Football Icon Extends His Legacy

"Here come the Gators," an announcer introduced the 1949 Gator football team as they rushed onto the field for their season opener against the Citadel, only to be met with a clamoring of boos. Just eight rows from the top of the stadium stood sports fan George Edmondson Jr. Always one to stay positive, Edmondson decided to cheer and encouraged others to stand up and holler with him.

Affectionately named by students, the tradition of "Mr. Two Bits" was born. For almost 60 years, Edmondson led the iconic cheer that continues to energize the Gator crowd and set a positive tone for the game, team and fans before the start of every home game: "Two bits, four bits, six bits a dollar, all for the Gators, stand up and holler!"

In 2005, UF named Edmondson an honorary alumnus for his endless enthusiasm and love for the Gators. He has since claimed UF as his alma mater.

And now, Mr. Two Bits' legacy extends beyond decades of cheering with an endowed gift to Gator Boosters through a charitable remainder trust.

For Edmondson and his wife, Jane, giving back to a place that felt like home for many years makes sense. Their tradition of uplifting Gators will continue for generations to come as their contributions provide support for cheerleading scholarships, as well as Farrior Hall and the Otis Hawkins Center, which houses academic advising and support programs for student athletes.

Since retiring from his cheerleading duties in 2008, there have been a number of honorary Mr. Two Bits stand-ins to fill the void, including UF greats Steve Spurrier and Danny Wuerffel. Edmondson said he thinks it's great that he is being honored in such a way and that he has enjoyed himself over the years.

"To get fifty-thousand people quiet with just the stroke of my arm … it was exhilarating," Edmondson says. "And now I've got several other people that start the game."

Jane Edmondson hopes the charitable remainder trust will make a lasting effect, just as they intended with their first gift of an endowed cheerleading scholarship.

As steeped in tradition as the Two Bits cheer is to The Gator Nation, Edmondson's charitable remainder trust will leave a legacy of positivity and passion around what it means to be a Gator. Edmondson hopes it will encourage those who cheer for the Gators to champion educational efforts for UF students, as well.

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