ATHENS, Ga. — Herschel Walker once walked the halls of the University of Georgia back in the early 1980's.
From 1980 to 1982, the running back was the most popular man on campus. He accomplished much during this time, including winning a Heisman trophy, a national championship and rushing records that still exist to this day.
However, there was one thing he didn't achieve during his time as a student: an academic degree.
"I believe education is an equalizer, and I preached it, and I said, 'I need to go back and get my degree,'" Walker said in an interview posted to Georgia football's social media.
In 2023, Walker made it his mission to accomplish this goal when he re-enrolled at UGA. One year later and he's accomplished his goal, graduating with a degree in housing management and policy.
Based on a photo from AJC photographer Jason Getz, the Johnson County native hit a Heisman pose at his convocation ceremony on Thursday.
Walker, in his sitdown with Georgia Creative, noted how excited his mom was that, after so many years, he finally went back to graduate. He said that, while she never brought it up over the years, she was so proud that he finally made true on his promise.
"A few weeks ago, she said, 'I'm so glad you went back to get your degree. You promised me when you left that you were going to get your degree, and I'm so glad you went back to get it," Walker said.
The former Heisman winner played in the NFL from 1986 through 1997 and was named to two Pro Bowls and earned Second-Team All Pro nominations in 1987 and 1988.
Decades after his playing days were done, he ran for a Senate seat in Georgia as a Republican.
He lost that election, but earned an endorsement from future President-elect Donald Trump in 2021, an endorsement he paid back at an appearance at a Trump rally in Macon a few days before the 2024 presidential election.
After adding NFL veteran and politician to his resume, he's now added college graduate.
"I think it's important to have a degree right now because you can play this sport, make a lot of money, but that doesn't mean you're gonna have sustainability," Walker said. "So this degree meant a lot to me right now, making (my mom) proud of me, but also letting all the kids know it's never too late. Continue to work hard, try and get that degree."
Walker earned his degree alongside several other current Bulldogs. Redshirt junior Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, redshirt senior Arian Smith and senior Smael Mondon Jr. also graduated with a degree in housing management and policy.
Offensive lineman Tate Ratledge graduated with a degree in sports management, while punter Brett Thorson and running back Cash Jones graduated with a degree in communication studies. Take a look at a full list of all Georgia football players that graduated on Friday below.
- Herschel Walker - Housing Management & Policy
- Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins - Housing Management & Policy
- Cash Jones - Communication Studies
- Smael Mondon Jr. - Housing Management & Policy
- Tate Ratledge - Sport Management
- Arian Smith - Housing Management & Policy
- Brett Thorson - Communication Studies
- Brandon Moody - Sociology
- Noah Jones - Real Estate
- Izayah Reeves - Housing Management & Policy
- Samuel Shurtleff - Management
- Jonathan Washburn - International Affairs