Herschel Walker played a starring role in one of the most memorable moments in college football history, but Walker said there's something more behind this familiar story.
Remember September 6, 1980, when the Georgia Bulldogs played the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
Walker played in the SEC game as Georgia's fourth-team running back.
He left Knoxville as a folk hero after getting over Tennessee's rugged safety Bill Bates on his way to his first collegiate touchdown on a pitch sweep. Georgia defeated the Vols 16-15.
Walker was asked about the crucial sequence after stopping by the Kyle Petty Charity Ride in Bristol, Virginia, last week.
“I say the same thing to everyone because that play has been talked about quite a bit,” Walker said. “If you look at the tape, I didn’t really chase Bill like people say.
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“Bill actually slipped as he was coming up to make the tackle. So I got away with a big play, so that was a blessing for me.”
Bates and Walker reunited in 1986 with the Dallas Cowboys.
“Bill was a great player and a very tough personality,” Walker said. “He's not only a great player, but he's a great human being and I was very honored to have the opportunity to be on the same NFL team as him.”
Walker has been participating in charity rides for 18 years. He said his interest dates back to comments from longtime Dallas Cowboys head coach Tom Landry.
“Coach Landry said that when you take something out of society, you have to put something back in,” Walker said. “Participating in this ride is a way of giving back and it means a lot to me.”
Walker was one of many celebrities who took part in the 28th annual charity ride. A total of 150 riders joined him on his 2,100-mile journey.
Shortly after arriving at the Delta Hotel by Marriott in Bristol, Virginia, Walker signed autographs and met with family members supporting Randleman, who is based in North Carolina. Victory Junction Camp for children facing severe medical issues.
“Meeting these kids really touches my heart,” Walker said. “When I first heard about the Charity Her Ride, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when I had the chance to visit Victory Junction, I was really impressed.
“Many families are used to having their children cared for 24/7. Victory Junction Camp is a free experience that creates smiles and fun. More people are interested in what's going on there. We should know and evaluate the activities of the Petty family.”
Petty, the son of former NASCAR driver and seven-time Cup champion Richard Petty, built the 84-acre Victory Junction facility in 2004.
What did Walker think when he first heard about the scope of this business?
“I thought cycling across America was a crazy idea, but this is a really great cause with a great group of people,” Walker said. “I really learned how to ride a motorcycle through this and with the help of some of my seniors. I just tell them I'll follow the leader and that's what I did.”
Walker said he is now returning to the University of Georgia campus to finish his degree.
A lot has changed since Walker signed with the Bulldogs as a 6-foot-1, 218-pound blue-chip prospect from rural Wrightsville, Georgia.
“I’ll tell you, the amount of kids that are playing college football right now is amazing,” Walker said. “Even 280 pounds is too small for some college offensive lines.
“At every level, kids are getting bigger, stronger and more athletic. And that's what helps make college football a great game.”
Pit stop: Meadowview native Duke Baer, a legend in the southwest Virginia motorsports world, passed away in his sleep Monday night.
In addition to being a master mechanic and fabricator, Baer was a versatile driver who won 218 races and 22 track championships.
With his fun-loving personality and passion for rock and roll music, Bear was a fan and driver favorite at Weiss Raceway at Rural Retreat and at various tracks throughout the Southeast.
He balanced the roles of crew chief, driving instructor, race promoter, and friend to many.
After being sidelined in recent years with heart problems, Baer returned to Weiss' track earlier this month.
agregory@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @Greg_BHCSports | (276) 645-2544