5 Famous Uga Athletes You Need To Know

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The University of Georgia (UGA) has a rich athletic history, producing numerous talented athletes who have made a name for themselves in various sports. From football to basketball, and from baseball to gymnastics, UGA has been a breeding ground for exceptional athletes who have gone on to achieve greatness in their respective fields. In this article, we'll take a look at five famous UGA athletes who have made a lasting impact in the world of sports.

1. Herschel Walker - Football Legend

Herschel Walker is arguably one of the most iconic athletes in UGA history. A running back who played for the Bulldogs from 1980 to 1982, Walker is a three-time All-American and won the Heisman Trophy in 1982. He is also a two-time SEC Player of the Year and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999. Walker's impressive collegiate career paved the way for a successful NFL stint, where he played for several teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings.

Walker's Achievements

• 3-time All-American
• Heisman Trophy winner (1982)
• 2-time SEC Player of the Year
• College Football Hall of Fame (1999)

2. Fran Tarkenton - NFL Quarterback

Fran Tarkenton is another legendary UGA athlete who made a name for himself in the NFL. A quarterback who played for the Bulldogs from 1958 to 1960, Tarkenton is a two-time All-American and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987. He went on to have a highly successful NFL career, playing for the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants, and was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection.

Tarkenton's Achievements

• 2-time All-American
• College Football Hall of Fame (1987)
• 9-time Pro Bowl selection
• NFL MVP (1975)

3. Teresa Edwards - Basketball Great

Teresa Edwards is one of the most accomplished female athletes in UGA history. A guard who played for the Lady Bulldogs from 1982 to 1986, Edwards is a four-time All-American and won two SEC Player of the Year awards. She went on to have a highly successful professional career, playing for several teams in the WNBA and overseas, and was a four-time Olympic gold medalist.

Edwards' Achievements

• 4-time All-American
• 2-time SEC Player of the Year
• 4-time Olympic gold medalist
• WNBA champion (2000)

4. Gordon Beckham - Baseball Star

Gordon Beckham is one of the most talented baseball players to come out of UGA. A shortstop who played for the Bulldogs from 2006 to 2008, Beckham is a two-time All-American and won the SEC Player of the Year award in 2008. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox with the eighth overall pick in the 2008 MLB draft and has played for several teams, including the White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Atlanta Braves.

Beckham's Achievements

• 2-time All-American
• SEC Player of the Year (2008)
• MLB All-Star (2009)
• Gold Glove Award winner (2010)

5. Kat Ding - Gymnastics Great

Kat Ding is one of the most accomplished gymnasts in UGA history. A competitor who represented the Bulldogs from 2002 to 2005, Ding is a three-time All-American and won two SEC Gymnast of the Year awards. She was a member of the US national team and competed in the 2004 Olympic Games, where she helped the US team win a silver medal.

Ding's Achievements

• 3-time All-American
• 2-time SEC Gymnast of the Year
• Olympic silver medalist (2004)
• US national team member

FAQs

We hope you've enjoyed learning about these five famous UGA athletes. From football to gymnastics, and from basketball to baseball, UGA has produced some of the most talented athletes in the world. Whether you're a die-hard Bulldogs fan or just a sports enthusiast, these athletes are sure to inspire and impress.