In the storied history of elite running backs in Georgia history, Sony Michel had one of the more memorable rides of them all.

The former five-star recruit arrived to campus as the next great back, poised to take over the running back duties from upperclassmen Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall — known by some as Gurshall back then, only to see himself fall behind fellow freshman Nick Chubb on the depth chart. Many prized prospects may have left when something like that happened, but as we’ve seen over the last few seasons, Michel is wired much differently than most.

With his college career now over, Michel penned one last love letter to Georgia and Dawg Nation to once again say thank you for all the memories. Thursday morning, the Players’ Tribune published Michel’s final goodbye to Athens.

This particular passage regarding his early struggles and the support he constantly felt from Georgia and the fans stood out:

It wasn’t always easy for me at Georgia. Coming in as a top recruit and then not becoming the primary back was difficult, mainly because of the standard I’ve always set for myself. Nick Chubb is one of my best friends in the world, so that made things easier in some ways. But I’m not gonna lie, it was still tough at first.

The thing is, Georgia fans, and the whole UGA community, went out of their way to make it clear that I actually wasn’t a second-string back. You guys made me feel special, and every time my name was called, you showed me love as if I was the starter. Then, before every home game, the team would list me in the starting lineup. They’d have two running backs at the top of the depth chart, which is something you don’t see too many places do.

That support, and all the love I’ve been shown during my time at UGA is something I’ll never forget. And it’s definitely part of what made that Rose Bowl victory so special for me. Knowing that we’d accomplished something for our school, and for Bulldog fans everywhere, was incredible. We were out there representing for so many people who had supported us over the years, and we were able to bring them some joy. I couldn’t be more proud about that.

Michel would go on to list out several of his favorite memories and people in Athens before saying the thing he would miss the most is the fans, the students, his coaches, and his Georgia teammates. His account is a must-read for all true Georgia fans.