4 minPolitics
Todd Gurley Joins Trump on Air Force One for Georgia Midterm Rally
Former NFL All-Pro running back Todd Gurley accompanied President Donald Trump to a campaign rally in Dalton, Georgia, as Republicans seek to energize voters ahead of the November midterms.
Former NFL All-Pro running back Todd Gurley joined President Donald Trump aboard Air Force One on Friday as the president traveled to Dalton, Georgia, for a campaign rally aimed at energizing Republican voters ahead of the November midterm elections. The trip marks Trump's third visit to Georgia this year, underscoring the state's importance in the upcoming contests.
Gurley, a former University of Georgia standout, was photographed alongside Trump as they stepped off Air Force One at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta. The appearance adds a dose of football star power to the rally, where Trump was joined by Republican Senate candidate Mike Collins and gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson. The event is part of a broader push to mobilize supporters before Election Day on Nov. 3.
During his college career, Gurley rushed for 3,285 yards and 36 touchdowns in three seasons with the Bulldogs before being selected 10th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. He went on to become a three-time Pro Bowler and was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year in 2017 while playing for the Los Angeles Rams. His presence at the rally highlights a growing trend of professional athletes openly supporting Trump and Republican candidates.
Gurley is not the first Georgia football figure to appear alongside Trump. Current Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton joined the president at a February rally in Rome, Georgia, where he received a shout-out onstage. Additionally, Georgia legend Herschel Walker, whom Trump backed in his unsuccessful 2022 Senate campaign against Democrat Raphael Warnock, was later appointed U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas by Trump. These connections suggest that Georgia football stardom can translate into political proximity.
The rally in Dalton is part of a busy schedule for Trump, who has been actively campaigning for Republican candidates across the country. In Georgia, the focus is on boosting Collins and Jackson as they seek to flip key seats. The president's visit is expected to draw large crowds and generate enthusiasm among the base. For Gurley, the trip represents a new kind of spotlight—one that extends beyond the football field.
Reactions to Gurley's involvement were swift on social media. Clay Travis, a prominent sports commentator, wrote on X: «So many pro athletes are over the anti-Trump bulls***. Good for Todd Gurley.» The comment reflects a perceived shift among athletes who may have previously been hesitant to publicly support Trump. Gurley's decision to join the president on Air Force One signals a willingness to engage in political events, a move that could influence other athletes.
As the midterms approach, both parties are ramping up efforts to mobilize voters. Trump's rally in Georgia is one of several planned stops in battleground states. The involvement of figures like Gurley could help appeal to sports fans and reinforce the campaign's messaging. With the Senate and gubernatorial races tightening, every endorsement and appearance counts. The coming weeks will show whether this star power translates into votes.
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