In a memorable moment for the Florida Gators, Anthony Rubio, son of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, scored his first collegiate touchdown during Florida’s dominant 33-8 victory over Tulane in the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl. The young tight end’s achievement not only contributed to the Gators’ commanding win but also captured national attention, with his father proudly celebrating from the stands.
Anthony, a redshirt freshman, entered the game in the fourth quarter as Florida comfortably controlled the matchup. On a third-down play, quarterback Max Brown found Rubio in the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown pass, marking the first score of his college career. The Gators’ sideline erupted in cheers, recognizing the significance of the moment for both the team and the Rubio family.
Senator Marco Rubio, known for his deep ties to Florida and passion for sports, was seen celebrating in the stands with his family. After the game, he took to social media to share his excitement, posting, “Proud dad moment! First collegiate TD for Anthony! Go Gators!” His post quickly gained traction, with fans and political figures alike congratulating the young player.
A former standout high school player in Miami, Rubio joined Florida as a preferred walk-on in 2023. Though not heavily recruited out of high school, he worked tirelessly to earn a spot on the team. Over the past season, he developed under Florida’s coaching staff and proved his reliability in practice, ultimately earning playing time in the bowl game.
Florida head coach Billy Napier praised Rubio’s perseverance after the game, stating, “Anthony is a hardworking kid. He’s been grinding every day, and to see him get that touchdown in a bowl game is really special.”
Rubio’s touchdown was one of many highlights in Florida’s Gasparilla Bowl victory, as the Gators put together a strong performance to close out the season. The win provided momentum for the program as they look ahead to the 2025 campaign.
For Anthony Rubio, this milestone could be the beginning of a promising collegiate career. While he still has a long way to go in establishing himself as a key contributor, his first touchdown will be a moment he and his family cherish forever.
