Herschel Walker defies age stereotypes by graduating college at 62
- Herschel Walker received his bachelor's degree in housing management and policy from the University of Georgia at the age of 62.
- He returned to the university after a career in professional football and a recent Senate race, completing his degree in under two years.
- His graduation ceremony included a nostalgic homage to his past as he struck the Heisman Trophy pose, symbolizing personal achievement and resilience.
In December 2024, Herschel Walker, a former NFL star and College Football Hall of Famer, graduated from the University of Georgia, marking a significant personal milestone at the age of 62. This achievement came after his impressive sports career, which included winning the Heisman Trophy in 1982 as a running back for the Bulldogs, but was followed by a hiatus in his education. Walker left the university without completing his degree to pursue professional football, initially starting in the now-defunct United States Football League with the New Jersey Generals before joining the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys in 1986. His professional career was highly notable, particularly due to an iconic trade in 1989 that shaped the future of the Cowboys franchise, which led to three Super Bowl victories in the early 1990s. Despite a successful football career, Walker returned to academia years later, re-enrolling at the University of Georgia after losing a Senate race in 2022 where he had received significant support from former President Donald Trump. Over the course of less than two years, he completed his degree in housing management and policy, demonstrating his commitment to education and personal growth. During his graduation ceremony, Walker celebrated this accomplishment not only through his presence but also by striking his Heisman Trophy pose, reflecting a blend of nostalgia and triumph. His graduation coincided with a post by the university celebrating other former players, encapsulating a moment of pride for the football program amidst Walker's multifaceted achievements, which include business ventures and Olympic competition as a member of the U.S. bobsled team. This graduation signifies a broader narrative about resilience, lifelong learning, and the importance of education regardless of age.