The hedges surrounding Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium have roots that run deep. I’m not talking physically; that’s way past my pay grade, I’m a journalist not a biologist. These roots are the unbreakable bonds shared by the Bulldog faithful. It’s something closely kin to religion, something much purer than mere dedication, much finer than just winning; it’s expecting to win. That’s the standard, the culture, the connection, the roots that run so deep among the Bulldog Nation. Furthermore, those roots begin with the men who once defended that sacred turf, the lettermen of Georgia football.

“It’s history,” said State Representative and former Georgia linebacker Demetrius Douglas. “It’s great to see the camaraderie among the same guys you played with… a little older, a little slower, but it’s great to make these connections after so many years. It’s networking. We love to get to know what these guys are doing now and how we can help them and others with their businesses.” 

On Saturday, August 17, I had the privilege of witnessing this rekindled flame that each letterman sparked while attending the University of Georgia. To close out fall camp, the final scrimmage was hosted at Sanford Stadium with the Georgia Football Lettermen’s Club in attendance. Located in the West End Zone recruiting lounge, over 240 lettermen gathered, enjoyed a Jimmy Camp Stripling’s catered meal, and watched the preseason No. 1 ranked Dawgs run a full speed scrimmage.

Needless to say, the event was Damn Good Dawg galore. From Horace King and Chuck Kinnebrew, two members of “The First Five,” to John Lastinger and Buck Belue, the Valdosta High alumni turned Georgia quarterbacks of the early 80s, the GFLC event filled the West End Zone recruiting lounge with Bulldog legends. 

“All UGA lettermen, no matter the sport, we’re kind of all part of a large fraternity,” said Lastinger. “While I can’t speak for everybody, I think there’s a lot of pride in being a letterman.”

These heroes on the gridiron of yesteryears gather as often as they can, but it’s these types of events where hundreds come together to reminisce on the glory days of their playing time. Like this West End Zone luncheon and scrimmage viewing, the GFLC hosts events at G-Day and one regular season game per year. Prior to the spring game, the crew rallies together for another Jimmy Camp Stripling’s meal and flag football game. 

“For those that still have the fire in them to lace up their cleats, we have a flag football game,” said current Vice President of the GFLC and former Georgia quarterback David Dukes. “About 40 guys participate while the other 700 or so attendees watch those brave enough to play.” 

One of the club’s proudest members is our valiant leader and letter winner at this fine institution, head coach Kirby Smart. The commander in chief of Georgia football visited his fellow lettermen to give an update on the 2024-25 Dawgs as well as recognition for those in attendance. 

“Coach Smart being a letterman brings a unique aspect to the club because he is one of us,” said former Georgia punter, All-American and 2009 Ray Guy Award winner Drew Butler. “Yes, he is the best coach in the country, and yes, he runs the best program in the country, but when he talks to the Lettermen, he speaks to us as peers. He truly understands how a strong lettermen club can benefit his student-athletes, past and present, by fostering a lettermen’s club that aims to look after one another through a strong brotherhood.”

Coach Smart noted that the greatest benefit to this club is the mentorship these past letter winners can offer to the current student-athletes and trainers. These are an exhibit of those roots running deep. It’s more than just a social outing but an organization that strives to continue looking out for any and all Georgia alumni of the athletic program. 

The company among each and every lettermen is enjoyed, and it’s visible as a bystander while they all interact. “I love seeing David Dukes,” said Butler. “I needed some advice on my short game, and he is the guy to speak to!” Despite the fellowship of those in attendance, it cannot go without saying that valuable members of the club who have passed are missed each reunion.

“Andy Johnson was my hero,” said Dukes. “It was special to see him at occasions like this, and he was always my favorite to catch up with.” Lastinger added, “I still miss not seeing Andy. He was the best!”

Those who have passed on, those that still regularly attend, and even those who don’t always come, their presence is always appreciated. “As we get older, it gets more important every year,” said Lastinger. “As soon as a couple of your teammates pass away, you value the reunion times more and more.”

A culture developed long before 2024, long before our back-to-back national titles, long before Coach Smart’s return as head coach in 2016, this is a culture garnered by these Georgia forebears. These are the roots that run so deep beneath the hedges and protect our hallowed field. This is the Georgia Football Lettermen’s Club to whom we owe an unimaginable amount of gratitude as their work many years ago laid the foundation where this new breed of Bulldog takes the field today.