A.J. Green leaves UGA for NFL draft
A.J. Green delivered the long-expected news Sunday: He will forgo his senior season at Georgia and enter the NFL draft.
For months, if not years, the star wide receiver had been expected to leave UGA after his junior season for the riches of pro football. And while he didn’t veer from the predicted course, he insisted that finalizing the decision came harder than many thought it would.
“Throughout the last couple of weeks, it was pretty hectic, just making a sound decision for my family and [me],” Green said from his home in Summerville, S.C.
He said he told Georgia coach Mark Richt of his intention on Friday but added that he wasn’t certain of the decision until Saturday.
Green is generally projected as a top-five NFL pick, with some draft analysts suggesting that Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck’s decision last week to stay in school could put Green in contention to be the No. 1 overall selection.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for me,” Green said. “This is a longtime dream since I was a little boy. I feel like my skills are up to par to make this jump. I feel like I proved myself in one of the best conferences in college football from day one.”
A three-year starter at Georgia, Green ranks third in school history in receptions (166) and receiving yards (2,619) and second in touchdown catches (23). His numbers would be larger if not for injuries that sidelined him for three-plus games in 2009 and an NCAA suspension that cost him the first four games of the 2010 season.
Green was suspended for selling his Independence Bowl jersey for $1,000 to a person the NCAA considered a sports agent.
Now, Green is in position to make tens of millions of dollars from his first NFL contract.
Even so, he said, “it was one of the toughest decisions I’ve made, just leaving the brotherhood I have made at Georgia. . . . I’m going to really miss the guys and the coaches.”
The 6-foot-4, 212-pound Green captivated Georgia fans with his leaping ability and knack for making improbable catches. But the Bulldogs had generally disappointing seasons during his three years, posting records of 10-3, 8-5 and 6-7, respectively, and he expressed regret that the team did not win an SEC championship during his time in Athens.
“It hurts. That’s what I came there for,” he said. “But things happen for a reason. I’ll keep working, and I’ll be a Bulldog for life.”
The Carolina Panthers have the No. 1 pick in the draft, and Green acknowledged it’d be nice to play so close to home. Charlotte is about 200 miles from Summerville.
“I’m pretty sure a bunch of my family and friends could make that trip easily,” he said.
But he isn’t assuming anything. “You never know with that draft,” he said. “It’s going to be a fun process. I’m going to work [to be drafted] as high as I can.”
Richt wished Green well, saying in a statement: “A.J. has made an immeasurable impact on our team over the past three seasons. . . . I’ve enjoyed the blessing of working with him and getting to know his family, and we wish him all the success in professional football. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.”
Georgia awaits word from several other juniors who are weighing whether to enter the draft: outside linebacker Justin Houston, cornerback Brandon Boykin and offensive guard Cordy Glenn. Offensive tackle Trinton Sturdivant said Friday that he will stay in school for his senior season.
– Tim Tucker
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325 comments Add your comment
Why Stay
January 9th, 2011
4:38 pm
Good Luck AJ…Thanks for the 3 years and who could blame you for leaving. With Bobo’s play calling your draft stock could only drop from here and since it appears he will be play calling again next year…Hey man tear it up in the NFL!
ivy
January 9th, 2011
4:39 pm
Well there goes another top pick to the NFL that didnt accomplish anything while at GA. Its getting old watching some of the best talent on the planet come thru UGA and never even win a SEC east crown! Sickening…..
BobbyButtimer
January 9th, 2011
4:43 pm
I appreciate everything AJ has done for Georgia and wish him well, but I think he is making a mistake. 6′4″ and 215 pounds is not good for an NFL receiver; I think another year of working in the weight room would have helped tremendously; can’t blame him for leaving, the money will be too much to pass up, but I hope he doesn’t spend his first few years on the injured reserved list.
Texas Dawg
January 9th, 2011
5:05 pm
If I was AJ I can’t say that I would have not declared as well………glad he was Dawg…..just wish he would have stayed in school like the guy/qb from Stanford.! I have to say as a fan I truley respect the maturatey and intellegence of that type of leader. We need more of his type at UGA and less guys that use UGA as a stepping stone for the NFL. Really thought Fran Tarkenten was on the money about what he said about the state of the UGA program and it’s decline the last four years. If Richt doesn’t win ten next year, beat Fla and win the east he has to go!
JDAWG
January 9th, 2011
5:06 pm
http://isportsweb.com/2011/01/09/aj-green-declares-for-the-nfl/
Dawg_Mike
January 9th, 2011
5:06 pm
None of us will ever need to decide between taking Millions or going back to the dorm room.
Seriously, what would YOU do?
Dawg_Mike
January 9th, 2011
5:06 pm
Tarkenton’s rant was EPIC !!!
Agree 1000000000 %
tall
January 9th, 2011
5:07 pm
Good for AJ Green for leaving dat plaintation and hypocrites slave masters!
bwell
January 9th, 2011
5:09 pm
WE LOVE YOU AJ THANKS FOR ALL YOU DID…………..GOD BLESS YOU AND NOW YOU CAN GET PAID FROM US ALL FOR WEARING YOUR JERSEY LOL. Best of luck sure wish you would have stayed, but I and others can’t be selfish.
2011 NFL Draft Early Entries | Backseat Fan
January 9th, 2011
5:14 pm
[...] 1/9/2011 [...]
t-bone
January 9th, 2011
5:16 pm
A.J. will be missed but this is the right move. Note to all future college players: if you want to sell a jersey or any other item of value, get your dad to do it and then play ignorant.
THE TRUTH
January 9th, 2011
5:17 pm
AJ is the most overrated WR in the history of the SEC. All he does is make acrobatic catches… Thats it. He wont block, he’s too skinny to be physical, and he doesnt have elite speed. He will be a major bust in the NFL. Julio Jones, Alshon Jeffrey, Greg Childs, and Darvin Adams are all better than AJ. Never lived up to his potential. He is all about himself and not the team. Good Riddance.
Dawg61
January 9th, 2011
5:18 pm
“Throughout the last couple of weeks, it was pretty hectic, just making a sound decision for my family and [me],” Green said…
Yeah, right.
Conversation with parents: ” I can’t decide on an Escalade, Bentley or Rolls…what you think?”
“AND, I really wanted to stay in school and get my degree…”
Hmmm. No surprise. He never intended (as with many, many others) to stay in school for an education. The Ben Franklins mean more than an education.
Eaassyy
January 9th, 2011
5:22 pm
More genius posts from Still@thebar. Brilliant. Should’ve gone to USC. Groundbreaking, dude
icedawg
January 9th, 2011
5:28 pm
A very good impact player. Injuries and money grab prevented him from making a more significant contribution to the team. Hopefully we’ll see him play and do well on Sundays. Green required a lot of double coverage which made opportunities for other receivers. He’ll be missed. But the DAWGS are not exactly hurting for good receivers. Our troubles are along both sides of the line of scrimmage.
Jim
January 9th, 2011
5:28 pm
AJ, while I hate to see you go I certainly understand your reasoning and I wish you the very best in the NFL. I saw most of the games you played in, at least the ones in Athens, and was always in awe at the way you played. You will be missed but you definitely will never ever be forgotten in the minds and hearts of us Bulldogs. You also showed a lot of class this season in the way you handeled your situation. You are THE man!
Best Wishes AJ Green
January 9th, 2011
5:33 pm
Thank you for all of the memories AJ. You’re the best!
HARRY from CANTON
January 9th, 2011
5:34 pm
“Welcome” to the CLEVELAND BROWNS A.J. !
Delbert D.
January 9th, 2011
5:36 pm
Football is the only thing that really matters…
“In the land of the hypocrites that is college football, Notre Dame has become the most hypocritical, hiding like cowards behind the outdated mythology of Win One for the Gipper and The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and Rudy Rudy Rudy and their own holier-than-thou Catholicism.
“The blood of a 19-year-old girl spills like an oil slick over the football team and the school administration.”
Partial quote from Buzz Bissinger’s article “Notre Dame’s Shameful Suicide Scandal” on the DailyBeast.com. Bissinger is the author of the best-selling book, “Friday Night Lights.”
Jacket Spray
January 9th, 2011
5:36 pm
Good luck Ajay. I would go for the $-stupid if you did not do it.You only live once and we are not promised tomorrow. Go Dawgs!!!
HARRY from CANTON
January 9th, 2011
5:38 pm
P.S. we also love our “DAWG POUND” !
James
January 9th, 2011
5:42 pm
My god what a bunch of little cry baby b*tches. AJ was great at UGA he was the best WR in the SEC and you have to be an idiot to think other wise. I mean come on he played in a weak ass system under Mike Bobo and still shined. So what if he sold his jersey, Did you know the money that came from said jersey went to charity. Man what a thug, How dare he give money to charity. AJ Green was the best Georgia had and it is a shame to see a bunch of unintelligent morons bad mouth him for making a decision we would all have made ourselves. Why again come back to to play under Mike Bobos system. Lets face it Georgia is NOT going to win a championship SEC or National so WHY would he come back. Andrew Luck is returning to a team that is ready to make that run to a championship. Georgia ain’t.
RaceCityDawg
January 9th, 2011
5:43 pm
Forget AJ, we will miss his talent but we have deep problems in this program and one plaler is not going to make a difference. I’m waiting to hear what changes CMR is going to make. Changes need to be drastic given that we are an unmotivated, undiciplined, poorly conditioned and poorly coached unprepared team.
FLA DAWG
January 9th, 2011
5:51 pm
AJ,
Thanks for being one of the few bright spots on an otherwise miserable Richt Team for the past few years.
Best Of Luck & Thanks For The Memories!
Gainesville Dawg
January 9th, 2011
5:56 pm
Money screams!!!! It screamed when A J sold his jersey!!!! Did he have his teammates in mind? Did he have the upcoming season in mind??????? No! he simply thought he would get caught!!!
Look at UGA’s 2010 football season, thanks to A J!!!!!!! The football program is in the situation it is now largely in part to A J Green. Does he feel like he has let his team down???? I don’t think so.
I do not blame him for his opportunity,but I hope he feels a little remorse for his actions during the first part of the season. I know he is a great player, but his character speaks loud and clear!!!
5IML
January 9th, 2011
5:58 pm
This blog is full of either billionaires or (delusional) hypocrites. I hope potential UGA recruits read these posts before signing.
Dear Recruit:
These are the kind of fans you will be playing for. If you are considering offers from BAMA and UGA, compare the comments here to those from BAMA’s blog (Re: Julio, Ingram, and Dareus):
http://www.rollbamaroll.com/2011/1/7/1920921/nick-saban-nfl-draft-announcement-open-thread
Gainesville Dawg
January 9th, 2011
5:58 pm
Gainesville Dawg again! I meant that he evidently thought he would NOT get caught when he sold his jersey. should have proofread.
Tired of BS
January 9th, 2011
6:00 pm
So I’m just curious. What was young Mr. Green’s GPA? Does he have a plan B.
still@the bar
January 9th, 2011
6:07 pm
Eaassy
Why shouldn’t have AJ gone to So. Carolina? Al you dawgs say kids are wrong for leaving Ga to go to Bama, Auburn, or the Vols. AJ did the same thing you hate. AJ would have won more games at USC and played in the DOME. He didn’t do anything at UGA.
still@the bar
January 9th, 2011
6:10 pm
Gainesville Dawg and Richt evidently thought BOBO was smart and could be a good OC. Well, just goes to show that when you do stupid things you will eventually get caught.
William C Smith
January 9th, 2011
6:12 pm
Justice finally prevails. He will now make as much or more than Mark Richt. He can even sale his jerseys. Now those who talked about him for be a money hungary bum can now go to sports stores and pay big money for his autograph and show it to there friends and brag. Finally the greatest humor of all we can see him catch a touchdown pass an chest bum players from Alabama, Auburn, and Georgia Tech. Go A.J. make us proud.
NVDawg
January 9th, 2011
6:15 pm
Good luck AJ! Well, we’re definitely now looking at probably 3-9 next year instead of 6-6.
Tweets that mention A.J. Green makes it official, enters NFL draft | UGA sports blog -- Topsy.com
January 9th, 2011
6:26 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ajc sports editor, Obama, Trock, bulldogtweets.com and others. bulldogtweets.com said: #UGA A.J. Green makes it official, enters NFL draft: No surprise here, but A.J. Green made it official today: He… http://bit.ly/e2QVZk [...]
Tommy
January 9th, 2011
6:27 pm
good luck but don’t think he will make it in pros.
5IML
January 9th, 2011
6:32 pm
still,
In retrospect, playing at UGA was a bad decision but, seriously, would could have forecasted UGA’s precipitous descent?
SEC Observer
January 9th, 2011
6:39 pm
5IML
“This blog is full of either billionaires or (delusional) hypocrites. I hope potential UGA recruits read these posts before signing.
Dear Recruit:
These are the kind of fans you will be playing for. If you are considering offers from BAMA and UGA, compare the comments here to those from BAMA’s blog (Re: Julio, Ingram, and Dareus):
http://www.rollbamaroll.com/2011/1/7/1920921/nick-saban-nfl-draft-announcement-open-thread”
I lived in Georgia for years and went to Sanford Stadium several times as a fan of another school (and not GT). I have not encountered fans worse than them. LSU and Gator fans are no comparison to what you experience in Athens. They yell obscenities at pregnant women, at families and want to fight.
They deserve what they are going through.
5IML
January 9th, 2011
6:43 pm
SEC Observer,
I’m sure there are some decent UGA fans. Obviously, they don’t have Internet access and don’t go to games.
joey
January 9th, 2011
6:45 pm
DGD! Thanks. Doesnt seem that long ago i was hopin’ like crazy you were gunna be a Dawg
Brenda
January 9th, 2011
6:48 pm
Thanks for the memories, AJ. You were a joy to watch on the football field. Good luck in the next step of your life! Damn good Dawg! (I don’t blame you — I think you made the right choice.)
SLICK RICHT
January 9th, 2011
6:54 pm
I think he’ll make a dog gone good tight end.
ColumnDawg
January 9th, 2011
6:55 pm
Fire Mark Richt!!!!!
Super 2120
January 9th, 2011
6:56 pm
No surprise! Just like Stafford, he will leave Georgia with NO LEGACY. What a shame! Best of luck.
Boca Baby
January 9th, 2011
6:58 pm
AJ is a terrific talent but all his doings off field this year tended to be a distraction. And he never panned out to be the threat he was supposed to be. I am wondering, in light of his projected draft position, if Green really played all out this year. Perhaps without the “superstar” athlete the Dawgs can bounce back to be a “team” which truly contends.
Boca Baby
January 9th, 2011
7:01 pm
SLICK RICHT: Your reference to Richt’s estimation of Cam Newton should be considered along side of Joe Paterno’s estimation of Jim Kelly as a linebacker–that if Kelly was going to come to Penn State he would not be playing QB. Four Super Bowl appearances later as the QB of the Buffalo Bills I think you know the rest of the story.
Skitty Fritty
January 9th, 2011
7:09 pm
Good Luck AJ and Go Greenwave & Dawgs! Thanks for your play at Summerville and UGA.
19DAWGFAN59
January 9th, 2011
7:10 pm
Not surprised … Thought you said you owed to the UGA FANS to come back … Guess in the end, we really didn’t mean that MUCH TO YOU ANYWAY ! Thanks for BITS and PIECES of 3 YEARS !
Skitty Fritty
January 9th, 2011
7:12 pm
19DAWGFAN59:
Would you tell your son to play another year if he was going to be a top 5 draft pick?
Boston Dawg
January 9th, 2011
7:17 pm
It kills me when people call AJ a thug. Exactly what thuggish behavior has he displayed? He doesn’t talk a lot of trash, hasn’t had any run-ins with the law, doesn’t have tattoos all over place. He has been a class act during his entire time at UGA.
SOS Dawg
January 9th, 2011
7:21 pm
A real shame and a waste and should have shattered the record books while at UGA. This is another reason that this inept coaching staff should have been fired.
SOS Dawg
January 9th, 2011
7:24 pm
BTW AJ you can go ahead and sell that pathetic music city bowl jersey now.