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Gators great Shane Matthews Named 2023 SEC Football Legend

79417-removebg-preview (1)by: Corey Bender10/12/23Corey_Bender
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The 2023 SEC Football Legends class has been made public and it includes former Gators great Shane Matthews.

The Southeastern Conference announced the class on Thursday morning.

The class features 14 former stars who starred on the football field and helped write the history of the sport at each of the respective SEC institutions.

Matthews, a two-time SEC Player of the Year at quarterback in 1990 and 1991, finished his career as a three-time All-SEC selection. He was also a second-team All-American in 1991 along with being a Heisman Trophy finalist during his time at UF as well.

During his three years at the Swamp, Matthews guided the Gators to a 28-8 record. He completed more than 700 passes for over 9,000 yards and 74 touchdowns and is near the top, or at the top, of numerous categories in the program’s record books.

Matthews was inducted into the UF Athletic Hall of fame in 2002.

After graduating from Florida in 1992, Matthews then played 14 seasons in the NFL with six different teams, including two stints with the Chicago Bears.

During his time in the league, Matthews racked up nearly 500 completions for 4,756 yards and 24 touchdowns.

The entire SEC Football Legends class will be honored at the 2023 SEC Football “Weekend of Champions” December 1-2 in Atlanta, Georgia, highlighted by the annual SEC Legends Celebration on Friday, December 1 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

The group will also be recognized prior to the SEC Football Championship Game, which will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, December 2.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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