American football player (born 1980)
Drayton Florence Jr. (born December 19, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Chattanooga Mocs and Tuskegee Golden Tigers. Florence was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft.
College career.
Florence attended Tuskegee University. He was inducted into Tuskegee University Hall Of Fame in 2014 (2001–2002) after transferring from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (1999–2000). He registered school-record three returns for touchdowns on interceptions at Tuskegee. As a senior, he was named first-team Division II All-America by the "Associated Press" and "American Coaches Association". Florence is the highest drafted player to enter the NFL from Tuskegee University. Florence finished his degree at the University of North Florida with a bachelor's degree in sport management.
Professional career.
San Diego Chargers.
Florence was selected by the Chargers 46th overall in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft and was the second cornerback selected by Chargers that draft after Sammy Davis. He is the highest drafted NFL player from Tuskegee University.
Initially drafted as a nickel back who could fill in at safety if needed, Florence had fought his way to become a legitimate starting cornerback in the NFL across Quentin Jammer.
2007 playoffs.
On Sunday, January 14, 2007, in the game against the New England Patriots after a muffed punt by wide receiver Eric Parker at the San Diego 31-yard line, Florence committed a personal foul, head-butting Patriot TE Daniel Graham following a 3rd and long play. During the play, the Charger defense had stopped the Patriots for a 7-yard loss putting the ball at the Charger 37-yard line (apx. 53-yard field goal range). The result of the penalty was a Patriots first down on the Charger 18. The extension of the drive led to a Stephen Gostkowski 34 yard field goal. The Patriots went on to win the game 24–21.
The NFL fined Florence $15,000 for the illegal hit he put on Houston Texans Quarterback Matt Schaub on Sunday October 28. On an interception return, he drilled Schaub from the blind side, and was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness. The league ruled that on a change of possession, Florence unnecessarily made helmet-to-helmet contact with Schaub, who suffered a concussion and missed the rest of the game.
Jacksonville Jaguars.
On March 1, 2008, Florence was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars to a six-year $36 million contract with $13 million in guaranteed money. After one season with the team he was released on February 11, 2009.
Buffalo Bills.
On March 3, 2009, Florence was signed by the Buffalo Bills. Florence made the starting rotation under Head Coach Dick Jauron. Florence responded by leading the Bills in takeaways, including a fumble returned for a touchdown against the Bengals and an interception returned for a touchdown against Minnesota, two weeks apart. He also scored the go-ahead touchdown in the Bills' victory against the New England Patriots in 2011.
On July 27, 2011, Florence re-signed with the Bills for 3 years at a total contract value of $15 million. On May 4, 2012, Florence was released.
Denver Broncos.
Florence signed with the Denver Broncos on May 10, 2012, and released on Aug, 31, 2012.
Detroit Lions (first stint).
Florence signed with the Detroit Lions on September 2, 2012.
Carolina Panthers.
Florence signed with the Carolina Panthers on March 13, 2013, expecting to bring his veteran experience to help the young Panthers secondary.
On August 31, 2013, he was cut by the Panthers. He was later re-signed to their roster on September 19, 2013.
Detroit Lions (second stint).
On August 7, 2014, he signed with the Detroit Lions. He was later released on August 19, 2014.
On May 1, 2015, he retired from the NFL and graduated from the University of North Florida with a bachelor's degree in Sports Management.
Personal life.
He is the cousin of Chicago Rush wide receiver Carlos Wright.
References.
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