While that full-time job paid very well and gave him the chance to pursue one of his passions, giving it up has allowed Mitchell to dedicate himself fully to perhaps the most important work of his life. He was just 25 years old when he hung up his helmet and pads for good. Injuries forced the former Georgia wide receiver, who won a Super Bowl in his rookie season with the New England Patriots, to retire from the game almost three full years ago.
The Literacy for Learning, Living, and Leading Grant (L4GA), Troup County School System, Magnolia Society of The United Way, and all of the local vendors and sponsors made the day a success.Malcolm Mitchell doesn’t play football anymore. Mitchell’s visit was not only an inspiration for the kids he talked with but also the teachers, business leaders, and parents that he shared his smile and story with that day. He spoke to everyone who stood in line to talk with him while also engaging local kids in running out for passes with footballs they brought for him to sign. The highlight of the beautiful fall afternoon was when Mitchell walked onto the grassy field filled with eager children and autographed copies of the book. Four hundred copies of Mitchell’s newest book, My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World, were given away to Troup County students. Kids enjoyed face painting, balloon animals, and a bike giveaway sponsored by Pedal Forward of Hogansville. Kona Ice, Crave Cookies, Kimble’s, and New Ventures provided food and drink to all in attendance.
More than a dozen community organizations focused on our community’s family and children were on hand to distribute information about their programs. The day ended with the first-ever Get Troup Reading Family Festival at Southbend Park. Each student was given their own copy of Malcolm’s book, The Magician’s Hat, as they entered the sports facility to participate in a high energy pep rally for reading with the band, cheerleaders, and student-athletes cheering them on as they entered. He then visited the three area high schools and hosted a Reading Rally with second graders. He shared his story of growing up in Valdosta where he experienced many of the same problems students in Troup County experience today. Mitchell, who created a youth literacy initiative called Read with Malcolm and established Share the Magic Foundation to transform lives through literacy, kicked off the day by speaking at the Early Bird Chamber of Commerce Breakfast.
9 was such a special day as Get Troup Reading, a Get Georgia Reading Campaign community, and the Troup County School System hosted children’s book author, Super Bowl-winning football player, and UGA alumnus Malcolm Mitchell to Troup County. Smiles, laughter, and sunshine were just some of the reasons Nov. A Day for the Books with Malcolm Mitchell
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