The University of Florida National Championship football team was recognized on Thursday by Governor Charlie Crist and members of the Senate and House.

Head Coach Urban Meyer, linebacker Ryan Stamper (Jacksonville) and quarterback Tim Tebow (Jacksonville) joined Athletic Director Jeremy Foley and University President Bernie Machen to represent Florida’s most recent national championship team. The Gators defeated Oklahoma, 24-14, on Jan. 8, 2009 in the FedEx BCS National Championship Game to claim the school’s third football national championship.

Governor Crist recognized the team at a special breakfast at the Governor’s mansion on Thursday morning before the group traveled to the Capitol, where they met with members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives and were recognized on both the Senate and House floors.

Florida became the only school to win three national titles since 1996, and the third-straight Southeastern Conference School to win the BCS National Championship. The Gators also won their eighth SEC Title with a 31-20 win over Alabama in the Georgia Dome.

"All Florida is incredibly proud of your accomplishments," Crist said to the Gators in attendance. "Even this Seminole heart beat a little harder when I watched you guys win your second national championship in three years."

Article was written by UF's Athletic Department. Visit http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=15509 to read the original article.