President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday selected Heisman Trophy winner and former U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker as U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas.
The next commander-in-chief praised Georgia football's great commitment to youth sports and supporting veterans across the country when he announced his appointment as the Caribbean nation's ambassador.
“For decades, Herschel has served as an ambassador to our nation's youth, military men and women, and national and international athletes.” President Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social..
“A successful businessman, philanthropist, former Heisman Trophy winner, and NFL great, Herschel is a tireless advocate for youth sports. I co-chaired the President's Council on Nutrition,” Trump continued.
“Herschel has visited over 400 military installations around the world, removing the stigma surrounding mental health. He represented the United States at the 1992 Winter Olympics as a member of the U.S. Bobsled Team.”
Walker, a big supporter of Trump, ran for the U.S. Senate to represent Georgia in 2022, but lost to Democrat Raphael Warnock.
Walker, 62, is a University of Georgia football legend who was an incredible player on the field over three seasons, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1982, given to that year's top college football player.
He played 15 professional seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and others before being traded to the Minnesota Vikings in a blockbuster move in 1989. He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants.
He also played three seasons with the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League. Trump owned it for a time. before the league disbanded.
After starting his professional career 40 years ago, he recently returned to university and this month completed a degree in housing management and policy.
he said on FOX News Monday He wants people to know it's never too late to earn a degree.
“When you were here, there were some kids who said they knew my parents went to college with you, and I was like a grandfather there.” Walker said. “But like I said, it was great to be there. I love all the kids that were around me and it was a lot of fun.”
He joked that he needed to look for a job now that he had graduated from university, and it was revealed on Tuesday that he would be the next ambassador to the Bahamas.
“Congratulations, Herschel!” Trump wrote. “You will make Georgia, and our entire country, proud, because we know you always put America first!”
