Malcolm Mitchell, a former wide receiver for both the Georgia Bulldogs and New England Patriots, was recognized by the Georgia Senate on Thursday for his efforts to promote children’s literacy.

Mitchell’s efforts began back when he was invited to a book club while still in college. This book club eventually motivated him to create the Share the Magic Foundation in 2016. In addition to the Foundation, Mitchell has written and published three children’s books.

Mitchell and his team travel across the country, inspiring students to read through various programs. The Foundation hosts a “READBowl,” a free program where PK-8th grade teams track their minutes read in a competition. This global competition begins the day of the College Football Championship and lasts until the day of the Super Bowl. Whichever team has the most minutes will be crowned the “World Champions of Reading.” The Senate resolution recognizes Mitchell for reaching over 150,000 readers, using 88.3% of the foundation’s funds directly for youth literacy.

I had the chance to talk with Malcolm and he said:

“My biggest accomplishment is not my success on the football field. I consider my love for reading to be my greatest accomplishment. The idea of Georgia students discovering the same love for reading that I did is beyond my wildest dreams.”

Malcolm Mitchell

The entire resolution can be read at: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/66095