Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame To Induct Fisher, Goldberg
Jacksonville, Fla., – The Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame will celebrate four standout players with their induction into the Hall of Fame on Friday, November 1, 2024. The prestigious Induction Ceremony and Luncheon, presented by Miller Electric Company, will take place at noon inside the East Club at EverBank Stadium as part of the Georgia-Florida Weekend.
This year’s inductees include Georgia Bulldogs greats Mike Fisher and Bill Goldberg, alongside Florida Gators stars Mike Peterson and Fred Weary. These four players will be recognized for their exceptional contributions to the storied rivalry between the two programs.
Mike Fisher
Mike Fisher, a starting right cornerback for the Georgia Bulldogs from 1978 to 1980, is a Jacksonville native and Bolles School graduate. He started his college career at Furman before transferring to Georgia as a walk-on. He earned a scholarship in 1978 and made a significant impact, including critical interceptions in the 1979 win over Florida and the 1980 game, helping Georgia achieve a 3-0 record against the Gators. Fisher’s interception versus Notre Dame in the 1981 Sugar Bowl with under 9:00 left played a critical role in the Bulldogs winning that year’s national championship. Post-football, Fisher built a successful career in sales, marketing, and management in the forest products industry.
Bill Goldberg
Bill Goldberg, a two-time All-SEC defensive tackle, was a four-year letterman for the Georgia Bulldogs from 1986 to 1989 and team captain in his senior year. He was instrumental in Georgia’s 3-1 record against Florida, including a notable 26-3 win in 1988. Goldberg ranks ninth in UGA history with 348 tackles and led the team with 121 tackles as a senior. Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1990, he debuted with the Atlanta Falcons in 1992 but retired early due to injuries. He then became a renowned professional wrestler, winning multiple championships and earning a WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2018. Goldberg also enjoys success as an actor and commentator and has a new show that will air during the first quarter of 2025 on Paramount+.
Mike Peterson
Mike Peterson, a linebacker for the Florida Gators from 1995 to 1998, is currently in his third season as an assistant coach at UF. During college, he played a crucial role in Florida’s dominance over Georgia, including a standout performance in a 38-7 victory. Peterson contributed to Florida’s 1996 national championship and earned All-SEC and All-America honors. Drafted in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft, he had a 14-year career with the Colts, Jaguars, and Falcons, recording 883 tackles and 19 interceptions. After retiring, he finished his degree, joined UF’s coaching staff, and founded the Mike Peterson Foundation, which has benefited over 50,000 underserved youth and families.
Fred Weary
Fred Weary, a cornerback for the Florida Gators from 1994 to 1997, was a key contributor to the 1996 national championship team. As a junior, he helped the Gators defeat Florida State in the Sugar Bowl. In his senior year, Weary set a school record with 15 career interceptions, including six in his final season, earning first-team All-SEC and consensus All-American honors. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1998, he became a regular starter and played for the Atlanta Falcons and St. Louis Rams. Over a six-year NFL career, Weary totaled 191 tackles, seven interceptions, and one touchdown.
“Jacksonville has served as the stage for the Georgia-Florida rivalry since 1933,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “As we gear up for this year’s game, we are proud to honor some of the players who have contributed to the legacy of this cherished tradition. Our entire city congratulates the honorees, and we look forward to celebrating them.”
Tickets for the 2024 Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon presented by Miller Electric Company are on sale now at https://gafljax.com/hall_of_fame.
About the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon presented by Miller Electric Company
Established in 1995, the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame celebrates the remarkable players, coaches, and administrators who have shaped one of college football’s most enduring rivalries. Over its 29-year history, the Hall of Fame has honored more than 100 distinguished individuals, including iconic Gators like Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel, Tim Tebow, and Fred Taylor, as well as legendary Bulldogs such as Vince Dooley, Herschel Walker, David Pollack, and Knowshon Moreno.
About the City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment
The City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment attracts, hosts, and creates opportunities that drive economic impact, accelerate the Jacksonville brand, and improve the quality of life and cultural engagement for visitors and residents. Jacksonville hosts hundreds of diverse events yearly, making Northeast Florida a premier destination with rich tradition and world-class hospitality. For more information, visit events.coj.net.