With the matchup being set for Super Bowl 59 between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, excitement builds not just for the showdown but also for Florida Gators fans, as four former players are set to take part on the big stage.

Offensive tackles Jawaan Taylor and DJ Humphries will be suiting up for the Chiefs, while safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and offensive tackle Fred Johnson will take the field for the Eagles.

Each player not only represents their team’s aspirations for an NFL championship but also the proud tradition of Florida Gators making their mark in the NFL.

Here’s a closer look at each player and what they bring to their respective teams in the biggest game of the year.

Jawaan Taylor: OT, Kansas City Chiefs

A cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line, Taylor has been a key factor in the team’s success this season. Originally drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Taylor has been with Kansas City since 2023.

Taylor’s ability to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes this season has been pivotal and it’ll be interesting to see how he and the rest of the offensive line plays against an elite Eagles pass rush with guys like Josh Sweat and Jalen Carter.

DJ Humphries: OT, Kansas City Chiefs

Joining Taylor on the Chiefs’ offensive front is fellow Florida Gator Humphries. Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Humphries joined Kansas City earlier this season to fortify their offensive line.

Humphries’ experience and leadership have helped stabilize Kansas City’s offensive schemes, allowing them to excel both in the air and on the ground. His matchup against the Eagles’ edge rushers will be a key battle to watch during the game.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson: S, Philadelphia Eagles

On the defensive side of the ball for the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson has been a revelation since his days as a Gator. Known for his versatility and ball-hawking skills, Gardner-Johnson’s ability to read the game and make pivotal plays has made him a critical component of the Eagles’ secondary.

Gardner-Johnson was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2019 and played for the Eagles in 2022 where he was the co-leader for NFL interceptions. He then played with the Detroit Lions for a season before coming back to Philadelphia this year.

Gardner-Johnson’s knack for timely interceptions and solid tackling will be vital as they aim to stymie the high-powered Chiefs offense led by Mahomes.

Fred Johnson: OT, Philadelphia Eagles

Rounding out the Gator quartet is Johnson, an undrafted offensive tackle from West Palm Beach. He’s bounced around a few teams over the years (Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) but has eventually stuck around with the Eagles since 2022.

Johnson, a backup, hasn’t seen a lot of action this season. But he’s available if Philadelphia needs him in the game. In Week 3, Johnson saw some playing time against the Saints after starting right tackle Lane Johnson left the game due to an injury. He also played in the regular season finale against the New York Giants.

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