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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 2h ago
Former Gators Pitts, Greenard building Hall of Fame-worthy NFL careers
The Florida Gators have long been one of college football's premier pipelines to the NFL, producing stars who have built impressive careers at the highest level. Pro Bowlers, Super Bowl champions, and many other former Gators have established themselves as some of the NFL's elite players.
With another NFL season kicking off in just weeks, a handful of former Florida standouts prepare to suit up and continue to add to their legacies. While reaching the Pro Football Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors a player can achieve, some former Gators have already laid the foundation and built resumes that put them in the conversation.
ESPN selected players from all 32 NFL teams who could eventually have a case for Canton . Here are the former Gators currently playing with a chance at a gold jacket.
Kyle Pitts Sr. lands in the "work to do" category, having established himself as one of the most talented tight ends to come through Florida's program in recent memory. He was selected No. 4 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft — making him the highest-drafted tight end in league history — and immediately showed why he was considered such a special prospect.
As a rookie, Pitts recorded 1026 receiving yards for an average of 15.1 yards per reception and one touchdown. At the time, he was only the second rookie tight end in NFL history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards, joining Mike Ditka until Brock Bowers did it in his rookie season.
Along with Pitts' injuries, the Falcons have struggled to find consistent quarterback play during his tenure with the team, resulting in a drop in his performance. However, he did have a career year in 2025, making the AP All-Pro Second Team.
Jonathan Greenard also finds himself in the "work to do" category. Unlike Pitts, Greenard wasn't touted as generational for his position and was a third-round NFL draft pick by the Houston Texans.
Greenard has carved out a nice role during his NFL career, contributing to top defensive units. He had a career year in 2024, finishing the season with 12 sacks, 41 solo tackles, 18 assisted tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 22 quarterback hits, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl. Following an injury-riddled 2025, Greenard will likely miss some early-season games due to a pectoral strain.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Former Gators Pitts, Greenard building Hall of Fame-worthy NFL careers
Former Gators PittsGreenardHallFameNFLJonathan GreenardGatorsESPN'sFamersThe Florida GatorsPro BowlersSuper Bowl
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