It’s hard to underscore just how much this Friday night meant to our area. Not just because of who’s jersey was retired, but because of what it symbolizes.

On Friday night, South Sumter High School honored one of its all-time greats by retiring the jersey of Earl Everett during halftime. The #30 jersey, a symbol of excellence on and off the field, will now hang in permanent tribute, never to be worn again.

(Earl Everett had his jersey retired by South Sumter High School on Friday night’s home football game.)

Earl Everett’s story began in Bushnell, where he first donned the Raider uniform. A multi-sport athlete, honor student, and natural leader, Earl earned an incredible 10 varsity letters in high school, playing football all four years, basketball for three, track for two, and baseball for one. He was the football team captain as a senior and helped lead South Sumter to four straight Regional Titles, three District Championships, and an outstanding 45–10 record over four years.

In 2002, he was named FACA District MVP and ranked the No. 2 linebacker in the nation. He received prestigious honors as a USA Parade All-American and was selected to the CNN Sports Illustrated All-American Team. He was also named to the Class 2A All-State Team three times and earned All-Central Florida Team honors from the Orlando Sentinel for three consecutive years.

Earl even represented Florida in the Florida vs. California High School All-Star Game before choosing to play for the University of Florida over powerhouse programs like Nebraska, Miami and Florida State.

At UF, Earl made an immediate impact, starting as a true freshman and earning a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2003. He followed that with Second Team All-SEC honors in 2004 and First Team All-SEC recognition in 2006. He led the Gators in tackles during both his junior and senior seasons, serving as a captain on the 2006 team that captured the National Championship. Earl graduated from UF with a degree, adding academic success to his long list of athletic achievements.

(The Everett family, friends and family stand together honoring Earl Everett as South Sumter retired his jersey Friday night.)

Following college, Earl signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and later spent time with the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL. But perhaps his most lasting impact has come after his professional playing days, as a coach and mentor at South Sumter High School. Earl returned to give back to the same program that shaped him, coaching and guiding countless young men, many of whom have gone on to play Division I football or even reach the professional ranks.

Retiring a jersey is the highest honor a high school football player can receive. The number 30 now holds a special, permanent place in Raider history. For generations to come, young athletes will look up at that number and learn about the man who wore it, the effort he gave, the dreams he chased, and the legacy he built. It’s a symbol of excellence, perseverance, belief and heart.

Earl Everett’s journey from a young boy in Bushnell to a national champion, NFL linebacker, and now respected coach at South Sumter High is an inspiration. As we celebrate this milestone, we also celebrate the values he embodies: hard work, loyalty, and leadership.

Congratulations to Earl Everett, his family, friends, and the South Sumter community he continues to serve. As they say at South Sumter High School, Tradition Never Graduates.