News Summary

Atlanta is buzzing as the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame reveals its latest ballot, featuring 30 iconic players including Walt Frazier, Kirby Smart, and Cam Newton. These legends are vying for a place in this prestigious hall. The ceremony for the 2024 class is set for October 26 at the College Football Hall of Fame, promising a memorable event for sports enthusiasts. With the increased ballot candidates, the excitement surrounding this year’s nominations is palpable as Atlanta prepares to celebrate its sports legends.

Atlanta Buzzing as Legends Join Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame Ballot!

It’s an exhilarating time for football fans in Atlanta! On Thursday, the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame unveiled its latest ballot, adding a whopping 30 players, including some of Georgia’s most iconic sports figures. Among the new names on the ballot are none other than NBA superstar Walt Frazier, respected Georgia football coach Kirby Smart, and former NFL MVP Cam Newton. Excitement is in the air as these legends vie for a spot in this prestigious hall!

Walt Frazier: The Passing Phenom

Before he dazzled fans on the basketball court, Frazier was taking the football field by storm in the early 1960s. He was the standout quarterback for Atlanta’s Howard High School, earning accolades as the best quarterback in the city back in 1962, according to the Atlanta World. This remarkable accomplishment came at a time when opportunities for Black quarterbacks were limited in both the NFL and the AFL.

Initially signed to play football at Indiana University, Frazier pivoted to college basketball, where he made a significant mark at Southern Illinois. There, he blossomed into a seven-time NBA All-Star, leading the New York Knicks to two championships in the early ’70s. Now at 80, he hasn’t hung up his sneakers; he still lights up the screen as a color commentator for Knicks broadcasts!

Kirby Smart: From Player to Coach

Next up is Kirby Smart, who has made significant waves in Georgia football as both a player and coach. Once the superstar of Bainbridge High’s football team, Smart captured first-team all-state honors as a defensive back in 1993, racking up an impressive eight interceptions during his junior and senior seasons. He later shined as an All-SEC safety at the University of Georgia.

Smart’s coaching prowess has led the Georgia Bulldogs to incredible success, winning a national championship and continuously demonstrating his understanding of the game. Georgia fans certainly have plenty of reasons to cheer for this legend!

Cam Newton: The High School Phenom

And let’s not forget about Cam Newton, who electrified the field as a five-star quarterback recruit at Westlake High School. Under his leadership, the team scored significant playoff victories in both 2005 and 2006. He later carried that momentum to Auburn University, leading them to a national championship in 2010 and taking the Carolina Panthers to Super Bowl 50 in 2016.

Though Newton has been inactive since 2021, he recently made it clear that he has no plans to return to football, making him eligible for this exciting Hall of Fame nomination!

New Faces & More Exciting Names

This year’s ballot increases the list to a total of 100 candidates, refreshing the roster after 30 players were inducted just a year ago. Alongside Frazier, Smart, and Newton, other notable additions include former Georgia Tech stars Josh Nesbitt and Keith Brooking, as well as Georgia standouts Lindsay Scott and Freddie Gilbert.

Adding to the buzz, Sterling Sharpe—set to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2025—will automatically gain induction into the Georgia Hall of Fame come October!

Ceremony and Voting Process

Mark your calendars! The induction ceremony for the 2024 class is set for October 26 at the College Football Hall of Fame. The event promises to be a memorable celebration, featuring a VIP reception ahead of the main ceremony.

The selection process for this year’s inductees was no easy task. Board members nominated their picks in early spring, and after a lot of discussion, the final 30-player class emerged, including a thrilling runoff to break a three-way tie for the last ballot spot.

As the excitement builds, Atlanta sports enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see which legends will officially join the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame! Let the countdown begin!

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