The Florida Gators aren't lacking in motivation – not with what's at stake when the 2025 season opens on Aug. 30 against Long Island University, a campaign which is largely considered a potential make-or-break year for head coach Billy Napier.
The Gators return an abundance of starters, including four of five offensive linemen from a season ago, quarterback DJ Lagway and multiple key contributors on defense. Having been knocked down, only to get back up time and time again, in 2024, UF is determined not to experience disappointment in Napier's fourth season at the helm.
Though, reminders of what's at stake, what those within the program are competing for, can't hurt.
In a desire to provide perspective and near-constant reminders of what the program is striving for, the Florida football program has consistently brought in speakers from various backgrounds to speak to the team at the conclusion of practice sessions.
One of the consistent presences who has spoke to the team in Gainesville in recent years is CL "Shep" Shepherd, the CEO of "Shep Inspires". A former student-athlete who was the first member of his family to graduate from college, Shepherd has devoted his life to inspiring not just current athletes – he currently gives presentations to various organizations, looking to inspire others to reach their true potential.
Fifteen years ago, Shepherd created Keep The Chance, Inc., a "non-profit organization devoted to empowering pro and college athletes through chaplaincy and mentoring; and quickly became the highest sought after communicator in sports ministry."
"We had Shep in here last week, he did a great job," Napier said Monday. "He talked about getting the big rocks in early, and you guys have all seen that video online, the viral video, and I think it's important for our players to evaluate themselves and have the self-discipline to put together a plan for their day, you know, plan out their work and then go work their plan. I think the chemistry of this team has impressed me, and overall, like the attitude of the team."
Less than a week later, the Gators brought in yet another speaker: Matthew Slater, a former wide receiver with the New England Patriots who played 16 seasons in the NFL.
Along with being an impactful pass-catcher, Slater was well-known as one of the NFL's top special teams players at gunner. Slater holds the record for special teams Pro Bowl selections at 10, which he set between 2011 and 2021, before retiring in 2023, having concluded his playing career as one of the game's best gunners in NFL history. A season later, Slater was back with the Patriots as a special assistant to head coach Jerod Mayo.
Slater's message was clear: be purposeful in all facets, on and off the field.
It was a message sophomore linebacker Myles Graham had heard before, from a former Gator now in the NFL as a rookie, linebacker Shemar James.
"We had Matthew Slater come in from the Patriots come in (Friday) and he talked to us about intentionality. That's one of the things I learned from Shemar. He's just intentional in everything. He was a great role model. He'd be first in line at practice. He would be the first linebacker in the building. He'd be the last to leave. He was a true pro. I learned a lot from Shemar. We have big shoes to fill. I'm excited to you know, make him proud and to see him play at the next level as well," Graham said. "(Slater) came in and talked to us about vision. Being intentional with everything you do. And remembering your why but also remembering your teammate's why, so you can hold them accountable. And putting your head down and leading with your attitude and effort."
Slater's brief time in Gainesville also marked a reunion of sorts.
Florida's special teams coordinator, Joe Houston, coached Slater for four seasons, from 2020 through the 2023 season, as the organization's special team's assistant. Furthermore, UF's assistant of player development, former UF linebacker Brandon Spikes, spent five seasons on the Patriots with Slater, from 2010-2013 before returning to the franchise in 2015.
Again, the Gators have no lack for motivation, yet the presence of accomplished former players has been an area of focus within the program as Florida looks to pull out all the stops before the 2025 season arrives.
"Big love to my brother Matthew Slater for talking to the squad yesterday We grinded 5 years together with the @Patriots," Spikes wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "Faith, leadership & championships. Blessed to have shared that locker room with you."