Ladd McConkey – A Role Model For Every Kid

Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey is one of those players who is always going above and beyond for others. The 22-year-old even received the Wuerffel Trophy this past December, which recognizes the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities both on the field and off. 

McConkey & the AFCA Good Works Team

When he is not holding meet and greets for individuals with special needs or visiting ill children, McConkey works with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Established in 1992 by the College Football Association, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team annually recognizes 22 student-athletes and one coach for their contributions to the community. 

McConkey was named to the team in September based on his philanthropic efforts. Ever since he has continued to help those in the Athens community.

The wide receiver recently posted a video on Instagram demonstrating his latest community service act. This time, McConkey and the AFCA Team took several deserving children on a shopping spree.

“Today we took ten deserving kids from the Athens community and gave them $500 to shop around. Athens has done so much for me, so I’m thankful to be able to give back to them.”

“I love growing together as a community and [I am] excited to continue this journey of service and learning,” McConkey captioned the video.

“It’s amazing to see what these athletes have done at such a young age,” AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry said. “They balance athletics, schoolwork, and community service. This is an outstanding group of men who will continue the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team legacy.”

Words from his teammates

McConkey has had a lasting impact on those that surround him. Everyone from coaches to teammates, to SEC anchors and retired NFL players. 

Recently, former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow commended McConkey for his community service accomplishments. 

“He is making such an impact in so many ways,” he noted.

Ladd’s teammates are also very supportive of his volunteer efforts in the Athens Community.

Bulldogs wide receiver Dillon Bell says Ladd “revels at the opportunity to be able to go out there and help people.” Georgia defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse notes that his efforts are true to himself.

“When he goes into the community and does things for these kids, we know what it’s deep down inside, and it means something to him,” Stackhouse notes.

It isn’t just his teammates at the University of Georgia that notice. Senior Associate Sports Communication Director of Georgia thinks very highly of McConkey.

“Ladd’s one of those student-athletes – the rare ones we get – that if we could mold someone out of Play-Doh, have the academics in that Play-Doh, have the community service, and have the on-the-field performance, he’s the dude that we would make,” Barrow said in an interview with SEC.

A standout student-athlete

Ladd McConkey was undoubtedly one of the most selfless players in college football.

Even when Ladd can’t make it to AFCA events, he still supports others who are making an impact. 

McConkey officially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft on January 1. It would be very surprising if coaches failed to notice the huge influence he’s had, not only on those in the Athens community, but also on his fellow teammates, coaches, and who knows who else?

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursuing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.