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Brandon James, Todd Johnson to be inducted into Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame 

On3 imageby: Keith Niebuhr10/07/25On3Keith
Florida-Gators-helmet
Two helmets rest on Steve Spurrier-Florida Field before the start of the Orange and Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]

Former Florida Gators standouts Brandon James and Todd Johnson will be inducted into the Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame this year, UF announced Tuesday. They will join Georgia players Freddie Gilbert and Sony Michel as this year’s honorees.

James, a UF running back, was one of the best return men in Gators and SEC history. He played on national championship teams in 2006 and 2008.

According to a Florida Gators release, James appeared in “50 career games for the Gators, 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, now 37, played for the Florida Gators from 2006–2009. He’s a native of St. Augustine, Fla.

He was a consensus All-American in 2008 and the SEC Special Teams player of the year that season. Additionally, he was first-team All-SEC in 2008 and second-team All-SEC in 2007. James also rushed for 700-plus yards as a Gator.

He spent one season in the NFL.

Todd Johnson was one of the best safeties in Florida Gators history

Johnson, a safety for the Gators from 1999-2002, started 35 games and appeared in 47 games overall at UF. He was a two-time first-team All-SEC selection (2000, 2001) and second-team choice in 2002. Johnson played in four bowl games, recorded 284 career tackles, 40 “big plays,” nine interceptions, eight fumble recoveries and three blocked kicks. In 2000, Johnson posted 102 tackles and five interceptions.

Johnson, 46, is a native of Sarasota, Fla. After his time with the Florida Gators ended, he played several seasons in the NFL.

The Hall ceremony is Friday, Oct. 31, 2025.. Per UF, 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.

The Florida-Georgia Hall of Fame was established in 1995.

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