A.J. Green had a tremendous college career at Georgia before moving on to the NFL where he's an All-Pro receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Green's name appears in the top three in nearly every receiving category in Georgia's record book, including being third in career catches (166), third in career yards (1,619) and second in career touchdowns (23).
Now, Green and his wife Miranda have announced that they are endowing two scholarships to the university, via a release from the school.
The A.J. Green Family Football Scholarship will go to one member of the football team. The A.J. Green Family Scholarships will go to two need-based students at Georgia, with first-preference going to student's from Green's home-state of South Carolina.
The Greens have stipulated that the recipient of their football scholarship represent UGA ''in an outstanding manner in the classroom as an honor student, on the playing field, in the community, and who also demonstrates a commitment to the University and its football program.''
''I'm very excited and very thankful that we were in the position to give back to the University of Georgia,'' Green said. ''My time at UGA is still close to my heart. It was definitely important for me to give back while I'm still playing professionally and I'm fortunate that we are able to do that.''
The A.J. Green Family Scholarships were inspired by Green's middle school football and basketball coach, Louis Mulkey, who died in 2007 while working as a firefighter.
''His big thing was helping kids realize their full potential,'' Green said. ''He pushed me every day to become the best I could be, on and off the field. By giving back, and having the opportunity to pay the way for somebody who otherwise couldn't, is a great way for me to help them realize their potential. That was very important to me.''
The University of Georgia will honor Green and his family at halftime of the Nov. 7 game against Kentucky for their contributions.
''We are deeply appreciative of A.J. and his wife Miranda for this wonderful gift,'' said Georgia head football coach Mark Richt. ''With this gift, they are creating a tremendous legacy -- of giving back and helping the next young person fulfill his or her dreams. Their generosity will endure for years to come.
''A.J. continues to be a great ambassador for Georgia. We see him on Sundays in the NFL with tremendous pride, knowing that he's still a big part of our UGA family. He's now in position to serve as a role model for all of our players from the present, past and future.''
