Former Florida Gators quarterback and 2001 Heisman Trophy runner-up Rex Grossman will be the honorary “Mr. Two Bits”

SEC Legend Rex Grossman Named Honorary Mr. Two Bits for LSU Game
The 2001 Heisman Runner-Up and soon-to-be SEC Legend will head to midfield for the pregame festivities on Saturday
By Harrison Smajovits | 22 Minutes Ago

GAINESVILLE, FL — Former Florida Gators quarterback and 2001 Heisman Trophy runner-up Rex Grossman will take center stage as the honorary “Mr. Two Bits” during the Gators’ highly anticipated game against LSU this Saturday. This recognition follows closely on the heels of Grossman being named an SEC Legend, further cementing his status as one of the conference’s all-time greats.

The tradition of selecting an honorary “Mr. Two Bits” dates back to 1949 and has become one of the most beloved pregame rituals at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Grossman, who helped lead the Gators to numerous victories and a national profile, is excited to participate in the tradition.

“Pretty cool combo, right?” Grossman said with a smile when asked about being named Mr. Two Bits and the SEC Legend distinction in the same year. “I’m really looking forward to the game and being there with family and friends. It’s a big deal.”

Grossman, who was known for his precise passing and clutch performances during his time as a Gator, has no intention of taking his honorary role lightly. “I’ve been doing some ‘Two Bits’ studying on YouTube, so I’ll be prepared,” he added with a laugh. “I want to do it right.”

Grossman’s college career is one of the most storied in Florida football history. As a starter from 2000 to 2002, he went 23-8, highlighted by an SEC Championship victory and appearances in two major bowl games. His remarkable 2001 season included finishing as the Heisman Trophy runner-up to Nebraska’s Eric Crouch in one of the closest voting results in the award’s history. Grossman also earned the AP College Football Player of the Year honors that same year and was named the MVP of the 2000 SEC Championship Game, where he led the Gators to a dominant 28-6 win over Auburn, throwing four touchdowns in the process.

Many fans still argue Grossman deserved the Heisman over Crouch, given his gaudy numbers and dominant performances throughout the season. His impressive college career led to a first-round selection by the Chicago Bears in the 2003 NFL Draft, where he was chosen 22nd overall. Grossman would go on to lead the Bears to Super Bowl XLI during the 2006 season, where Chicago ultimately lost 29-17 to the Indianapolis Colts.

Grossman is one of several Gators legends to be honored with the Mr. Two Bits distinction. The role honors George E. Edmondson Jr., who began leading the “Two Bits” cheer in the stands in 1949 before transitioning to doing so on the field in the 1970s. Edmondson retired in 2008, passing away in 2019 at the age of 96. Since 2013, the Gators have selected honorary “Mr. Two Bits” honorees, with previous recipients including Emmitt Smith, Danny Wuerffel, Steve Spurrier, Titus O’Neil, and more.

For Grossman, this honor comes full circle as he returns to a stadium where he created countless memories during his playing days. “It’s going to be a special day,” he said. “I’m excited to help fire up the crowd before such a big rivalry game.”

As Grossman takes his place at midfield before kickoff, fans can expect a wave of nostalgia, as one of Florida’s all-time greats helps usher in the Gators’ next chapter of tradition.

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