Drayton Florence facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Drayton Florence

Florence playing for the Panthers in 2013
No. 29, 21, 31
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1980-12-19) December 19, 1980 (age 44) Ocala, Florida, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	193 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:	Vanguard (Ocala)
College:	Chattanooga (1999–2000) Tuskegee (2001–2002)
NFL Draft:	2003 / Round: 2 / Pick: 46
Career history
San Diego Chargers (2003–2007) Jacksonville Jaguars (2008) Buffalo Bills (2009–2011) Denver Broncos (2012)* Detroit Lions (2012) Carolina Panthers (2013) Detroit Lions (2014)*
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 486 Forced fumbles: 3 Fumble recoveries: 4 Pass deflections: 103 Interceptions: 20 Defensive touchdowns: 4
Player stats at PFR

Drayton Florence Jr. is a former American football player. He was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. Born on December 19, 1980, Florence played college football for the Chattanooga Mocs and Tuskegee Golden Tigers. The San Diego Chargers picked him in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft.

College Football Journey

Drayton Florence started his college football career at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga from 1999 to 2000. He then transferred to Tuskegee University for the 2001 and 2002 seasons. At Tuskegee, he set a school record by returning three interceptions for touchdowns.

As a senior, he was recognized as a first-team Division II All-America player. This honor came from both the Associated Press and the American Coaches Association. Florence holds the record as the highest-drafted player from Tuskegee University to join the NFL. Later, he earned a bachelor's degree in sport management from the University of North Florida.

NFL Career Highlights

Playing for the San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers chose Drayton Florence in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He was the 46th player picked overall. This made him the ninth cornerback drafted that year. He also became the highest-drafted player ever from Tuskegee University.

Rookie Season (2003)

Florence signed a five-year contract with the Chargers in July 2003. He started his first season as a backup cornerback. He made his professional debut in September 2003. He played in all 16 games during his rookie year. He finished with 20 tackles and two pass deflections.

Stepping Up (2004)

In 2004, Florence began as a backup but quickly showed his skills. He made his first career interception in October against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The next week, he got another interception. He earned his first start later that month.

In December, he had a standout game against the Denver Broncos. He made an interception that helped the Chargers win. His performance earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award. He ended the season with 36 tackles, eight pass deflections, and four interceptions. The Chargers made the playoffs that year. Florence started in his first playoff game, where the Chargers lost to the New York Jets.

Continued Success (2005-2007)

Florence continued as a starting cornerback for the Chargers. In 2005, he had 54 tackles and one interception. In 2006, he started all 16 games for the first time in his career. He recorded a career-high 66 tackles, 16 pass deflections, and three interceptions. The Chargers had a great 14-2 record that year.

In 2007, Florence remained a starting cornerback. He had 62 tackles and two interceptions. He helped the Chargers reach the AFC Championship Game. They lost to the New England Patriots in a close game.

Time with the Jacksonville Jaguars

In March 2008, Florence signed a six-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He started the season as a key cornerback. However, he faced injuries and was later moved to a backup role. He finished the 2008 season with 38 tackles and two fumble recoveries. The Jaguars released him in February 2009 after just one season.

Playing for the Buffalo Bills

Joining the Bills (2009)

In March 2009, Florence signed a two-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. He missed the start of the season due to a knee injury. When he returned, he became a starting cornerback after a teammate was injured. He played in 14 games, making 60 tackles and one interception.

Strong Seasons (2010-2011)

Florence continued to be a starting cornerback for the Bills in 2010. He had one of his best seasons, making 58 tackles, 15 pass deflections, and four interceptions. He also scored two touchdowns. One touchdown came from returning a fumble, and another was a "pick-six" (an interception returned for a touchdown).

In July 2011, the Bills signed Florence to a new three-year contract. He was the team's top starting cornerback. He played in all 16 games again, recording 50 tackles and three interceptions. He scored another pick-six against the New England Patriots. The Bills released him in May 2012.

Short Stints with Other Teams

Denver Broncos (2012)

Florence signed with the Denver Broncos in May 2012. However, he was released before the regular season began.

First Time with Detroit Lions (2012)

In September 2012, the Detroit Lions signed Florence to add depth to their team. He started a couple of games but suffered a broken forearm. He returned later in the season. He finished with 19 tackles and one interception in eight games.

Carolina Panthers Season (2013)

In March 2013, Florence joined the Carolina Panthers. He was brought in to be an experienced player among younger teammates. He was released before the season but re-signed in September due to injuries to other players. He became a starting cornerback for a few games.

In November, he scored a pick-six against the Atlanta Falcons. He also made a game-sealing interception against the San Francisco 49ers. He ended the 2013 season with 26 tackles and two interceptions in 14 games.

Second Time with Detroit Lions (2014)

In August 2014, Florence signed with the Detroit Lions again. He was expected to provide experienced backup. However, he was released after only 12 days and one preseason game.

Retirement (2015)

On May 1, 2015, Drayton Florence officially retired from the NFL. He also graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in Sports Management.

NFL Career Statistics

Family and Connections

Drayton Florence is the cousin of Carlos Wright, who was a wide receiver for the Chicago Rush.