ATLANTA, Ga. – Twenty years after being the highest NFL Draft pick in Golden Tiger football history, Drayton Florence will represent Tuskegee on the 2023 Southern Intercollegiate Conference Hall of Fame Class, the league office announced on Wednesday.

Florence finished his illustrious career at Tuskegee as the first ever Division II All-American in program history by both the Associated Press and American Coaches Association. He also registered a school-record three interception returns for touchdowns in a Golden Tiger uniform. The cornerback also totaled eight interceptions in his two seasons and finished fifth in the nation in passes defended per game (1.8) in his final collegiate year.

The No. 46 overall pick in round two of the 2003 NFL Draft, Florence established himself as a staple in NFL locker rooms, playing for the San Diego Chargers for five seasons, Buffalo Bills for three, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, and the Detroit Lions each for one. In his 11-year career, the defensive back totaled 486 tackles, 103 passes defended, 20 interceptions, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, and three touchdowns. Florence is still the highest ever draft pick into the NFL from Tuskegee.

The newest members of the SIAC Hall of Fame were chosen from a list of nominees who were submitted by their respective institutions.

Since its inception in 1992, the SIAC Hall of Fame has welcomed 155 distinguished honorees. 

The 2023 SIAC Hall of Fame Honorees includes the 1993 Alabama A&M Women's Track and Field Team, Ernest McNealey (Allen University), Calvin Smyre (Fort Valley State University), Drayton Florence (Tuskegee University), Jeffrey Henderson (Stillman College), Arthur McAfee Jr. (Morehouse College), and Alex Percival (Morehouse College).

The SIAC Hall of Fame was established to preserve the history and celebrate the accomplishments of former student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and contributors that have excelled on the playing fields, while pioneering integrity, sportsmanship, and character off the field.

"I am excited to usher in the next group of legendary figures that have made the SIAC one of the most revered athletic conferences in America for more than a century," said SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman. "It is only fitting that we celebrate icons from days past in conjunction with our annual Football Media Day event where the stars of the future will be on display."

The SIAC Hall of Fame event will recognize individuals whose accomplishments on and off the playing fields have had a lasting impact on the conference and are worthy of induction to this most exclusive group of SIAC Legends. Additionally, these honorees have distinguished themselves with their contributions to the rich history and tradition of our member institutions. 

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