Sharrif Floyd getting an opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys

Sharrif Floyd is heading back to the NFL. The former Florida Gators All-American and a first-round pick in 2013 is currently in Dallas with the Cowboys’ staff as part of the Bill Walsh Fellowship, Floyd told Gators Online Thursday.

He will work under defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who coached Floyd at Florida. Floyd will be with the Cowboys for the remainder of their training camp before returning to Gainesville to resume his student-assistant role with the Gators.

Floyd’s NFL career ended abruptly due to complications from knee surgery. It was several years later that Floyd got a call from Dan Mullen. The former head coach at Florida wanted Floyd to come down and help at Friday Night Lights.

“He called to ask if I would come down and work Friday Night Lights,” Floyd told UF senior writer Scott Carter. “I jumped in the car and drove down a few days early. I can’t be more appreciative of Dan Mullen at this point because he filled a void for me by allowing me to come back down here and help out and be part of a team.”

Back to Gainesville

Floyd took an opportunity to become the defensive coordinator at Ben Franklin High, back in his home state of Pennsylvania. It wasn’t long before Mullen was back on the phone to extend another opportunity, this one more permanent. Floyd returned to UF as a student assistant with Florida. That meant enrolling back at the University of Florida, classes in the morning, and then a myriad of tasks to help the football team. That would range from scouting opponents to helping then defensive line coach David Turner at practice.

Floyd commanded respect. Not by words or actions. His brick outside of the stadium and picture up on the wall of Florida Gator draft picks spoke for him. He was a tremendous resource for all of the defensive linemen at Florida.

“If anything, Reef is just a pillar of knowledge, to be honest with you. He’s done it, he’s been there. He has a brick outside the stadium. A first round draft pick. Whatever he tells me to do I’ll do it,” former Florida Gators defense lineman Antonio Valentino said at his pro day. “Whatever nuggets he gives me I use them. Reef has been a huge help. To be honest I don’t think I would be at this point if I didn’t have access to him. He’s been a huge asset for me personally and all of us.”

Floyd as a Gator

Sharrif Floyd was a member of what was the most heralded recruiting class ever at the time. The 2010 Florida recruiting class included five stars in Floyd, Ronald Powell, Dominique Easley, Matt Elam, and Josh Shaw.

Floyd was one of seven true freshmen to make a start in 2010. He garnered Freshman All-SEC honors after recording 23 tackles and 6.5 for a loss. Floyd started the final 11 games of his sophomore season at defensive end. He tied for the team lead with four quarterback hurries, totaled 46 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, a pass breakup, and a blocked kick.

As a junior, Floyd shined. He was named First Team Defense AP All-SEC (DT), First Team Defense Coaches’ All-SEC (DL), Sporting News All-American, Phil Steele Postseason All-SEC First Team (DL). he was the first defensive lineman at Florida since 2001 to earn All-America honor. Floyd recorded 46 tackles on the season and led the team with 13 tackles for a loss. He added one forced fumble and two blocked kicks, while registering a tackle for loss in nine of the 13 games.

He declared for the draft following that season and was selected 23rd overall by the Minnesota Vikings.