Florida's 7-Foot-9 Center Reportedly Tried to Play Football for Gators

Florida's 7-Foot-9 Center Reportedly Tried to Play Football for Gators originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Coming off a national championship this past season, the Florida Gators basketball program has a lot to look forward to in its future. A 40-year-old head coach in Todd Golden entering his fourth year with the Gators, a slew of returning production from last season and a record-breaking big man in Olivier Rioux.

The 7-foot-9 center from Terrebonne, Quebec, Canada, owns the Guinness World Record for tallest teenager and is a fan favorite among the Gator faithful.

Rioux, who took a redshirt year last season as a true freshman, is trying new things to get ready for his Gators debut, including practicing with Florida's football team.

Rioux took snaps on the Gators' special teams and worked out with Florida's coaching staff, as they hoped he would provide a deterrence on the field goal and extra point block team, according to ESPN.

"I like the idea," Golden said at a Florida booster event on Thursday. "I give them credit for trying it."

Even with his eight-foot wingspan, Rioux didn't seem to cause any issues for Florida's kickers, as his vertical leap measures just 11 inches.

The football coaching staff was "a little disappointed" in Rioux's inability to block any kicks, Golden said.

Rioux competed in his more comfortable sport this summer, as he represented his home country of Canada in the Under-19 Basketball World Cup. He played seven games in the tournament, averaging 1.9 points and a pair of rebounds per contest.

The 305-pound Rioux is unlikely to get much playing time this season, as the Gators will return all of their key frontcourt pieces from their title-winning squad.

While he will most likely not be making any waves on the gridiron any time soon, Rioux is hoping to make a splash on the hardwood during his time at Florida.

Related: Florida's 7-foot-9 Center Shines Against Team USA

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.