National Football Foundation

Mike McNeely, a walk on special teams player and reserve receiver at the University of Florida, achieved national attention after scoring a momentum-changing touchdown during a fake field goal attempt in the Gators’ 38-20 upset victory against No. 11 ranked Georgia on Nov. 1, 2014. The play has brought the spotlight to an unassuming student-athlete who had selflessly contributed to the Gators’ program for the past three years as a walk-on before finally earning a scholarship this past August.

McNeely, who has helped put himself through college by bagging groceries and working the cash register at the local Publix, has also excelled in the classroom. He amassed a near perfect 3.92 GPA in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, and he landed the President’s Academic Award in 2013, annually given by the team to the top student-athlete. He recently learned that he has been accepted to the UF College of Medicine.

“Millions of kids play high school football,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “Mike McNeely represents the power of football in creating pathways for them to follow their dreams of making it to the next level while getting a first-class education. Mike is somebody who has taken full advantage of every opportunity that has been given to him, and we hope that his accomplishments will inspire the next generation.”

“Mike’s story is really important because it shows that one can walk on and play in the SEC, make an impact, excel in the classroom with a 3.92 GPA and gain acceptance into medical school…all while working 8 hours every Sunday at a local grocery store to help pay for college,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “It shows that student-athletes really can balance it all. Mike is an exceptional individual, and we are really proud to recognize his accomplishments as a person who embodies our mission and has created a legacy for the next generation.”

A native of Clearwater, Fla., McNeely played in all 12 games in 2013, seeing time on special teams and as a reserve receiver. In 2012, he played in the final four games of the season after recovering from an injury during the summer, and in 2011, he appeared in seven games. Before playing for the Gators, he set multiple records at Palm Harbor University High School as an All-Star receiver.

“Mike McNeely is the reason we do what we do in college athletics,” said Jeremy Foley, Florida Director of Athletics. “We provide opportunities for life-long experiences both on and off the field, and Mike has taken advantage of every one of those opportunities. We are honored that he is a Gator and forever proud of Mike and the many more student athletes like him around the country.”

“People ask me all the time what it is like to be a coach,” said Florida head football coach Will Muschamp. “I tell them we are really teachers. Our classroom is not just on Saturday’s on the football field – it’s about life. As much as I’ve mentored and provided guidance to countless student-athletes – Mike teaches us every day. His unwavering dedication and commitment to his education, our football team and his family should be a model for all of us.”