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Trey Burton Joins Florida Sports Hall of Fame: From Gator Legend to Super Bowl Champion

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Trey Burton is now officially a member of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame. The former Gator was part of the 2025 induction class at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, becoming the 50th Florida player or coach to be honored. He joins an impressive lineup of names, including Lonni Alameda, Mike Alstott, and Ricky Carmichael.

Burton’s rise from Venice High QB to Super Bowl champion is a snapshot of the all-around skill and persistence that made him such a rare standout in Florida’s football history.

His ability to impact games from multiple positions made him one of the most difficult players for opposing defenses to prepare for during his four years in Gainesville. Florida fans looking for comprehensive coverage of Gator athletics and betting markets can find detailed analysis through the list of offshore sportsbooks. Such platforms track college football futures, player props, and game-by-game odds. Specifically, Burton’s unpredictable usage created unique challenges for oddsmakers trying to project his weekly production, as his snap counts varied dramatically depending on game situations and opponent matchups.

Burton comes from Venice, Florida, and made his name at Venice High School as one of the state’s better dual-threat prospects. In 2008, serving as the junior starter, he went 80-for-133 passing for 1,399 yards and 12 touchdowns.

By 2009, his senior year, he was running the show. He posted 1,876 yards and 18 TDs through the air, got picked off only once, and tacked on 821 rushing yards with 22 more touchdowns. The team went 9–2 with him leading the offense, and he earned FSWA 5A All-State First-Team honors as both a junior and a senior.

In 2007, Burton’s sophomore stat line read 1,318 yards and 13 TDs through the air plus 708 yards and nine scores on the ground. That kind of dual-threat output made him a priority target for Urban Meyer’s Florida program, and he picked the Gators ahead of USF, West Virginia, Miami, and Florida State.

On the next level, Burton signed with Florida and ran with the Gators from 2010 to 2013 for Urban Meyer and Will Muschamp. Meyer saw him as a spread QB when he recruited him. Once camp started, Burton proved to be a Swiss Army knife, taking reps at receiver, tight end, fullback, and quarterback.

Burton’s freshman season in 2010 produced one of the most memorable single-game performances in Florida football history. On September 25, 2010, against Kentucky, Burton scored six touchdowns during a 48-14 victory at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, breaking Tim Tebow’s team record for touchdowns in a single game. 

Burton ranked third in Florida history for total freshman touchdowns in a season with 14, trailing only Jabar Gaffney and matching Emmitt Smith. His 13 rushing touchdowns as a freshman placed him second in Gator history behind Smith’s freshman rushing touchdown record.

The Kentucky game is still the headline performance on Burton’s college résumé. He finished with just five carries for 40 yards, yet crossed the goal line on all five, stacking up six total touchdowns and turning the red zone into his personal playground. Those 36 points made him only the fourth player in SEC history to reach that total in one game and left him tied for second on the league’s all-time single-game scoring list.

He joined a short list that already included Cadillac Williams, who scored six times for Auburn against Mississippi State in 2003. Earlier that year, DeShawn Wynn had dropped 24 points on Florida A&M to set a freshman scoring mark at Florida. Burton later joked that fans would come up saying they remembered him hitting “five” against Kentucky (and he’d politely set the record straight).

The Gators kept moving Burton around, and his workload shifted with each new offensive coordinator and system, but the Swiss-Army-knife tag stuck. Across 50 games, he finished with 720 rushing yards, 976 receiving yards, and 20 total scores. Tennessee fans will tell you his 2012 showing at Neyland Stadium was a reminder of just how quickly he could flip a game.

Burton rushed three times for 93 yards, including touchdown dashes of 14 and 80 yards, as Florida came from behind to defeat Tennessee 37-20 in front of 102,000 fans. His 80-yard touchdown run demonstrated the home-run hitting capability that made him dangerous whenever he touched the ball. As a senior in 2013, Burton finished with a career-high 38 receptions, showcasing his development as a receiving weapon.

The Philadelphia Eagles signed Burton as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2014. He spent four seasons in Philadelphia, gradually carving out a role as a versatile tight end and special teams contributor. On November 26, 2015, Burton recorded his first career reception, finishing with two catches for 49 yards in a loss to Detroit.

He opened his Eagles career as a special-teams ace, posting a team-best 19 tackles in the third phase and hauling in three passes for 54 yards in 16 outings. With Doug Pederson on the sideline, Burton’s responsibilities on offense steadily expanded.

Burton’s career-defining moment came in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots. With the Eagles leading by three points and just 34 seconds remaining in the first half, Philadelphia faced fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Instead of attempting a field goal, the Eagles ran one of the most famous trick plays in Super Bowl history.

The Eagles broke the huddle with Foles moving out to the right and Corey Clement taking the direct snap. Clement swept left and then lateralled to Burton on the reverse. Burton stopped, set his feet and dropped a short scoring pass to Foles, sealing the “Philly Special” into Super Bowl lore. Philadelphia ultimately outlasted the Patriots 41–33 to claim the title.

Burton cashed in on March 14, 2018, signing a four-year, $32 million contract with the Chicago Bears off the back of his Super Bowl showcase and reliable production. His first outing in navy and orange came on September 9 against Green Bay, when he posted a single 15-yard grab.

He later joined the Indianapolis Colts and wrapped up his pro career after the 2020 season. In total, Burton appeared in 98 NFL games, caught 159 passes for 1,532 yards, and left the league with one Super Bowl title on his résumé.





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Hellenic Olympic Committee Announces Gold Sponsorship Partnership

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6 hours ago

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December 18, 2025

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President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Isidoros Kouvelos, with Vangelis Marinakis, owner of Capital Maritime & Trading Corp. Photo: Hellenic Olympic Committee

Evangelos Marinakis, Capital Maritime and Trading Corp., ready to renovate Panathenaic Stadium in support of Hellenic Olympic Committee

The Hellenic Olympic Committee HOC announced a strategic Gold Sponsorship partnership with Capital Maritime and Trading Corp and its chairman and founder Mr. Evangelos Marinakis. The partnership marks a significant step in strengthening Greece’s Olympic and athletic infrastructure while honoring the country’s historic sporting legacy.

Renovation of the Panathenaic Stadium

As part of the agreement Capital Maritime and Trading Corp will fully finance and execute the comprehensive renovation of the Panathenaic Stadium. The iconic monument reconstructed in the 19th century by national benefactor Georgios Averof for the revival of the first modern Olympic Games will return to its original purpose as a world class athletics venue.

Diamond League Level Infrastructure

The renovation will upgrade the stadium’s infrastructure to allow it to host international athletics competitions at Diamond League level, and also includes the installation of a new track surface that complies with all Diamond League specifications ensuring elite competition standards, as well as the replacement of the existing lighting system with state of the art LED technology.

Sustainability and Lighting Upgrades

The new lighting will enhance the visual character of the Panathenaic Stadium while reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact. It will also create an illuminated nighttime route that highlights the history of the Olympic revival offering a distinctive experience for Greek and international visitors.

Illumination of the HOC Headquarters

Mr. Marinakis will also sponsor the illumination of the Hellenic Olympic Committee headquarters on Kifissias Avenue. Internationally acclaimed Greek lighting designer Eleftheria Deko whose work includes the Acropolis designed the project. The lighting aims to bring light culture and a contemporary aesthetic to the city.

Statement From Evangelos Marinakis

“The Panathenaic Stadium is far more than a sporting venue, Marinakis said. “It is a symbol of timeless Greek ideals fair competition sportsmanship and friendship among peoples.

“These values were born in ancient Greece revived with the first modern Olympic Games of 1896 in this very stadium and continue to inspire the world today. Our goal is to support this monument over the long term and keep it alive reminding us that sport is not merely an event but a continuation of values history and inspiration for future generations.”

Statement From the Hellenic Olympic Committee

HOC President Mr. Isidoros Kouvelos praised the partnership and Marinakis’ commitment to Greek sport.

“Evangelos Marinakis is a true man of sport who has consistently and generously supported every initiative that promotes its core values,” Kouvelos said. “A devoted supporter of the Olympic ideal and the power of sport, he continues to contribute in a meaningful and lasting way, both through the renovation of the Panathenaic Stadium, which will be able to host major international athletics competitions, and through his support of athletes and initiatives requested by the Hellenic Olympic Committee.

“He is a sponsor without time or financial limitations, who seeks no reciprocal benefit and demonstrates through his actions his genuine commitment to Greek sport and Olympic education. The Hellenic Olympic Committee extends its sincere gratitude for his ongoing and invaluable contribution.”

Continued Support of Greek Athletes

Days earlier, Marinakis also announced his support of world champion wrestler Giorgos Kougioumtsidis through ALTER EGO Media further underscoring his ongoing involvement in Greek sport.





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Bowl games are rapidly becoming unwatchable

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8 hours ago

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December 18, 2025

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The Bulls charge into Conference Play rested and ready for the Friday night lights.

Last night may have been the first unmistakable sign that we’re witnessing the beginning of the end of postseason bowl games as we’ve come to know them. South Florida’s appearance in the Cure Bowl looked more like a spring scrimmage than a December showcase. Missing four offensive starters — including quarterback Byrum Brown — the Bulls (9–4, 6–2 American) saw their normally explosive offense sputter in a 24–10 loss to Old Dominion (10–3, 6–2 Sun Belt) at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium.

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Instead of seeing USF at full strength, fans were treated to quarterback Gaston Moore making the first start of his career and interim head coach Kevin Patrick trying to steer a depleted roster through a bowl game that never found its rhythm. ODU, also without its starting quarterback and several key contributors, wasn’t much sharper, but the Monarchs made fewer mistakes and did just enough to grind out a win in a matchup that at times bordered on unwatchable.

Over 200 Players and Dozens of Coaches Missing in 2025 Bowls

The 2025 college football postseason has exposed the fragility of the traditional bowl system. More than 200 players have opted out of bowl games, including 27 from Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl and at least a dozen from Memphis in the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa. These absences, combined with 10–15 head coaches leaving programs for new jobs or being fired, have left many bowls with depleted rosters and interim staffs. What was once a showcase of college football’s best talent has increasingly become a patchwork of backups and transitional leadership.

Why Players and Coaches Are Skipping Bowl Games

The reasons for this exodus are clear. For players, the NFL Draft and transfer portal loom larger than any non-playoff bowl. Draft prospects avoid injury risk, while portal entrants focus on securing new opportunities. Coaches, meanwhile, are swept up in the annual carousel of firings and hirings, with universities prioritizing recruiting stability over bowl preparation. As CBS Sports, ESPN, and USA Today have reported, the expanded College Football Playoff has only magnified the divide: playoff games retain stars and coaches, while other bowls are left behind.

Impact on Communities, ESPN, and Sponsors

The ripple effects extend far beyond the field. Communities that host bowls — from Tampa to New York — rely on tourism, hotel bookings, and local spending tied to these games. With diminished rosters and waning fan interest, the economic impact shrinks. For ESPN, which holds the rights to most bowls, the decline is even more pressing. Advertisers and sponsors, already frustrated by the absence of marquee players and coaches, see less return on investment. NBC Sports and Fox Sports analysts have noted that sponsors are questioning whether their dollars are better spent on playoff games, where the stakes and star power remain intact.

The Future: A Five-Year Projection

Looking ahead, the trajectory is sobering. By 2026–2027, expect sponsors to consolidate around playoff games, leaving smaller bowls scrambling for relevance. By 2028, ESPN may reduce coverage of lower-tier bowls, focusing resources on the CFP. By 2029, communities that once thrived on bowl tourism could see their events vanish. And by 2030, with a 16-team playoff fully entrenched, the majority of non-playoff bowls may disappear altogether. The nostalgia of bowl season will fade, replaced by a streamlined postseason centered on playoff rounds.

The sad reality is that the expanded playoff, combined with player opt-outs and coaching turnover, signals the end of bowl games as we know them. What was once a cherished tradition is giving way to a new era, where only the playoff matters and the smaller bowls become relics of college football’s past.





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Rams vs Seahawks on Prime Video

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10 hours ago

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December 18, 2025

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The NFC West is on the line tonight as the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, both sitting at 11–3, collide under the lights on Prime Video in one of the biggest Thursday Night Football matchups of the season. With the division crown hanging in the balance and the San Francisco 49ers lurking just behind at 10–4, this game carries massive playoff implications for both teams. Two red‑hot quarterbacks—Matthew Stafford for the Rams and Sam Darnold for the Seahawks—headline a primetime duel that could ultimately decide home‑field positioning in January.

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Key Players to Watch on Both Sides

Both teams enter Week 16 loaded with star power and momentum. The Rams’ offense has been one of the league’s most explosive, averaging 383.6 yards per game, the second‑best mark in the NFL. Running back Kyren Williams continues to be a force, while wideout Davante Adams—though dealing with a hamstring issue—remains a game‑changing presence. Stafford has been sharp, guiding the Rams to wins in four of their last five meetings with Seattle.

Seattle counters with a balanced attack and one of the league’s top defenses, ranking fourth in total yards allowed. Quarterback Sam Darnold has stabilized the offense, while young star Jaxon Smith‑Njigba continues to emerge as a premier playmaker. The Seahawks have won four straight and are undefeated at home in primetime this season.

How to Watch and Listen: Full Broadcast Information

Kickoff:

  • 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT) from Lumen Field in Seattle

National Broadcast:

  • Prime Video (exclusive national stream)

Local TV:

  • FOX 11 (Los Angeles) for Rams fans
  • FOX 13 Seattle for Seahawks fans

Announcers:

  • Al Michaels (play‑by‑play)
  • Kirk Herbstreit (analyst)
  • Kaylee Hartung (sideline)

Radio Coverage:

  • Rams: ESPN LA 710 AM, 93.1 Jack FM, Tu Liga Radio 1330 AM (Spanish)
  • Seahawks: Local affiliates listed via Seahawks Radio Network

The Final Three Games Will Decide Everything

After tonight’s showdown, both teams face critical closing stretches. The Rams, already playoff‑bound, look to secure seeding with three tough matchups ahead. Seattle, which can clinch a postseason berth with a win tonight, must finish strong to hold off San Francisco and keep their NFC West hopes alive.

With two elite teams, two surging quarterbacks, and the division title at stake, tonight’s Rams‑Seahawks clash on Prime Video has all the ingredients of a December classic.





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