Georgia’s CJ Allen Inspires Future Generations with Community Service

CJ Allen, a linebacker for the fifth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, returned to his hometown of Barnesville, Georgia, not just for a break but with a mission. Last weekend, the 6-foot-1, 235-pound redshirt junior dedicated his time to giving back to the community that has significantly shaped his life and values.

During his visit, Allen made stops at various schools in the Lamar County public school system, engaging with students and providing support. At the local elementary school, he presented a large novelty check as part of a donation aimed at inspiring young learners. “The kids there, they show love and kind of look up to me a lot,” Allen stated. “I just wanted to show my thanks and support them, to inspire the kids behind me to keep going and chasing their dreams.”

This donation is just one of many ways Allen has contributed to his community. He has previously hosted football camps and participated in charity events around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Looking ahead, Allen expressed a desire to establish an after-school program that would support children’s educational needs. “My biggest plan is to open an after-school program, where they can do research and learning after school, and just better their future as far as what they want to do after high school,” he explained. “I just want to help put them on the right track and give them the resources they need.”

Recognized for his contributions both on and off the field, Allen was named one of the 20 semifinalists for the ninth annual Jesse Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, which honors student-athletes for their performance and leadership. He is also a member of the 2025 SEC Football Leadership Council and the SEC Student-Athlete Leadership Council.

Teammate Drew Bobo, Georgia’s starting center, praised Allen’s leadership qualities. “He sets the example for people for how to do it in the weight room, how to do it off the field,” Bobo noted. “He’s just so dedicated to doing everything right. He just leads by example all the time, and when he has to, he leads with his voice.”

A notable presence at Georgia, former linebacker Roquan Smith visited Sanford Stadium on October 18 during a game against Ole Miss, where he led fans in the traditional pregame cheer. Smith, who played for Georgia from 2015 to 2017, earned accolades for his performance, including the Butkus Award. He set a high standard with his impressive statistics, totaling 252 tackles and 19 tackles for loss during his college career.

Allen is carving his own path as the current No. 3 for the Bulldogs. This season, he has emerged as a key player, leading the team with 56 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and tying for the lead with three sacks. Following the Bulldogs’ recent victory over Ole Miss, he recorded a team-high 10 tackles, marking his consistency and impact on the field.

Reflecting on his development since his freshman year, Allen highlighted his growing confidence. “Just believing in my ability, believing in my work that I put in throughout the week, and just trusting that,” he said. His performance statistics reinforce his progress: in 35 career games, he has accumulated 173 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception.

As Georgia prepares for its next game, Allen remains focused not only on his performance but also on the legacy he hopes to create for the next generation. His commitment to his community and his team exemplifies the spirit of leadership that defines both his character and his contributions to the game.