10 Miami football players rivals hated the most

Jeremy Shockey transferred to Miami from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. Shockey fit into the Miami football culture perfectly. The brash tight end would let opponents know after a reception for a big first down or TD. In his first season with Miami Shockey made a statement by catching the game-winning TD versus Florida State.

Shockey had 21 receptions for 296 yards and three TDs in 2000. As has often happened the Miami football team was in a skirmish with Florida on Bourbon Street before the 2001 Sugar Bowl. Shockey didn’t endear himself to Florida fans when years later he said that Steve Spurrier (allegedly) told him Miami deserved the win.

In 2001 Shockey became the go-to receiver for QB Ken Dorsey with wide receiver Andre Johnson. Shockey had 40 receptions for 519 yards and seven TDs as Miami went undefeated and earned its fifth national championship. Shockey openly celebrated after a TD. That went against the more traditional values Nebraska held.

In the 37-14 Miami win over Nebraska in the Rose Bowl BCS National Championship game, Shockey had five receptions for 85 yards and a TD. Shockey was named a 2001 consensus All-American. Shockey declared for the NFL Draft following his two seasons with the Miami football program.

The New York Giants selected Shockey 14th overall in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft. Shockey became a polarizing figure in the NFL. Demonstrative celebrations and arguments with QB Eli Manning eventually led to Shockey being traded to the New Orleans Saints to reunite with Sean Payton.