To the Florida Gators football team, the University of Florida, our amazing supporters, and the whole Gator Nation,
I feel a profound and overwhelming sense of thankfulness as I sit with the memories of my journey. This letter comes from a position of gratitude, humility, and deep respect for each of you who have influenced my development as a man and an athlete. There are times in life when the heart speaks louder than any scoreboard or stat line.
I sensed the spirit of the Swamp rising to greet me the moment I set foot on the Gainesville campus. Being a Gator gave me a sense of purpose because of its energy, passion, and history. I was entering a community, a tradition, and a brotherhood that supported me before anyone even knew who I was. I wasn’t just joining a football program. Every step I took ahead was based on that belief.
My coaches, thank you for pushing, correcting, challenging, and investing in me. You sensed promise and put forth endless effort to realize it. You fostered an atmosphere where leadership was fostered with both support and discipline, where mistakes were used as teaching opportunities, and where competition developed character. Your dedication has influenced not just my performance but also my identity as a leader and quarterback.
To my teammates—my brothers—you have been my family, my inspiration, and my benchmark. We’ve fought through hardship, trained in the heat, and experienced experiences that only warriors can really comprehend. You supported me through every chapter, believed in me, and gave me encouragement. Sweat, sacrifice, and common aspirations have created a camaraderie that transcends football.
I will never be able to adequately thank the fans, who are the lifeblood of Gator Nation, for giving me strength. Your applause reverberates like a natural force across the swamp. I was able to overcome every obstacle because of your faith, dedication, and constant support. I felt important, like I belonged, and that I was a part of something greater than myself because of you.
I want to express my gratitude to the entire Florida Gators community for fostering an atmosphere that allowed me to develop not just as a quarterback but also as a resilient, honest, and purposeful individual. I have a family, a platform, and a house because to you.
This letter is an homage rather than a conclusion. A celebration of all that we have accomplished and all that is ahead.
With love, gratitude, and respect,
DJ Lagway