Buck Gurley


Sheddrick Tobias Gurley, nicknamed Buck Gurley, is an American former college and professional football player who was a defensive tackle in the National Football League for a single season in 2002. Gurley played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFL.

Early years

Gurley was born in Quincy, Florida in 1978. He attended Amos P. Godby High School in Tallahassee, Florida, and he played high school football for the Godby Cougars. Gurley was considered one of the nation's top defensive line prospects, and was recognized as a consensus high school All-American, including first-team All-American honors from USA Today, in 1995.

College career

Gurley accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he played for coach Steve Spurrier's Florida Gators football team from 1997 to 2000. As a redshirt senior in 2000, he was a member of the Gators' 2000 SEC Championship team. Gurley graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in health and human performance in 2001.

Professional career

Gurley was not selected during the 2001 NFL Draft. He signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in, and played in eight games during the Buccaneers' Super Bowl XXXVII championship season.

Life after the NFL

Gurley is currently the Assistant football coach for Ocoee High School in Orlando, Florida after taking his talents to “Colonial High School” prior.