Urban Meyer was a stellar college football coach throughout his career, whether at Bowling Green, Utah, or, especially, with Florida and Ohio State. Meyer’s contributions to the game have been recognized not only by his former players and fellow college coaches but also by his own family.
Recently, Meyer received one of the most significant accolades of his life. He was recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and received a boatload of love and support on Saturday morning.
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Meyer, who is part of Fox Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff” show, was on the set on the Ohio State campus in Columbus when a tribute video was aired on the telecast. The footage featured people such as current Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day, Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, and Meyer’s wife, Shelley Meyer, among many others. But the highlight of what former players under his leadership said about him.
Meyer won national championships with the Gators and Buckeyes. “My favorite thing was just being a part of players’ lives,” Shelley said in the video. “Extremely rewarding.”
“You’ve been like a dad to me because Coach saved my life, you know,” former Florida player Dallas Baker said. “A kid who was struggling in school, struggling making plays. I look now and give God all the glory, but God brought Coach into my life. So Coach I love you. God bless.”
“You know your kids love you, I love you…we are so happy to have been along on the journey.” ❤️@CoachUrbanMeyer has so much to be proud of in his @cfbhall career! pic.twitter.com/NXihzagWWG
— Big Noon Kickoff (@BNKonFOX) November 1, 2025
Meyer actually notched three national titles during his tenure roaming the field at “The Swamp” on the Florida campus in Gainesville, Fla. Former Gators quarterback Tim Tebow also had some tender words for Meyer in the video, too.
“Thank you for making me a Gator,” Tebow said. “Thank you for the impact on my life. Thank you for loving me. I love you so much. I’m so grateful that you were my coach, but also even more grateful that you were my friend and we get to be family.”
Gene Smith, former Athletic Director of Ohio State, said, “They did ask me to share a few stories but I won’t do that to you. I’m just so happy for you man, for you and your family. Thank you for what you did for the Buckeyes. Love you brother, congratulations, and as always, go Bucks!”
After watching so many people honor him, Meyer held back tears when the Fox cameras came back and focused on him at the desk. “It was pretty cool sitting with a bunch of Hall of Famers and future Hall of Famers,” Meyer said. “Family’s everything and what happens when you coach players, you guys know this, they all become part of your family. So, thank you guys very much.”
In a 17-year college football coaching career, Meyer finished with a 187-32 overall record. How did Meyer do in bowl games? His record was 12-3 in them. Meyer didn’t have a successful tenure in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but his efforts in the world of college football cannot be denied.
