BOSTON — When the Florida Gators won the national championship on Monday night, there was a notable alum in the stands: Celtics veteran Al Horford.
Horford doesn’t get to be a spectator often. But, for one night, the former University of Florida star, who led the Gators to NCAA titles in 2006 and 2007, got to unwind and be a fan at one of the country’s largest sporting events.
That’s because Joe Mazzulla urged him to.
After the Celtics beat the Washington Wizards on Sunday, Mazzulla had a strong message for Horford: Go watch your alma mater compete for a national title.
“He was very adamant,” Horford told CelticsBlog. “He said, ‘You have to be there.”
So, Horford, although initially reluctant, ultimately obliged.
“I wasn’t expecting to be at the game — we’re in season,” he said. “I understand that. I know that I have to be here.”
But, the standings were locked up, Horford was likely due for some rest, and this was a special occasion. So Horford, his wife Amelia, and their 9-year-old son Ean, made the trip down to San Antonio to watch Florida be crowned champions for the first time since he suited up at the university.
“It was pretty incredible,” Horford said. “Just because there are few times I get to go to a game and just enjoy it, and be a fan. For me, it was such a cool experience to be there with my wife and with my son, and just getting to watch the team, cheer for them, and just being there supporting them.”
Al Horford had an inkling this Florida team would be special from the jump
Since Horford entered the draft in 2007, no Florida team has won an NCAA championship. Still, throughout his 17-year NBA career, Horford has always enjoyed watching Florida basketball whenever he has a chance.
But this season, the 38-year-old got a tip from someone on the inside that this particular team was extra special. Taurean Green, one of Florida’s assistant coaches and Horford’s former Gators teammate, reached out to Horford at the beginning of the season.
“Very early on, he was like, ‘Man, this group is different,’ Horford recalled. “I always follow, but he was like, ‘You might want to really pay attention.’”
So, the Celtics center started watching games even more regularly than usual. And, he was cautiously optimistic that this year could achieve his desire outcome.
“Early in the year, I just noticed that they were getting some good wins,” he said. “And I was like, okay, it’s good, but let’s see when SEC play starts. And I looked at their SEC schedule to open up, and it was just tough. So, when they beat Tennessee at home, that’s when I really started to lock in on them and watch them a little closer. And it was pretty cool just to see that progression.”
Horford was thoroughly impressed by the Gators’ come-from-behind 65-63 victory. Florida trailed for almost the entire game, but a massive stop by Walter Clayton Jr. helped secure the victory. Clayton Jr. finished the night with 11 points and 7 assists — and Horford congratulated him on the parquet as the confetti fell.
“You’re a winner,” he told the Clayton Jr., later telling NBC Sports reporter John Fanta he expects to compete against (or with) the Florida standout in the NBA.
Horford smiled as he recalled the Gators’ clutch victory over Houston.
“With as much pressure as it is in that type of tournament, you lose one game, you’re done. For that group to handle it how they did was pretty special to see,” Horford said. “And even in that game, like, it just wasn’t looking good. And those guys found a way. As a fan, that was really, really fun to see.”
And his Celtics teammates were happy he got to experience it — even those who hoped their own alma mater would win it all.
“I’m happy for Al,” Pritchard said earlier this week, noting he was rooting for Duke-Florida once his Oregon Ducks were knocked out. “It seemed like he probably enjoyed that, him and his son.”
Payton Pritchard said he always rooting for a Duke-Florida championship once Oregon was knocked out:
On the Gators winning last night:
“I’m happy for Al. It seemed like he probably enjoyed that, him and his son.” pic.twitter.com/ZyWZMFlb6Y
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) April 8, 2025
As the Celtics gear up for what they hope will be another long playoff run, it could be a while until Horford watches another game from the stands without worrying about schemes.
But for one night, the beloved Florida Gator was able to just enjoy being a fan.
“It just felt great,” Horford said. “During the game, I was just enjoying it, not thinking too much, not thinking too critically about plays and things like that. It was just like being a regular fan.”
For that, he thanks his Celtics coach — for urging him to make a trip he otherwise would have skipped.
“I appreciate Joe,” Horford said.
