Jill Holloway/The Thomasville Times-EnterpriseGREETING FANS: Aaron Murray held a meet and greet prior to the FCA Banquet, where he spoke with several of his biggest fans.

CAIRO — The South Georgia Fellowship of Christian Athletes Grady County chapter held their annual banquet on Thursday night, where attendees heard from featured guest Aaron Murray.

Murray was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, where he graduated as an All-American from Plant High School, receiving 53 scholarship offers.

Murray eventually chose to attend University of Georgia and would go on to have an unbelievable career, being named the SEC Passing Touchdown Leader and the SEC Career Passing Yards Leader.

Following a star-studded career at UGA under Head Coach Mark Richt, Murray would be drafted in the fifth round by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Murray went on to play for the Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles and LA Rams, before he left football to become a color commentator for the SEC Network. However, none of these accomplishments were possible without God’s help.

“For those of you who play football, you know it’s not always the glamour of Saturdays,” he said. “There are a lot of pitfalls along the way, and if I didn’t have the support of my family, teammates and my faith, I would not have been the quarterback or father that I am today.”

Murray then went on to detail his journey and some of the difficult times he faced.

As a child, Murray was raised both Catholic and Jewish. He explained faith was at the center of everything, with education coming second and sports in third.

“My mom didn’t even want me to play football,” he explained. “She didn’t let my older brother play football and it took me until I was about 12 or 13-years-old to convince her to let me play.”

Murray said his mother let him play on the conditions that his faith was in order and he had all A’s.

“I made sure I did and was doing the right thing,” Murray said. “I made sure I was extremely involved in the community, in groups like FCA.”

With his mom’s blessing, Murray joined the team and said he fell in love with football right away.

Originally playing the position of starting safety his sophomore year, Murray’s team went on to win the high school state championship.

However, the pitfalls Murray referenced earlier were right around the corner.

Murray transitioned into the position of quarterback midway through the season and on his very first snap, he attempted to make the drop, but tripped over his shoelaces, tearing his labrum in his right shoulder.

“I didn’t know at the time, because adrenaline was running through me, but the next day I went to pick up a football and couldn’t throw it,” Murray recounted. “I had bought time playing safety, but the plan was for me to take over at starting quarterback when our quarterback left. I realized I may never play quarterback again, or at least at a high level.”

Following a long, grueling recovery, Murray was able to return to the field for his junior season, where he was noticed nationally.

Murray began receiving offers from across the country, but UGA caught his eye after a visit with Richt.

As soon as I met Coach Richt, I knew and my parents knew this was the man I wanted to be around for the next 4-5 years of my life,” he said. “So many coaches wanted to talk about the NFL, but with Coach Richt it was 50% football and the other 50% was about how he was going to make me a better man and steward of the community.”

Upon committing to the Bulldogs, Murray entered a quarterback battle for the position of starting quarterback. He recalled the tough days, calling his parents and telling them he may have to look for a new home, but most of all Murray prayed, eventually ending up with the starting position.

“I never looked back and had four incredible seasons at Georgia,” he said. “But, the end stung a little bit.”

The “sting” was Murray’s senior night game.

“I had probably the best game of my career,” he said. “I had four touchdowns in the first half. I was a little full of myself, and I tried to juke a safety out and I tore my ACL.”

Murray recalled being in the locker room, crying, because he planned on entering the draft in the next four months.

However, he was surrounded by his family, teammates and coaches, who reminded him this wasn’t the end.

“I couldn’t have made the recovery without my support team and my faith,” Murray stated.

He went on to be drafted in the fifth round by the Kansas City Chiefs.

After a few years in the NFL, Murray made the jump to television, where he will now commentate for his sixth season.

Murray concluded by stating how thankful he was for the opportunity to play for UGA and in the NFL, due to the fact he was able to serve the community and help spotlight important causes with his publicity, one of which was FCA.

“It was fun and really allowed me to serve my teammates and my community,” he said proudly.

FCA Area Director Noah Henson thanked Murray for sharing his story and faith with the crowd before accepting donations to help other young players be sent to camp, where they could learn about the Lord as well.