UPDATE: Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen made headlines this past weekend by returning to his hometown of Barnesville, GA, to give back to the community that shaped him. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound redshirt junior, who is currently the fifth-ranked Bulldogs’ leading tackler heading into their crucial game against Florida, delivered a powerful message of support and inspiration to local students.
Earlier today, Allen visited multiple schools in his hometown, including elementary, middle, and high schools, where he made a significant donation to the local elementary school. Arriving with a large novelty check, he emphasized the importance of giving back to those who helped him reach his current status as a football star.
“The kids there, they show love and kind of look up to me a lot. I just wanted to show my thanks and support them, to inspire the kids behind me to keep going and chasing their dreams,”
said Allen, reflecting on his visit.
This donation is not Allen’s first act of kindness. He has previously hosted football camps and participated in community events around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Allen has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to establish an after-school program that would provide local children with the resources they need to succeed academically.
“My biggest plan is to open an after-school program, where they can do research and learning after school, and just better their future as far as what they want to do after high school,”
he stated, showcasing his commitment to fostering future generations.
Adding to his accolades, Allen was recently named one of the 20 semifinalists for the ninth annual Jesse Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, recognizing his on-field performance and exemplary leadership qualities. He is also a member of the 2025 SEC Football Leadership Council and the SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Council.
Teammate Drew Bobo, Georgia’s starting center, praised Allen’s leadership, stating, “He sets the example for people for how to do it in the weight room, how to do it off the field. He’s just so dedicated to doing everything right.”
As the Bulldogs prepare for their matchup against Florida, Allen has been a key player, leading the team with 56 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and is tied for the team lead with 3 sacks. His performance has drawn comparisons to former Georgia standout linebacker Roquan Smith, who attended the Bulldogs’ game against Ole Miss on October 18, 2023.
In the recent win over Ole Miss, Allen recorded a team-high 10 tackles, with similar performances in previous games this season. His average of 8.0 tackles per game ranks second in the SEC, just behind Tennessee’s Arion Carter.
Reflecting on his growth as a player since his freshman year, Allen credits his increasing confidence as the key to his success. “Just believing in my ability, believing in my work that I put in throughout the week, and just trusting that,” he explained. “That’s the biggest area where I’ve grown as a player.”
As the Georgia Bulldogs gear up for their next game, Allen’s impact extends far beyond the football field. His commitment to his community and inspiring local youth highlights the profound difference one athlete can make off the field, proving that true leadership is about serving others.
