Florida Gators Athlete, Forced To Retire, Sends Billy Napier Message After Family Milestone

“Growing up, football was all I knew and what pushed me to be the best version of myself,” is often how a particular former Florida defensive back describes his relationship with the game. Wreaking havoc in Pop Warner leagues since he was five years old, this player was supposed to be the talent coaches and opponents would fear. And for the most part, it was almost a reality with a scholarship from the Florida Gators. But, unfortunately, a silent end was bidding its time.

Part of the 2021 recruiting class, redshirt sophomore Dakota Mitchell announced in 2023 that he would be retiring. Unable to participate in the 2021 and 2022 season, Mitchell wrote in an Instagram post in September, “I write this with tears in my eyes. I knew this day would come soon, but I never thought it’d be so soon. I have been fighting through severe back pain since Pop Warner Little League football and nothing has changed. I always questioned why my back was always hurting. After extensive treatment, they found that I was born with a condition causing the pain. I am medically retiring from the game and hanging up my cleats.”

Notably, in high school, the youngster had established himself as a top player, leading Winter Park High School to the 2020 FHSAA Class 8A Region 2 quarterfinals. Mitchell’s versatility to play both as a safety and nickel cornerback, along with his defensive dominance, quickly got noticed. What’s more endearing, even after Mitchell was forced to leave the football program, he continued studying at the university with the scholarship. Well, seems like his decision to select the swamp without any second thoughts over Alabama, Tennessee, Auburn, and Arkansas, among others, paid off in dividends—a fact that was amply clear as Dakota bowed out one last time.

As per the former player’s Instagram Stories, he finally graduated from UF. While it was an occasion about celebration with friends and family, the 23-year-old didn’t forget to extend credit where it was due. Sharing a photo with head coach Billy Napiers, Mitchell wrote, “The Realest Coach to do it. I appreciate you for Keeping me on scholarship after Medically retiring. Forever Thankful for Coach Nape,” as the HC’s #1 jersey hung on a frame on the wall. What made it more special?

Well, as per Dakota, “I’m the first in my family to get a college degree. You know this just hits different.” 

…Well, all thanks to Billy Napier’s trust in Dakota Mitchell.

Billy Napier gave Dakota Mitchell another purpose after his medical retirement

Normally, you would expect a head coach to make that scholarship spot available since Dakota wasn’t of any use to footballing endeavors. But that’s not how Billy Napier looked at the situation. Instead, the head coach looked at Mitchell and saw a guy who was caught up in a cruel joke for no fault of his own. But now?

With the help of Billy Napier and God, as he wrote, “We dun completed the mission man, stayed the course and kept god first,” Mitchell has shown that sometimes when one door closes another opens for good. His journey is a sheer testament to grit and the desire to overcome all odds and achieve something the first time, which hasn’t even been done in his family.

Truly, Dakota Mitchell would now be an inspiring story for his folks.