Former Clarke Central athlete, NFL player to honor football heroes at community event

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson (23) runs onto the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Atlanta.
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson (23) runs onto the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in Atlanta.
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Though Dunta Robinson is best known for his achievements playing for Clarke Central High School, The University of South Carolina and Atlanta Falcons, he might tell you that his most important work is being done in the aftermath of his football career.

The former athlete's Dunta Robinson Foundation on Apr. 1 will co-host the first annual Community Day event with 3D Champs youth organization at Walker Park, 200 Trail Creek St., beginning at 11 a.m. with the first of seven Inner City Spring flag football games.

Athens Athletic Hall of Fame inductees Willie Green and Homer Jordan will be honored with plaques at the event in recognition of their respective achievements and for being inspirational figures to Robinson, who credits both athletes as role models for his work within the community.

Q&A:Find out who taught Athens community leader 'Life' LaRoche how to play chess

Former Clemson football players, from left, Jeff Davis, Perry Tuttle  and Homer Jordan, (3) greet each other as they meet for a special ceremony for to honor the 1981 national championship team Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006, at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C.
Former Clemson football players, from left, Jeff Davis, Perry Tuttle and Homer Jordan, (3) greet each other as they meet for a special ceremony for to honor the 1981 national championship team Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006, at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C.

"I met Willie Green right after [Clarke Central] had just come up from a loss to Parkview [High School] that killed our playoff hopes," Robinson told the Banner-Herald. "He just happened to be in town and at that game, and he called me over and sat me down. He told me I was going to be alright, and to just keep working hard. And he had a Super Bowl ring on his hand."

Jordan, who played for Clarke Central rival Cedar Shoals High School and went on to become the first African American to lead a Football Bowl Subdivision team to a Championship, was a childhood hero to Robinson and influenced Robinson to concentrate on facilitating activities that would promote unity between the east and west sides of Athens.

For more information about 3D Champs and the Dunta Robinson Foundation, visit duntarobinsonfoundation.org.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Former Clarke Central athlete, NFL player to honor football heroes