Drayton Florence is a former American football cornerback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He was born on December 19, 1980, in Ocala, Florida, and attended Vanguard High School in Ocala before going on to play college football at Tuskegee University.
Florence was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played for the Chargers for five seasons, from 2003 to 2007, and established himself as a reliable cornerback. In 2005, he recorded a career-high five interceptions and was named the Chargers' Defensive Player of the Year.
After leaving the Chargers, Florence played for several other NFL teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and Carolina Panthers. He continued to be a productive player throughout his career, recording a total of 20 interceptions, 6 forced fumbles, and 5 sacks.
One of Florence's most memorable moments came during the 2008 season when he intercepted a pass from Brett Favre and returned it for a touchdown in a game against the New York Jets. The play helped the Bills secure a 31-14 victory and earned Florence AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
In addition to his success on the field, Florence was also known for his leadership and community involvement. He was a team captain for several of the teams he played for and was recognized for his charitable work, including his support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Florence retired from the NFL in 2014 and has since pursued a career in coaching. He has worked as a defensive backs coach for several college football teams, including the University of Tennessee and the University of Toledo.
Overall, Drayton Florence had a successful career in the NFL, earning a reputation as a reliable and productive cornerback. He was a valuable asset to the teams he played for and made a positive impact both on and off the field.
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