Three inducted into Middleburg High Hall of Fame

Archeologist Blue Nelson, former NFL player Gary Barnidge and County Judge Kristina Mobley were inducted into the Middleburg High School Hall of Fame during halftime of the school’s Oct. 7 football game.

After graduating from Middleburg, Nelson served in U.S Air Force Security Services and construction until, at age 30, he enrolled in the University of Florida’s archeology program.

During 2016 and 2017, he was a cast member of the History Channel’s “Found.” The show featured archeologists researching artifacts Americans found in their backyards.  

In 2019 Nelson landed his second role in the Science Channel’s “America’s Lost Vikings.”

The six-episode documentary examined evidence that the feared Scandinavian warriors landed in North America and explored the continent.

Today Nelson is an archeologist for a Jacksonville-based consulting firm.

Gary Barnidge was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 2008 draft and played mostly on special teams for the Charlotte team.

In 2010 he led the team in special teams tackles but missed the following year due to a broken ankle suffered in preseason practice.

In 2013, the Cleveland Browns signed Barnidge as an unrestricted free agent. In the 2013 and 2014 seasons, he caught less than 20 passes for around 150 yards in each year. However, in 2015, the former Middleburg Bronco had a breakout year, hauling in 79 catches for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns. The performance earned Barnidge a Pro Bowl appearance, and his nine TD receptions tied a franchise record.

In 2016, Barnidge underwent hernia surgery, started all 16 games for the Browns, and caught 55 passes for 612 yards and two touchdowns before being released by the team in 2017.

Kristina Mobley graduated from the University of North Florida following her time at Middleburg and taught for 11 years in Clay County Public Schools.

She then decided on a career change, enrolled in the University of Florida’s Law School, and earned her Juris Doctor in 2009. She then served as a staff attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit in Jacksonville before transferring to the circuit’s Green Cove Springs office four years later.

When Judge Richard Townsend announced his retirement in 2015, Mobley applied for the job and won the appointment from Gov. Rick Scott.