Former Georgia Bulldogs coach Mark Richt shared his favorite Senior Day memory from his coaching days on the ACC Network. Richt coached numerous Senior Days at Georgia and Miami, but he knew his favorite moment right away.
Richt’s favorite moment came in 2002 for Georgia Bulldogs senior defensive lineman David Jacobs, who had to give up his college football career in order to recover from a stroke. Jacobs suffered a stroke following a practice in Nov. 2001.
Jacobs had to relearn how to walk. He put himself through a grind to improve his cognitive and physiological functioning one day at a time. Georgia fans and alumni helped cover some of Jacobs’ extensive medical costs following his stroke.
Before suffering a stroke, Jacobs was projected to be an NFL Draft selection. One day, ahead of senior day, Jacobs asked Richt if he could put the pads back on and be recognized with his teammates one last time.
Mark Richt couldn’t say no to David Jacobs and asked that Jacobs be announced last despite Jacobs being out of alphabetical order. For Senior Day at Sanford Stadium, David Jacobs ran through the tunnel and into the arms of his grandparents. He celebrated his career with his family and teammates in a day Bulldog fans will never forget. The Dawgs dominated Georgia Tech on the day before going on to win the SEC Championship.
Richt notes that:
There was not a dry eye in the crowd.
Richt is now the godfather of Jacobs’ son and the two maintain a close relationship to this day.
I think everyone will enjoy this. Georgia fans in particular! pic.twitter.com/y85NbNEFSJ
— Mark Richt (@MarkRicht) November 28, 2020
