Todd Gurley to partner with UGA on several impactful initiatives around the Athens community
By Keith Farner
Published:
Former Georgia star RB Todd Gurley remains a favorite son of Dawg Nation, and that status has taken on a bit warmer feel since Gurley recently signed with the Atlanta Falcons. But even after his NFL success, Gurley hasn’t forgotten Athens, and because of that, has pledged to partner with the UGA and Athens community.
Gurley is taking the initiative to get more involved in athletics, education, social justice and community via a strategic alliance, ESPN’s Adam Schefter pointed out. Gurley plans to be involved with, and a featured speaker around topics such as social justice, creating value beyond sport, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
“Athens is my second home, and playing for the Falcons will allow me to spend more time there,” he said in a release from UGA. “UGA fans embraced me as a young man, and that support has stayed with me throughout my time in the NFL. I am looking forward to getting to know the students and alumni, and making a difference in the community that has meant so much to me.”
Gurley is beginning a new chapter in his NFL career with the Falcons. He was an All-Pro in 2017 and 2018, and the 2017 Offensive Player of the Year, with his 58 rushing touchdowns since his 2015 debut leading the league. His 5,404 yards rushing in that span were only one yard behind Dallas’ Ezekiel Elliott to lead the league.
However, he only mustered a career-low 857 yards last season, and the average of 3.8 yards per carry was the second lowest of his career.
The Falcons signed him to, in their minds, hopefully join QB Matt Ryan and WR Julio Jones as the leaders of the offense.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
