A look at fire damage caused to helmets the Gators used in Saturday night’s win at Mississippi State (Photo: Donna Doty/University Athletic Association)
Incident Overview
Last week in Mississippi, the Florida football team’s equipment truck faced a significant challenge, resulting in major damage. After the Gators secured a 13-6 victory over Mississippi State, their equipment manager, Mike Knowles, received alarming news upon landing back in Gainesville.
Truck Fire Details
The assistant equipment manager, Jeff McGrew, voiced the concerns many felt when he heard the news: “Oh no, that’s not good.” According to the driver, a blown rear tire likely sparked the fire, making it difficult to control the situation. Although the driver managed to salvage some cameras and electronics, the fire quickly escalated.
The fire that caused significant damage to the UF football team’s equipment on Saturday night in Mississippi.
Equipment Loss
Fortunately, the team’s jerseys and pants made it back with the players on the flight, which mitigated some of the loss. However, a considerable amount of equipment—including helmets, coolers, medical supplies, and shoulder pads—was either damaged or completely destroyed.
Efforts to Recover
The Florida staff dedicated several hours on Monday morning evaluating what could be salvaged from the incident and ordering necessary replacements. The total damages are projected to be in the six-figure range.
Focus on Upcoming Games
Despite the costly setback, the Gators are prioritizing swift equipment replacement, especially with an impending game against No. 5 LSU. Their focus is on ensuring that all necessary gear for the 70 players traveling with the team is ready in time.
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