The University of Georgia (UGA) has a rich athletic history, with numerous talented athletes having represented the Bulldogs over the years. From football and basketball to track and field, UGA has produced its fair share of sports stars who have made a lasting impact in their respective fields. Here are 7 famous University of Georgia athletes to know:
Francis Tarkenton - Football Legend
Francis Tarkenton is a UGA football legend and one of the greatest players in Bulldog history. A two-time All-American and two-time SEC Player of the Year, Tarkenton led the Bulldogs to the 1960 SEC Championship and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 1961 NFL Draft. He went on to have a Hall of Fame career, playing for the Vikings and New York Giants, and is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Dominique Wilkins - Basketball Icon
Dominique Wilkins is a UGA basketball icon and one of the greatest players in Bulldog history. A two-time All-American and two-time SEC Player of the Year, Wilkins led the Bulldogs to the 1979 SEC Championship and was drafted by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 1982 NBA Draft. He went on to have a Hall of Fame career, playing for the Jazz, Atlanta Hawks, and Boston Celtics, and is considered one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history.
Matthew Stafford is a UGA football quarterback and one of the most successful players in Bulldog history. A two-time All-American and two-time SEC Player of the Year, Stafford led the Bulldogs to the 2008 Sugar Bowl and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He has gone on to have a successful NFL career, playing for the Lions and Los Angeles Rams, and is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
<h2_SHARE}Jeff Wallace - Olympic Champion
Jeff Wallace is a UGA track and field athlete and Olympic champion. A two-time All-American and two-time SEC Champion, Wallace won the gold medal in the 4x400 relay at the 1996 Summer Olympics and set multiple school records in the 400-meter dash. He is considered one of the greatest track and field athletes in UGA history.
<h2_Toni Youngs - Volleyball Star
Toni Youngs is a UGA volleyball star and one of the greatest players in Bulldog history. A two-time All-American and two-time SEC Player of the Year, Youngs led the Bulldogs to the 1995 NCAA Championship and was drafted by the USA Volleyball team in 1996. She is considered one of the greatest volleyball players in UGA history.
Shaun Williams is a UGA football safety and one of the most successful players in Bulldog history. A two-time All-American and two-time SEC Player of the Year, Williams led the Bulldogs to the 1998 Sugar Bowl and was drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He went on to have a successful NFL career, playing for the Giants and Carolina Panthers.
Patrick Pass is a UGA football fullback and one of the most successful players in Bulldog history. A two-time All-American and two-time SEC Player of the Year, Pass led the Bulldogs to the 2000 Outback Bowl and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He went on to have a successful NFL career, playing for the Patriots and New York Giants.
Gallery of UGA Athletes
If you're a fan of the University of Georgia, you might be interested in learning more about these athletes and their achievements. Who is your favorite UGA athlete? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What is the University of Georgia's athletic program called?
+The University of Georgia's athletic program is called the Georgia Bulldogs.
What sports does the University of Georgia offer?
+The University of Georgia offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, track and field, volleyball, and more.
Who is the most famous University of Georgia athlete?
+Francis Tarkenton is widely considered the most famous University of Georgia athlete, having had a Hall of Fame career in the NFL.