Mincey Recognized with NFL Award

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end and former Gator Jeremy Mincey will be honored Sunday with the NFL’s Continuing Education Recognition Award, the N4A Award, by the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics. The second-year veteran received his bachelors degree in recreation and tourism from the University of Florida.

The N4A Award is given annually to the player who completed his degree while maintaining his professional football career, overcoming obstacles and challenges. He will be presented his award on June 4 at the National Convention in Kansas City, Mo. with 400 academic advisors in attendance.

“Jeremy was just awarded by the NFL for the N4A Award, which is the NFL's effort to foster continuing education. And he was given the award this year out of all the players in the league that have gone back and graduated last year,” said head coach Jack Del Rio. “He was coming here, doing his workouts, driving back to Gainesville, finished up, got his degree, so we're proud of him for doing that. I encourage the players to finish their education, I think it's very important, and so we're happy for Jeremy.”

“It was a lot of hard work,” said Mincey. “I went back to school for the 2007 spring semester and I had two internships I had to do and I had to work out at the same time. Every day, I would get up and drive back and forth to class in Gainesville, and come back for workouts, then head out to my internship in the afternoon at the Dupont YMCA. I appreciate the whole process and the recognition.”

Mincey was a two-year starter at UF at defensive end in 2004 and 2005, earning second-team All-SEC honors as a senior. He was also selected as team captain on Urban Meyer's first Gator squad and served on UF's Leadership Committee. He finished his senior season with 62 tackles, tops among SEC defensive lineman. He was voted UF's Outstanding Defensive Lineman in 2004.

Courtesy UF Sports Information