“Rest in Peace”: Florida Gators Family Grieves Loss of Norm Carlson Who Died at 90

Nom Carlson has been a legend seemingly beloved by the fans, coaches, and sportswriters. The great Florida Gators sports information director who was the man behind Steve Spurrier claiming the Heisman Trophy died at the age of 90, on May 10, Friday. Fans poured in their “rest in peace” condolences to the tweet posted by Florida Gators on X.

Besides being a sports information director, Carlson has been known as a historian. The passing away of their beloved “Normie” did leave the broadcasting and sportswriter community at a huge loss.

Carlson’s Florida legacy will be missed

Longtime University of Florida has been known by the name of Carlson. It has been more than 60 years ago that he joined his alma mater and took the helm of the athletic program’s public relations. Even though he officially retired in June 2002, for another decade maintained an office at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as the football team’s official historian. Affectionately referred to as “Mr. C” by his colleagues, Carlson ensured to share his immense knowledge with anyone who stopped by his office. 

When he retired, he held a record of having worked in 462 consecutive UF football games. This earned him a place next to Spurrier and was associated with “We Are the Boys” and “Mr. Two Bits” in Gators football lore.

One of his sons who is also a former sportswriter Doug Carlson, stated, “He had opportunities in the NFL, in Major League Baseball and with countless other universities and bowl games because people liked him and he was good at what he did. But he was a Gator to his core and didn’t care if there was more money to be made elsewhere.” Acknowledging his contribution to Gators football made fans share their condolences.

Tributes from fans pour in

Having been a loyal Gator all his life, Carlson did carry with him a strong base who were left devastated at his passing away. A fan prayed for his soul as she wrote “May he rest in peace” followed by an alligator emoji. His name and the foundation of Longtime University of Florida go hand in hand as a fan acknowledged, “What a shame. A true Gator. And a true legend. People like this laid the foundation for the great university community we have today. May He Rest in Peace.” 

This news made a particular fan emotional since they shared the same childhood as he commented, “Grew up in the same town. RIP Norm.” For another, Carlson has been a legend, “RIP Norm. Legend.” His immense knowledge has been no less than treasures as pointed out by another fan, “What a treasure trove of history he was!”

Not many of us know, that Herb Vincent, who was the then Southeastern Conference Associate Commissioner for Communications sought help from Carlson to manage an unpleasant situation when the LSU Tigers considered firing an HC. Hence, Carlson’s contribution has been widespread making “Normie’’s passing away an irreparable loss for Florida.