Gators defensive lineman, Joey Ivie is closing this chapter of his football career close to where it all began.
“It is pretty cool to be able to finish up the whole thing at home," said Ivie, who attended Pasco High School.
He played his prep football about an hour from Tropicana Field where the East-West Shrine All-Star Game is being held Saturday.
Ivie is on the East roster for his last formal game as a Gator. It's a bonus chance for him to play near his hometown.
He concluded his senior season at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Gators beat Iowa 30-3 in the Outback Bowl.
“It’s just a blessing to be here, to be close to home," said Ivie, who hs always valued family. "It also gives friends and family an opportunity to watch me play.”
One member of his family won’t be there, but is always with him. Ivie, the oldest of five siblings, lost his little sister, Jordan after a tragic car accident in April of 2015.
“She’s on my mind every day," said Ivie. "Every morning when I wake up I think about her.”
Jordan died at the end of Joey’s sophomore year, just when he seriously started thinking about a possible NFL career. When she passed away his focus on football shifted.
“I feel like it’s almost like therapy in a way for my family to be able to watch me play and know that I am carrying basically my sister’s spirit with me," said Ivie.
“I mean he handled it like a grown man," said Florida defensive end Bryan Cox, his linemate and roommate in Gainesville.
"I mean I don’t know any other way you could handle that. It’s a very sad situation. I told him to stay prayed up. We used to just talk about just different things in life. That’s my brother, so I used to console him.”
Almost two years after Jordan’s death, Joey’s shot at the NFL has arrived. Pro scouts swarmed East practices. Joey continues to honor Jordan with every snap.
“It made me more ambitious and dedicated and made me set my goal a lot higher," said Ivie.