For anyone associated with either Florida or Georgia, the rivalry between the two schools means a lot.
But for the players who grew up in Jacksonville, it’s more than that.
It’s part of their identity.
"Florida-Georgia is what everybody in Jacksonville looks forward to," said Florida safety Nick Washington, who grew up in the city and played high school football at Trinity Christian Academy.
"That’s the biggest thing in Jacksonville."
Wide receiver Ahmad Fulwood grew up within sight of EverBank Field, attending Bishop Kenny High School, just south of the stadium across the St. Johns River.
Each day when he would cross the Hart Bridge going north, he looked on towards the city’s coliseum in awe.
Even today, the same feeling rushes over him when he thinks of the game's gravity.
"I literally get chills every time," Fulwood said.
During Florida-Georgia week, the entire town would shut down in preparation for all the chaos that was about to ensue over the weekend.
Nothing was unaffected — not even Fulwood’s football games at Bishop Kenny.
"Even in high school you have to play your games on Thursdays because the cops need to be at the stadium on Friday," Fulwood said.
"It’s just crazy. It’s madness."
Luckily for the junior, he doesn’t have to worry about scheduling issues anymore — the city revolves around his game now.
What he does have to worry about, though, is keeping his emotions in check while taking part in the game he’s always longed to be in.
Looking at the stadium is one thing.
But just the thought of playing inside it still gets the receiver worked up, even going into the matchup a third time.
"The actual chance to actually play inside the stadium that I’ve dreamed about playing (in) for a long time still gives me chills to this day."
For offensive lineman David Sharpe’s family, the game was always one of the biggest days of the year while he was growing up.
"When I was in high school we would cook out, watch it, everybody comes over," said Sharpe, who played high school football at Fletcher, roughly half an hour away from EverBank Field.
"It’s a big game for us."
Now as a participant, the game has even bigger implications for Sharpe.
Last year, he had a legion of family and friends who attended the game to watch him not only play, but also become cemented as a part of the game and city’s tradition.
"Actually playing in it is a big accomplishment," he said.
While most of his family pulls for the Gators, some of Sharpe’s former coaches root for the Bulldogs, and after last year’s upset, Sharpe caught some flak.
"They were really mad about it," Sharpe said.
"I got some bad text messages, but it was great."
That’s just part of the gig for Sharpe, a gig he’ll gladly take some ribbing for if Florida can pull off another victory.
But that’s all he’s thinking about — a second straight win.
For someone from Jacksonville, the Florida-Georgia game needs no added significance from a Southeastern Conference division title race.
The Gators and Bulldogs seemingly always bring their 'A' game when facing each other.
Just like last year’s contest, no matter the circumstances, the game is always important.
"It’s always special," Sharpe said.
Follow Graham Hack on Twitter @graham_hack24
Florida wide receiver Ahmad Fulwood (left) and defensive back Jalen Tabor (5) celebrate with fans following UF's 38-20 win against UGA on Saturday at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.
