.jpg) Florence playing for the Panthers in 2013 | |||||||||||||||
| No. 29, 21, 31 | |||||||||||||||
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| Position | Cornerback | ||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||
| Born | (1980-12-19)December 19, 1980 (age 44) Ocala, Florida, U.S. | ||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||||||||||||||
| Weight | 193 lb (88 kg) | ||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||
| High school | Vanguard (Ocala) | ||||||||||||||
| College |
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| NFL draft | 2003: 2nd round, 46th overall pick | ||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||
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* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||||
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Drayton Florence Jr. (born December 19, 1980) is an American former professionalfootball player who was acornerback for 11 seasons in theNational Football League (NFL). He playedcollege football for theChattanooga Mocs andTuskegee Golden Tigers. Florence was selected by theSan Diego Chargers in the second round of the2003 NFL draft. He is the son of Drayton Florence Sr, who murdered Roberta Johnson in 1999.
Florence attendedTuskegee University. He was inducted into Tuskegee University Hall Of Fame in 2014 (2001–2002) after transferring from theUniversity of Tennessee at Chattanooga (1999–2000). He registered school-record three returns for touchdowns on interceptions at Tuskegee. As a senior, he was named first-team Division II All-America by theAssociated Press andAmerican Coaches Association. Florence is the highest drafted player to enter the NFL from Tuskegee University. Florence finished his degree at theUniversity of North Florida with a bachelor's degree in sport management.
| Height | Weight | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft0+1⁄4 in (1.84 m) | 198 lb (90 kg) | 4.39 s | 1.53 s | 2.58 s | 35 in (0.89 m) | 10 ft 4 in (3.15 m) | 18 reps | |||||
| All values fromNFL Combine.[1] | ||||||||||||
TheSan Diego Chargers selected Florence in the second round (46th overall) of the2003 NFL draft. He was the ninth cornerback drafted and was the second cornerback the Chargers drafted in 2003, following their first-round pick (30th overall)Sammy Davis.[2] He became the highest selection in the NFL draft fromTuskegee University, surpassing his former teammate and fellow cornerback2002 second-round pick (72nd overall)Roosevelt Williams.[3] On July 23, 2003, the Chargers signed Florence to a five—year, $4.12 million rookie contract that included asigning bonus of $1.70 million.[4]
The Chargers drafted for defensive backs in 2003 after having one of the lowest ranked pass defenses in 2002. They chose to rebuild the defense around speed, leading to the departures of starting cornerbacksRyan McNeil andAlex Molden. He started training camp alongside cornerbacksQuentin Jammer,Tay Cody, and Sammy Davis.[5] Head coachMarty Schottenheimer named Florence a backup and listed him as the fourth cornerback on the depth chart to begin the season, behind Quentin Jammer, Sammy Davis, and Tay Cody.
He was inactive during the Chargers' season-opener at theKansas City Chiefs due to an eye injury.[6] On September 17, 2003, the Chargers released Tay Cody after he injured his hamstring in their 14–27 loss at the Chiefs in Week 1.[7] Defensive coordinatorDale Lindsey subsequently named Florence as third cornerback on the depth chart entering Week 2.[7] On September 14, 2003, Florence made his professional regular season debut and recorded one solo tackle and returned one kick for 12–yards during a 13–37 loss to theDenver Broncos. In Week 4, he set a season-high with seven solo tackles and had one kick return for 24–yards during a 34–31 overtime loss at theOakland Raiders.[8] He finished his rookie season with 20 solo tackles and two pass deflections and had four kick returns for 47–yards while appearing in all 16 games without any starts.[9]
TheSan Diego Chargers hiredWade Phillips to be their new defensive coordinator after they chose not to renew the contract of Dale Lindsey following one of the worst ranked defenses and a 4–12 record in2003.[10] Entering training camp, Florence was a candidate to earn the role as the No. 2 starting cornerback, competing for it against Sammy Davis.[11] Head coach Marty Schottenheimer named him a backup and listed him as the third cornerback on the depth chart to begin the season, behind Quentin Jammer and Sammy Davis.
On October 10, 2004, Florence recorded five solo tackles, set a season-high with two pass deflections, and made his first career interception off a pass byByron Leftwich to wide receiverErnest Wilford as the Chargers defeated theJacksonville Jaguars 34–21.[12] The following week, Florence made one pass deflection and had his second consecutive game with an interception after picking off a pass thrown byMichael Vick to wide receiverDez White during a 20–21 loss at theAtlanta Falcons in Week 6. Entering Week 7, he was named the No. 2 starting cornerback, supplanting Sammy Davis.[13] On October 24, 2004, Florence earned his first career start and recorded two combined tackles (one solo), before exiting during the fourth quarter of a 17–6 win at theCarolina Panthers due to an ankle injury.[11] He remained inactive for the next three games (Weeks 8–9, 11) due to a high-ankle sprain. In Week 12, Florence returned and played as a backup cornerback in the Chargers 34–31 victory at theKansas City Chiefs, but re-gained his starting role after Sammy Davis sustained a hairline fracture in his leg during the game that would sideline him for the next four games (Weeks 13–16). On December 5, 2004, Florence would have his breakout performance with three solo tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception on the opening drive on a pass byJake Plummer to tight endJeb Putzier as the Chargers defeated theDenver Broncos 20–17.[14] During the fourth quarter, the Chargers led 20–17 when Jake Plummer attempted a touchdown pass to wide receiverRod Smith that was deflected by Florence in coverage and tipped to safetyJerry Wilson for an interception to help maintain their lead with 3:45 remaining. His performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 13.[11] In Week 16, he set a season-high with seven solo tackles and made two pass deflections during a 31–34 overtime loss at theIndianapolis Colts. He finished with 36 combined tackles (31 solo), eight pass deflections, and a career-high four interceptions in 13 games and five starts.[9]
TheSan Diego Chargers finished in first place in theAFC West in2004 with a 12–4 record. On January 8, 2005, Florence started in his the first playoff game of his career and made two solo tackles and a pass deflection as the Chargers lost in overtime 17–20 in the AFC Wild-Card Game to theNew York Jets.[15]
He returned alongsideQuentin Jammer as the starting cornerbacks to begin the season in2005. He was inactive for three games (Weeks 6–8) after injuring his ankle.[16] On December 4, 2005, he set a season-high with seven solo tackles as the Chargers defeated theOakland Raiders 34–10.[17] In Week 15, Florence made six combined tackles (five solo), two pass deflections, and had his only interception of the season on a pass byPeyton Manning to wide receiverReggie Wayne, but fumbled it after it was forced by tight endDallas Clark and recovered by centerJeff Saturday during a 26–17 win at theIndianapolis Colts.[18] He finished the season with 54 combined tackles (47 solo), 11 pass deflections, and one interception in 13 games and 12 starts.[9]
Throughout training camp, Florence attempted to retain his job as a starting cornerback after the Chargers selectedAntonio Cromartie in the first-round (19th overall) of the2006 NFL draft.[19] Antonio Cromartie was unable to fully participate physically for the major of training camp due to a torn ACL he suffered in college. As a result, head coach Marty Schottenheimer named Florence and Quentin Jammer the starting cornerbacks to begin the season with Antonio Cromartie as the nickelback.[19]
On October 15, 2006, he set a season-high with eight solo tackles and had one pass break-up during a 48–19 victory at theSan Francisco 49ers.[20] In Week 11, Florence made two combined tackles (one solo), one pass deflection, and secured the Chargers' 35–27 victory at theDenver Broncos by intercepting a passJake Plummer threw to wide receiverRod Smith with only 3:10 remaining in the game.[21] The following week, Florence had four combined tackles (two solo), made one pass deflection, and sealed a 21–14 victory for the Chargers against theOakland Raiders by intercepting a pass byAaron Brooks to wide receiverRonald Curry with 2 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter in Week 12.[22] He started in all 16 games throughout the2006 NFL season for the first time in his career and finished with a career-high 66 combined tackles (54 solo), a career-high 16 pass deflections, and made three interceptions.[9]
On January 14, 2007, in theAFC Divisional Playoff game against theNew England Patriots, Florence committed a 15–yard unnecessary roughness penalty for head-butting PatriotTight endDaniel Graham at the end of a third and 13–yard play whereTom Brady was sacked for a seven–yard loss byShaun Phillips.[23] The extension of the drive concluded with a 34–yardfield goal byStephen Gostkowski to close the Chargers' lead to only 13–14. The Patriots went on to win the game 24–21.[24]
On February 12, 2007, theSan Diego Chargers unexpectedly fired head coachMarty Schottenheimer after they finished with a 14–2 record and made it to the Divisional Round. Throughout training camp, Florence competed against Antonio Cromartie to retain his role as the No. 2 starting cornerback under new defensive coordinatorTed Cottrell. Head coachNorv Turner named Florence and Quentin Jammer the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.
In Week 2, he set a season-high with seven combined tackles (five solo) during a 14–38 loss at theNew England Patriots. On October 28, 2007, Florence recorded six solo tackles and made one pass deflection during a 35–10 win against theHouston Texans, but drew a penalty for a helmet-to-helmet hit he delivered toMatt Schaub during an interception by Antonio Cromartie in the second quarter. Matt Schaub immediately left the game with a concussion and remained inactive for the following week. On November 1, 2007, the NFL announced their decision to fine Florence $15,000 for the hit.[25] Entering Week 12, Florence was demoted to nickelback and listed as the third cornerback on the depth chart as head coach Norv Turner chose to replace him withAntonio Cromartie.[26] On December 2, 2007, Florence made two combined tackles (one solo), a pass deflection, and sealed a 24–10 victory at theKansas City Chiefs by intercepting a pass byDamon Huard to wide receiverEddie Kennison with 5:30 remaining.[27] He finished his last season with the Chargers in2007 with a total of 62 combined tackles (56 solo), ten pass deflections, and made two interceptions in 16 games and 12 starts.[9]
The San Diego Chargers finished in first place in the AFC West with an 11–5 record to earn a Wild-Card berth. On January 6, 2008, Florence made three solo tackles, a pass deflection, and sealed a 6–17 win against theTennessee Titans in the AFC Wild-Card Game by intercepting a pass byVince Young to wide receiverChris Davis with 3:44 remaining in the game.[28] On January 20, 2008, Florence started in theAFC Championship Game and recorded three combined tackles (two solo), made one pass deflection, and intercepted a pass byTom Brady to wide receiverDonte Stallworth as the Chargers lost 12–21 at theNew England Patriots.[29]
On March 1, 2008, theJacksonville Jaguars signed Florence to a six—year, $36 million contract that included $13 million guaranteed and an initial signing bonus of $6 million.[30] He entered training camp slated as the No. 2 starting cornerback under defensive coordinatorMel Tucker. Head coachJack Del Rio named Florence andRashean Mathis the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.[31]
In Week 4, Florence recorded two solo tackles during a 30–27 overtime victory against theHouston Texans, but strained his groin on the final drive of the game. He would remain inactive as the Jaguars lost 21–26 to thePittsburgh Steelers in Week 5 due to his groin injury. Entering Week 6, head coach Jack Del Rio chose to demote Florence to a backup role and namedBrian Williams as his replacement. This coincided with the safetyReggie Nelson returning from a four–game absence due to a knee injury. During his absence, Brian Williams had started at strong safety in his place.[32] On December 1, 2008, Rashean Mathis was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a knee injury. Florence was named as his replacement and started alongside Brian Williams for the last four games (Weeks 13–16) of the season. In Week 15, he set a season-high with seven combined tackles (six solo) during a 20–16 victory against theGreen Bay Packers.[33] He finished the2008 NFL season with 38 combined tackles (33 solo), three pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble in 15 games and eight starts.[9]
On February 11, 2009, theJacksonville Jaguars released Florence after one season with the team.[34]
On March 3, 2009, theBuffalo Bills signed Florence to a two—year, $6.60 million contract that included a signing bonus of $850,000.[4] He entered training camp slated as the starting nickelback and primary backup at outside corner under defensive coordinatorPerry Fewell.[35] During training camp, he suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss the entire preseason, as well as the first two games (Weeks 1–2) of the regular season.[36]
Upon his return entering Week 3, head coachDick Jauron named him a backup and listed him as the third cornerback on the depth chart behind startersLeodis McKelvin andTerrence McGee. In Week 3, Leodis McKelvin suffered a cracked right fibula during the Bills' 7–27 loss to theNew Orleans Saints. Florence was subsequently named his replacement at starting cornerback heading into Week 4.[35] On November 17, 2009, the Bills fired head coach Dick Jauron after starting with a 3–6 record. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell was appointed the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. On November 29, 2009, Florence made five combined tackles (four solo), set a season-high with four pass deflections, and secured the Bills' 31–14 victory against theMiami Dolphins by intercepting a pass byChad Henne to wide receiverBrian Hartline with 2:43 remaining while the Bills led 17–14.[37] The following week, he set a season-high with nine combined tackles (six solo) as the Bills lost 19–13 against theNew York Jets in Week 13. He finished the2009 NFL season with 60 combined tackles (49 solo), 11 pass deflections, and one interception in 14 games and 13 starts.[9]
Throughout training camp, Florence was a candidate to earn a role as a starting cornerback, competing against Terrence McGee and Leodis McKelvin under defensive coordinatorGeorge Edwards. Head coachChan Gailey named Florence and Terrence McGee the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.[38]
On September 12, 2010, Florence started in theBuffalo Bills' home-opener against theMiami Dolphins and set a season-high with ten combined tackles (nine solo) and made one pass deflection as they lost 10–15. On November 21, 2010, Florence had one of his best overall performances when he made three solo tackles, two pass deflections, an interception, and returned a fumble recovery thatdefensive tackleMarcus Stroud caused by running backCedric Benson 27–yards to score his first career touchdown during a 49–31 victory at theCincinnati Bengals.[39] He also sealed their victory by intercepting a passCarson Palmer threw to tight endJermaine Gresham with 2:37 remaining in the game as the Bills had an 11-point lead at the time over the Bengals at 42–31.[40] In Week 13, Florence made two solo tackles, two pass deflections, and set a career-high with two interceptions with one returned for a touchdown as the Bills lost 14–38 at theMinnesota Vikings.[41] This was the first multi-interception game of his career as well as the firstpick-six of his career. Florence intercepted a pass byBrett Favre to wide receiverGreg Camarillo and returned it for a 40–yard touchdown.[41] He started in all 16 games throughout the2010 NFL season and finished with a total of 58 combined tackles (49 solo), 15 pass deflections, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and scored two touchdowns.[9]
On July 27, 2011, theBuffalo Bills signed Florence to a three—year, $15 million contract extension that included a signing bonus of $2 million.[4][42] The day before,Jason La Canfora ofNFL.com reported that a bidding war had broken out in between the Buffalo Bills and theNew York Jets for Florence.[42] The Jets were interested in signing him following the departure of Antonio Cromartie. After initial reports of the contract signing byAdam Schefter, Florence confirmed he re-signed with the Bills by writing a post onTwitter.[42]
He entered training camp projected as the No. 1 starting cornerback, but was expected to see receive minor competition for the role from Leodis McKelvin, Terrence McGee, and2011 second-round pick (34th overall)Aaron Williams.[42] Head coach Chan Gailey named him the No. 1 starting cornerback to begin the season and paired him with Terrence McGee.[43] On September 25, 2011, Florence made two solo tackles, two pass deflections, and helped secure a 31–34 victory against theNew England Patriots by intercepting a pass fromTom Brady thrown to wide receiverJulian Edelman and returned for a 27–yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.[44] In Week 6, he set a season-high with seven solo tackles as the Bills lost 24–21 at theNew York Giants.[45] In Week 12, Florence recorded four solo tackles, set a season-high with three pass deflections, and intercepted a pass byMark Sanchez to wide receiverSantonio Holmes during a 24–28 loss at theNew York Jets.[46] He started in all 16 games throughout the2011 NFL season and finished with 50 combined tackles (41 solo), 12 pass deflections, three interceptions, a forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and scored one touchdown.[9]
On May 4, 2012, theBuffalo Bills released Florence with two—years remaining on his contract.
On May 10, 2012, theDenver Broncos signed Florence to a two–year, $4.50 million contract that included a signing bonus of $1.50 million.[4] On August, 31, 2012, theDenver Broncos released him as part of their final roster cuts.
On September 2, 2012, theDetroit Lions signed Florence to a one–year, $1 million contract with a signing bonus of $65,000.[47] He was signed in order to provide necessary depth after starting cornerbackChris Houston suffered an ankle injury in their third preseason game at theOakland Raiders.[48]
Upon joining the team, head coachJim Schwartz named Florence a backup and listed him as the third cornerback on the depth chart to begin the season, behindBill Bentley andJacob Lacey. In Week 1, Bill Bentley sustained a concussion during the Lions' 27–23 victory against theSt. Louis Rams. In Week 2, Florence earned his first start with the Lions and recorded three solo tackles and made one pass deflection during a 19–27 loss at theSan Francisco 49ers, but injured his forearm in the third quarter and chose to continue playing. On September 20, 2012, the Lions officially placed Florence on short-term injured reserve after he underwent surgery to repair a broken forearm and would remain inactive for the next eight games (Weeks 3–10).[49] On November 1, 2012, the Lions placed Bill Bentley on season-ending injured reserve due to a shoulder injury.[50] Upon his return entering Week 11, defensive coordinatorGunther Cunningham named him the starting nickelback and listed him as the third cornerback on the depth chart behind Chris Houston and Jacob Lacey. In Week 11, he set a season-high with six combined tackles (four solo) as the Lions lost 24–20 to theGreen Bay Packers.[51] On December 2, 2012, Florence recorded two solo tackles, set a season-high with four pass deflections, and had his only interception of the season on a pass byAndrew Luck to wide receiverT. Y. Hilton during a 33–35 loss against theIndianapolis Colts.[52] He finished the2012 NFL season with 19 combined tackles (17 solo), seven pass deflections, and two interceptions in eight games and two starts.[9]
On March 13, 2013, theCarolina Panthers signed Florence to a one–year, $940,000 contract.[53][4] He was reunited with head coachRon Rivera who was previously his defensive coordinator with the San Diego Chargers. Florence was signed expected to be a veteran presence among a young secondary.
On August 31, 2013, theCarolina Panthers released Florence as part of their final roster cuts.[54] On September 19, 2013, the Panthers re-signed Florence afterJosh Thomas sustained a concussion in Week 1 andJosh Norman injured his thigh.[55] Upon joining the roster, head coach Ron Rivera named Florence the No. 2 starting cornerback, alongsideCaptain Munnerlyn. This was due to multiple mistakes by Josh Norman andD. J. Moore in Week 2 during a loss against theBuffalo Bills, leading both players to getting bench and D. J. Moore bring released.[56] Entering Week 5, Florence was demoted to the third cornerback on the depth chart after the return of Josh Thomas from concussion protocol. On October 13, 2013, he set a season-high with three solo tackles and had one pass break-up during a 35–10 win at theMinnesota Vikings. On November 3, 2013, Florence made two combined tackles (one solo), one pass deflection, and had a pick-six on his first interception with the Panthers on a pass byMatt Ryan to wide receiverDrew Davis and returned it for a 38–yard touchdown as the Panthers defeated theAtlanta Falcons 10–34.[57] In Week 10, Florence muffed a punt byAndy Lee at the end of the first quarter that was recovered by 49ers' safetyEric Reid and led to a 43–yard field goal by kickerPhil Dawson for a 6–0 lead for the 49ers. He would set his season-high with two pass deflections and also sealed the Panthers' 10–6 victory at theSan Francisco 49ers by intercepting a pass attempt byColin Kaepernick to wide receiverMario Manningham with 37 seconds remaining.[58] He finished the2013 NFL season with 26 combined tackles (19 solo), nine pass deflections, two interceptions, and scored one touchdown in 14 games and five starts.[59]
On August 7, 2014, theDetroit Lions signed Florence to a one–year, $955,000 contract.[60][4] He was seen as much needed experienced depth and was expected to compete againstJonte Green andChris Greenwood for a backup cornerback role.[61] On August 15, 2014, Florence had 14 snaps on defense and gave up one long pass as the Lions lost 26–27 at theOakland Raiders. On August 14, 2014, the Lions released Florence as part of their roster cuts and after only being on the roster for 12 days with one preseason game.[61]
On May 1, 2015, he retired from the NFL and graduated from theUniversity of North Florida with a bachelor's degree in Sports Management.[62]
| Year | Team | GP | Tackles | Fumbles | Interceptions | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | FF | FR | Yds | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | PD | |||
| 2003 | SD | 16 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2004 | SD | 13 | 36 | 31 | 5 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 54 | 14 | 40 | 0 | 7 |
| 2005 | SD | 13 | 54 | 47 | 7 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 11 |
| 2006 | SD | 16 | 66 | 54 | 12 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 24 | 8 | 23 | 0 | 16 |
| 2007 | SD | 16 | 61 | 55 | 6 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 10 |
| 2008 | JAX | 15 | 36 | 32 | 4 | 0.0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2009 | BUF | 14 | 60 | 49 | 11 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 11 |
| 2010 | BUF | 16 | 58 | 49 | 9 | 0.0 | 1 | 1 | 27 | 3 | 42 | 14 | 40 | 1 | 15 |
| 2011 | BUF | 16 | 50 | 41 | 9 | 0.0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 64 | 21 | 30 | 1 | 12 |
| 2012 | DET | 8 | 19 | 17 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 0 | 7 |
| 2013 | CAR | 14 | 26 | 19 | 7 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 40 | 20 | 38 | 1 | 9 |
| Career[63] | 157 | 486 | 414 | 72 | 0.0 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 20 | 273 | 14 | 40 | 3 | 103 | |
He is the cousin ofChicago Rushwide receiverCarlos Wright.[64]