cars, and even on television. They have come to represent one of the finest universities in the world, and are symbols of the entire Gator Nation. Go Gators!