Honoring Gator War Heroes

This weekend, we pause to recognize those who have served our great country through various Veteran's Day remembrances and celebrations. Whether you plan to participate in a parade or quietly reflect on the service of the brave men and women who so valiantly have fought for our freedom, please take some time to privately or publicly thank a solder (or two, or three or 100)!

In honor of Veteran's Day, I have put together a special Tribute to Veterans program, which will air tonight on the Old School Gator Radio Series with Roger Franklin Williams from 8 - 9 p.m. EST on 540 WFLA-AM, the Gator Nation Station.

The program's featured guest will be esteemed Orlando attorney Tom Tart, a Gator football letterman from the Silver Sixties era and an expert on World War II era history. The program will also highlight the service and wartime stories of UF football players who served heroically during World War II, including E Fergie Ferguson, an outstanding two-way end from Stuart, who suffered fatal wounds in combat during the D-Day invasion. The program will also feature All-SEC RB Walter "Tiger" Mayberry of Daytona Beach, who served as a decorated combat aviator and was shot down and killed in a Japanese POW camp, as well as General James Van Fleet, a highly successfull coach of the 1920s era who was a highly decorated General during World War II and the Korean Conflict as well as other Gator War Heroes.

Old School Gator Program: A Tribute to Veteran's Day

The Old School Gator Series with Roger Franklin Williams will present a special Tribute to Veteran's Day program on Thursday, November 10 on 540 WFLA:The Gator Nation Station. The program will air from 8pm-9pm immediately following Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp.  Featured guest will be Orlando attorney Tom Tart, Gator Football letterman from the Silver Sixties era and an expert on WW II era history. The program will highlight the service and wartime stories of Gator Football players who served  heroically in WW II, including E Fergie Ferguson, an outstanding 2-way End  from Stuart who suffered fatal wounds in combat during the D-Day invasion, All-SEC RB Walter "Tiger" Mayberry of Daytona Beach, who served as a decorated combat aviator and was shot down and killed in a Japanese POW camp, General James Van Fleet, highly successful coach of the 1920's era who was a highly decorated General during WW II and the Korean Conflict as well as other Gator War Heroes.

RICHARD TRAPP'S FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT OF THE HISTORIC CATCH/RUN VS GEORGIA IN 1967

Gator Great Richard Trapp WR #44 gives his first hand account of the legendary catch and run against Georgia in '67 which was the catalyst for the stunning come-from-behind 17-16 win on a last second Wayne Barfield  field goal.  The appearance was taped at Del Frisco's Orlando as part of the Old School Legend's Series presented by Del Frisco's Orlando.

Trapp's historical account was also featured on the "Old School Gator Series with Roger Franklin Williams" retrospective of the Florida-Georgia series which aired on Thursday November 27 on 540 WFLA.

Listen to Track from Tim Tebow Foundation Interview

Hear Roger's interview last week with Erik Dellenback, Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation.

http://snd.sc/ta0POC

"OLD SCHOOL GATOR" FLORIDA-GEORGIA RETROSPECTIVE AIRS TONIGHT!

Outstanding Line-up of Gator Greats Headline 540 WFLA Exclusive!

The "Old School Gator" Florida-Georgia Retrospective will debut tonight on Central Florida's Gator Nation Station, 540 WFLA and 540wfla.com from 8pm-9pm, immediately following "Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp". The program will feature:

Allen Trammell, DB/RB/PR from '63-'65, and his account of the '65 defensive struggle where JR QB Steve Spurrier led a stirring 82 yard 2-play drive in the waning minutes to give the Gators a 14-10 victory.

Chris Doering, WR from '92-'95, the all-time SEC career touchdown receptions leader, who will re-count the '94 and '95 games when the Gators scored 50+ points on the 'Dogs in Gainesville and Athens and also provide insight on how Coach Steve Spurrier reversed the tide of the Florida-Georgia Series.

Richard Trapp, WR/PR from '65-'67 and star of of the '67 game, on his legendary performance in the come from behind 17-16 last minute win over Georgia.

Jim Yarbrough, TE from '66-'68 and All-20th Century TE, on the dissapointment of the '66 game when Georgia knocked the then-undefeated Gators out of their first SEC Championship with a crushing 27-10 defeat AND the ironic future implications of that  loss.

Erik Dellenback, Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation is also scheduled to join the broadcast to update Gators around Florida on great things taking place at the Tim Tebow Foundation.

ERIK DELLENBACK, TIM TEBOW FOUNDATION EXEC, WILL JOIN OLD SCHOOL GATOR BROADCAST

Erik Dellenback, Tim Tebow Foundation Executive Director, is scheduled to join tonight's "Old School Gator" broadcast to update Gators on the mission and progress of the Tim Tebow Foundation. Earlier this week the Tim Tebow Foundation announced a new partnership with CURE International.

Tonight's program will also include a retrospective on great games, great players and great moments in the Florida-Georgia Series.

The program will air live on 540 WFLA, Central Florida's Gator Nation Station, and on-line at http://www.540wfla.com/ from 8pm-9pm immediately following "Gator Hotline with Coach Will Muschamp".

And all the so-called "analysts" continue to bottom-feed...

When Tim Tebow was training before the draft, everyone in the media said that he probably wouldn’t go until the fifth or sixth round of the NFL draft. On the latest segment of the Talkin’ Old School radio show, Roger Franklin Williams and Producer Brian Wininger argue that many sports analysts are still rooting for his failure after he stunned the world as a first round draft pick.  

How many sports “analysts” will have egg on their faces when Tebow proves them wrong as a successful NFL QB?

Tim Tebow gives Denver the Best Chance to Win

Just last night, Orlando Sentinel columnist George Diaz posted an article about how Denver needs to start Tim Tebow. I couldn’t agree more.

Check out a segment from a recent radio show where I argue that Kyle Orton should be removed as Denver’s starting QB and Tim Tebow should replace him. C’mon, under his “leadership,” Orton has a 2 – 13 record with Denver.

Tim Tebow brings energy and a different style of play; he can run and extend the pocket, and he can make plays with his feet. He has proven that he can move the chains, make big plays and score in the red zone. Tebow is Denver’s best shot for a different outcome this season.

Just one more day till the UF-'Bama Game!

With only one day until the Gators take on the Crimson Tide in the Swamp, Gator and Tide fans are eagerly anticipating the renewal of one of the SEC's more "respectful" rivalries.

Lastly, don't forget to tune in tomorrow for a blockbuster retrospective on the Florida-Alabama series from 11 a.m. – 12 noon on Talkin' Old School with Roger Franklin Williams.

The program will feature prominent University of Florida and University of Alabama players, who will provide their firsthand accounts of some of the most famous UF-Bama games in SEC history. Expect to hear from former UF players RB/DB Allen Trammell and WR Chris Doering as well as former 'Bama players QB Steve Sloan, DE Robin Parkhouse and OG/OT Larry Ruffin. The program will also include a rare taped interview with Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant in which he shares his philosophy of what it takes to be a winner.

Steve Sloan

Chris Doering

Robin Parkhouse

All We are Saying… is Give Tebow a Chance

RFW contends that Tim Tebow is less of a risk than any other player for the following three reasons.

1)      While RFW doesn’t advocate for it, IF things weren’t to work out for Tim Tebow as an NFL QB, he can play another position.

2)      He’ll generate enthusiasm for a franchise.

3)      And he’ll generate revenue for a franchise.

So many NFL players are given the benefit of the doubt… even being given one, two, three, six… “second chances” (ahem… Michael Vick anyone?). RFW asks, why not give Tebow the benefit of the doubt and take a chance on him?  

A Double Standard? RFW Continues to Defend Tebow.

Continuing from yesterday's blog post, I continue to advocate for Tim Tebow.

Why is Tebow not getting a chance? Why is there a double standard when it comes to Tebow versus every other NFL player?

Check out the second video in a three video series from my Tebow Truth YouTube channel.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topic. Leave a comment below.

RFW to the Jax Jags: Why Not Draft Tebow?

During a recent show taping, I put together a few segments directed to the Jacksonville Jaguars management. "Why didn't you want to draft Tim Tebow?" You say it's because he was too much of a risk, but when you're honest about it, who isn't a risk when it comes to professional athletes? Over the next few days, I'll be posting videos from my Tebow Truth channel on YouTube. I welcome your comments.

Also, don't forget to check out my Facebook page and "Like" me there. As I mentioned in a previous post, I update that social media platform regularly with news, commentary and on occasion, special giveaways!

RFW as THE Tebow Defender

Once again, I’d like to go on record as the “Tebow Defender.” Tim Tebow, who has been in the spotlight again recently as the NFL season gets underway, continues to show his class, patience and respect as noted in this recent GatorSports.com article.

Below is a link to a few videos I recently shot, taking my role seriously at the defender of all things Tebow.

On a related note, check out my new Facebook page. I’ll of course post more information about my passion for college sports, “old school” athletics and Tim Tebow. I may even throw in a giveaway every so often, so be sure to like my page so you’re in the know!

GATOR GREAT, HALL OF FAMER CARLOS ALVAREZ AT THE "OLD SCHOOL LEGENDS SERIES" BROADCAST AT DEL FRISCO'S ORLANDO

GATOR GRIDIRON OPTIMISTIC ABOUT 2011 GATORS

Roger Franklin Williams
Gator Gridiron

As Gators across the nation eagerly await Saturday's kick-off of the 2011 season at the Swamp against Florida Atlantic, many Gators are wisely keeping expectations for Will Muschamp's first Gator team in check. While Gator Gridiron has a personal ethic of maintaining conservative expectations, we must admit that Gator Gridiron finds much to be optimistic about in terms of the rapidly approaching 2011 season.

We'll state some of those reasons for optimism below:

1. A FRESH START AND POSITIVE, UPBEAT ATMOSPHERE. New Head Coach Muschamp has brought a much needed burst of positive energy to the Florida Football. Obviously, the hard-edged, white knuckle, stomach churning intensity of former Head Gator Urban Meyer brought extraordinary success to Florida Gator Football. Gator Gridiron, as well as all Gators, should forever have a huge spirit of gratitide and respect for what CM achieved; however, that infamous Coach Meyer 24/7/365 grinding intensity eventually took it's toll. In a nutshell, Coach Meyer not only famously burned himself out, he burned out the remnants of the post-Tebow era Gators as well. A new HC with brand  new assistant coaches with  new schemes brings not only a fresh attitude for the players, but also the opportunity for a fresh start for many talented Gators, who for whatever reason, did not fit into the Coach Meyer plan for playing time.

2, ADDAZIO IS GONE. Perhaps the best thing to happen to Florida Gator Football, other than signing Tim Tebow, in, at least, the last 20 years or so, is the departure of the most incompetent "coach" to ever set foot in Gainesville, Steve "Meathead" Addazio. Addazio, as skilled a careerist, resume' builder and apple polisher as has ever lived, parlayed an asset as Urban Meyer's best friend into the role of Assistant Head Coach (even, perish the thought, Interim Head Coach at one point!!!???) AND, most destructively, Offensive Coordinator, a position he used to severely damage the NFL prospects of one Gator QB (Tim Tebow) and virtually destroy the career of another highly touted young QB (John Brantley), not to mention take the famed Florida Gator offense to the bottom tier of the SEC and NCAA. Thankfully, "Meathead" is gone now, to Temple to destroy the winning program that Coach Al Golden has built over the past few years. Without the albatross of Steve Addazio around their neck, the 2011 Gators truly have an opportunity for success, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

3, CHARLIE WEIS. The Coach WM regime not only swept out the worst OC in college football (and possibly college football history), he replaces  him with one of the best offensive minds in the GAME of football----Charlie Weis. Weis has had nothing but success in a long career that has scanned the highest levels of the NFL (multiple Super Bowl rings with multiple teams), college and even high school (Weis bagged a state championship as a high school coach in New Jersey as he was just starting his career). Weis not only brings a lonnnnnggg track record of success to Gainesville, he also brings a balanced, "pro-style" offense that features an aggressive "down-the-field" passing game that compliments the talent in the program and that he has orchestrated to virtual perfection wherever he has been.

TIM TEBOW IN ORLANDO TODAY

GATOR GRIDIRON
ROGER FRANKLIN WILLIAMS

Scores of Tim Tebow fans have reportedly been camping out overnight at the Orlando West Colonial Drive Barnes & Noble in anticipation of Tim's appearance from 2-4pm today to promote his new book, Through My Eyes. Just days after release, Through My Eyes has cracked Amazon Books top-25.

Through My Eyes chronicles how Tebow's Christian Faith has influenced and guided his life, from his early years as a child growing up as he youngest son of Christian missionaries in the Phillipines through his recored setting, historic career at Florida as one of college football's greatest players ever, to his transition to the National Football League.

TIM TEBOW: THE GREATEST COLLEGE PLAYER EVER, PART 1

GATOR GRIDIRON
OLD SCHOOL GATOR
ROGER FRANKLIN WILLIAMS

With the start of a new college football season around the corner, good natured (and not so good natured) passionate debates over who is the greatest college team ever?......the greatest coach ever?........greatest running back ever?.....greatest PLAYER ever?  are on track to resume in earnest.

Gator Gridiron/Old School Gator casts a resounding vote for Tim Tebow as Greatest College Player Ever!

In fact, I really don't see how the issue is even up for debate...when ALL relevent factors are seriously studied and considered. For the last couple of years, when the subject of Tebow has come up, Gator Gridiron/Old School Gator has proclaimed Tebow as, "the greatest player I have ever seen, and I've been following College Football very closely for 45 years". But upon informed reflection, why the qualifer?.....

When what Tim Tebow accomplished over 4 years is compared with other all-time great players in clear-eyed, objective observation , in a variety of contexts, it becomes clear that what Tebow achieved STANDS ALONE....

in terms of consistent, on-the-field field performance....

in terms of statistics and records.....he holds records as diverse as the all-time BCS Bowl Game record for PASSING yardage and Total Offense (over 450 yards) to holding the all-time SEC record for RUSHING TDs  being the 3rd all-time most efficient passer in NCAA history AND the MOST efficient passer in SEC history...to name JUST A FEW all-time records...

in terms of versatility.....in practical terms, HE LITERALLY  PLAYED 2 POSITIONS IN THE FLORIDA OFFENSE HIS LAST 3 YEARS, record setting passing QB AND RUNNING BACK (as primary, between-the- tackles ball carrier, leading ball carrier and leading rusher for 3 years)....

in terms of "intangibles" such as leadership, work ethic, passion, intensity......

in terms of "TANGIBLES" such as passing yardage (almost 10,000 yards passing alone), passing efficiency (3rd highest passing efficiency ALL-TIME in college football and highest in SEC history), touchdowns-- both running and passing (the all-time SEC leader in rushing touchdowns) and rushing (Florida's leading ball carrier, rusher and scorer for 3 years in a row, in addition to putting up almost 10,000 passing yards)

FINALLY, IN TERMS OF WINNING!!!!

........during Tebow's 4 years in Gainesville he quarterbacked Florida to one National Championship, was a major contributor as a pure Freshman to another National Championship (if Tebow doesn't gain 2 yards on 4th and 2 late in the game at Tennessee, Florida doesn't win that game....and if they don't win that game, the Gators don't even win the SEC East that year, much less a National Championship) AND during his last two years, led Florida to back to back 13 win seasons, the only time in NCAA History (established 1906) a team has won 13 games back to back.....(and I guess we don't have to mention what happened after Tebow was no longer playing for the Gators....)

 the bottom line is the accomplishments of Tim Tebow are unrivaled and unmatched....IN THE HISTORY OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL

(In the days to come Gator Gridiron will compare the accomplishments of Tim Tebow to other all-time great players who are frequently mentioned as "The Greatest" in College Football History AND point out the evidence of why Tebow the greatest of all, stay tuned)