Middle GA NFL player Bud Dupree signed with Atlanta. Now he’s ready to help his community

As a stark, gray June sky deposited light rain on the glass of Mercedes-Benz Stadium last week, the Atlanta Falcons finished practicing.

As the workout wrapped up, many players exited directly into the locker room. A few Falcons walked to the sidelines near the tunnel, some breathing heavily and moving slowly, to speak to journalists.

Newly signed linebacker Bud Dupree did not show signs of fatigue while talking about Middle Georgia following a 90-minute practice, nor did he lack enthusiasm about his hometown of Toomsboro and his status as a role model in Middle Georgia.

The NFL player spoke about being grand marshal for Macon’s first-ever Juneteenth parade Monday, his local business, and his new team with ease, smiling through sweat.

“I met one of the ticket guys at the stadium the other day, and he told me when they announced (I) was coming, a lot of people from Middle Georgia called in buying tickets,” Dupree said. “It helps me tremendously, being able to just bring… kids to a game. It’s a cheat code. They’re going to see how it is to be in an NFL stadium… so they can see how the guys are warming up, how they’re playing.”

Hometown hero

Dupree grew up in Wilkinson County and became a football standout for the Warriors before starring as a Kentucky Wildcat, making the All-SEC team as a senior and going in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Dupree is closer to his hometown and the Middle Georgia area than ever before in his pro career: he spent the first parts of his NFL tenure racking up sacks with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans.

He joins his home state team with a goal of shoring up a budding defense that made several free agent signings in the offseason.

“Bud is a physical football player, he fits our culture,” Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said. “Going on the other side, watching what he brings to the table… Bud’s a tone setter. That’s putting it nicely.”

The proximity to Macon also gives Dupree the opportunity to engage more with the community in new ways, like serving as grand marshal in the inaugural Juneteenth parade put on by Macon Black Culture.

“When they asked me about it, it was surprising to me, it was exciting. I didn’t even know we had a parade but they told me it was the first year. I’m just excited to see all the things (the parade) brings to the community,” Dupree said.

Dupree has years of history supporting Macon and Middle Georgia. He repeatedly returned to Toomsboro to sign autographs and host football camps, even when he played in Pittsburgh. He also visited children in a Macon hospital, donated money to the hospital and has hosted a charity event in town for several years. Toomsboro dedicated a street to the defensive standout in 2017.

Dupree also owns VIBEZ, a well-attended brunch and late night spot in downtown Macon. While the food is a highlight (Dupree can’t decide between chicken and waffles or jerk wings as his favorite menu item), the NFL star focuses more on the community impact than the eatery’s popularity.

“It’s been a great new piece to the community. I’ve employed like 150 people in the community, that’s what I feel the most proud for, (the staff says) ‘God is going to continue to bless you because you’re blessing us,’” Dupree said. “If you wanna change your life around, if you do what you need to do and you pass the background check, I’ll be able to give you a job and you can provide for your family.”

Middle Georgia memories

Dupree said the move to Atlanta is great for him personally as well.

“I’m looking forward to seeing those [number] 48 jerseys, man,” he said. “A lot more people who maybe couldn’t come see me before can make it up here for games and see me play now.”

Dupree reflected on some of his best Middle Georgia memories.

“The Macon Coliseum,” he said instantly when asked about his favorite recollections. “Winning the (state basketball) championship, I love that memory.”

As talented as he is as a football player, Dupree also played on the undefeated Wilkinson County basketball team in 2011.

“That and my draft night, with my family and everything on my draft night, is a really great memory,” he said.

Dupree will be back in downtown Macon for the Juneteenth parade Monday at 11 a.m.

“I like being a part of events that bring people together… People that wanna see progress in the nation, progress in the world, and that’s exactly what it’s doing. I like to be a part of that change,” he said.