The Florida Gators have tragically lost several players over the years, and one notable recent death was that of running back Tony Joiner. Though not primarily known for his time as a running back, Joiner was a key player for the Gators as a safety and team captain on the 2006 national championship team. After his football career, however, he made headlines for a different and darker reason.
In 2016, Joiner’s life took a tragic turn when he was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the death of his wife, Heyzel Obando. The couple had a tumultuous relationship, with documented instances of domestic violence. Obando was found dead in their apartment in Fort Myers, Florida, in 2016, and the investigation took years to lead to Joiner’s arrest in 2019. He eventually pleaded no contest to manslaughter in 2022 and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Though Joiner wasn’t a running back during his time with the Gators, his story still resonates deeply within the Florida football community. His death in a metaphorical sense, as a promising athlete turned convicted criminal, reflects the darker side of life after football for some players.
Another tragic event involves Willie Green, a former Gators running back, who passed away in a car accident in 1995. Green was a standout running back during the early 1980s for the Gators. He rushed for over 2,000 yards in his collegiate career and was known for his speed and versatility on the field. Unfortunately, Green’s life was cut short at the age of 33 when he died in a single-car crash while driving in Gainesville, Florida.
These stories of loss, while involving different circumstances, highlight the unpredictable nature of life after football. Both players, one a celebrated champion and the other a gifted runner, met tragic ends—one through criminal actions and the other in a tragic accident. Their memories are bittersweet reminders for the Florida Gators community, a blend of athletic glory and personal tragedy that serves as a somber reflection on the complexities of life beyond the game.
