WATCH: Gardner-Johnson tours Heavener Center, meets Napier
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As Chauncey-Gardner Johnson turned back to do a double take inside the James W. “Bill” Heavener Football Training Center, he looked around in disbelief.
“Boy we ain’t have this. Man,” Gardner-Johnson said in the video below. “Look at this, Lord have mercy.”
The former Florida star and current Philadelphia Eagles defensive back returned to UF on March 4 for the Gators’ first practice of spring ball and toured the $86 million standalone facility.
“If I can go somewhere and get the top of the top, I think I’m gonna commit on the spot,” Gardner-Johnson said of the Heavener Center. “So, I think that for younger guys that’s coming out, embrace everything. Embrace every aspect of every facility, even in this one. Understand why you’re here, so you can do the things you need to do go to the next level.”
Related: WATCH: Tour of the Florida Gators’ new $85M Heavener Center
Gardner-Johnson played in Super Bowl LVII this season with Philadelphia Eagles and starred in their defense. He recorded a career-high 79 tackles and six picks, finishing as the NFL’s interceptions co-leader. He was traded to the team in August 2022 following three years with the New Orleans Saints.
Gardner-Johnson was a three-year starter for the Gators (2016-18), finishing his career with nine interceptions, three INT returns for touchdowns, 12 pass breakups, 161 total tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-loss and four sacks, earning MVP honors twice in the Outback Bowl and Peach Bowl.
“I love Florida. I’m here, I’m back. I’m here to help,” Gardner-Johnson said. “Any player or student (that) wants to hear, I got advice on financials, on the field, off the field. So, go Gators.”
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