Matthew Stafford, Kirby Smart have endowed $500K to a social justice program for Georgia student-athletes

Matthew Stafford and Kirby Smart are giving back to their community in a major way.

Former Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford and current Georgia head coach Kirby Smart have pitched in to help social justice initiatives for student-athletes at the university. In total, the two donated $500,000 on Friday, which is only part of the larger gifts made by the Staffords and the Smarts.

In a press release, Georgia Athletic Director Greg McGarity said that the donation will allow “The Athletic Association to implement strategic initiatives in diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice.” The Staffords donated $350,000 while the Smarts donated $150,000.

Similar to Stafford, Smart was a football player at Georgia. Smart played safety for four years in Athens from 1995-1998. Smart had 13 career interceptions for the Bulldogs, which ranks fourth all-time at Georgia. He was selected to the All-SEC first team in 1998. Smart went onto be signed by the Indianapolis Colts after going undrafted but never made an NFL appearance.

Matt Stafford has used his platform admirably during his time in the NFL

In Detroit, Matt Stafford is part of a players’ coalition that focuses on social justice within the organization and the community as a whole. On July 21, he and other Lions players joined Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for a virtual town hall on voter registration.

In today’s world, it’s important to see people use their money to help promote issues that truly matter. Smart and Stafford’s efforts will go a long way to help educate the younger generation on social justice and in turn, make the University of Georgia a better place for everyone.

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