The University of Florida, now synonymous with the “Gator Chomp,” a gesture made by raucous crowds at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainsville, didn’t always don orange and blue or feature a giant, toothy reptile as its mascot.
The story of how the Gators became the emblem of The University of Florida athletics is an unlikely story with exciting origins.
Who (or What) is the Florida Gators Mascot?
The most interesting part of the Gators mascot origin story may be that it wasn’t even developed in Florida but in Charlottesville, Virginia, at the University of Virginia.
Austin Miller, a Gainesville native studying law at the University of Virginia, was asked to order pennants for his father’s store in Florida. During his visit to the Michie Company, a manufacturer of pennants, Miller noticed that Florida lacked an official emblem or logo.
Drawing inspiration from other schools’ mascots and the prevalence of alligators in Florida, he suggested the “alligators.” The manager, unfamiliar with the creature, approved the idea after seeing a picture Miller found in the university library.
The pennants were created and shipped to Gainesville, where the “Florida Gator” began gaining significant and immediate popularity.
Why is Florida The Gators?
Although initially not intended as a mascot, the alligator quickly caught on. Pennants featuring the alligator proved popular, and student publications began referring to the “Florida Gators” when talking about the university and its athletic teams.
This informal adoption resonated with fans and athletes, as the alligator’s ferocity and resilience embodied the spirit of Florida’s athletic teams.
The Michie Company supplied various pennants and banners showing alligators in different poses — some lying down, some rampant, and others just the head. Notably, they produced a large blue banner with an orange alligator in the center, marking the first use of the alligator as the university’s emblem.
Albert, the first live alligator mascot, made his debut at University of Florida football games in 1957. He served as the team’s on-field mascot. Over the years, several live alligators assumed the role of Albert.
In 1970, Albert was personified on the field for the first time with a full-body costume. Alberta the alligator joined Albert in 1984, often appearing as his sidekick and friend, though they also make solo appearances.
Today, Albert and Alberta are seen worldwide on clothing, cars, and television, representing one of the most popular universities in the world.
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