To some people, the small rec center in the heart of Thomaston, Georgia may not seem like much.
But for Jaguars linebacker, Travon Walker, it is where his dreams began. The small town of Thomaston is both a home and a family.
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“These were the same fields that I was out here grinding on. So, it really means a lot to me just to be back on my home turf,” Walker said.
Walker is back where he started football for his second annual camp put on by his foundation. The camp provides youth with the opportunity to learn from a hometown hero who has had NFL success.
“It’s something I always wanted to do since I was a kid. I’ve been fortunate enough to be put in the position to give back to my community. So as far as I can take it, that’s as far as I’m going to go with it. Keep going until I can’t anymore,” Walker said.
Walker is highly esteemed in his community. His high school number, 44, which he wore at the University of Georgia and currently wears for the Jaguars, is retired at Upson-Lee High School. He is one of the only players from the area to play in the NFL.
And this camp, like most things for Walker, is a family thing.
“Without my family, they’ve been up since five this morning, probably didn’t get home until 12 last night. So, it really just means a lot seeing my family, how hard they work,” Walker said.
Walker is no stranger to hard work. That work ethic was instilled in him at an early age by his parents, Stead and Lasonia Walker, high school sweethearts who grew up in Thomaston and later married. Stead is an ex-Marine, and both parents made sure Travon always worked hard and stayed grounded. His two older sisters also contributed to his toughness.
At a young age, Travon told his parents he had big dreams to play football. Ever since, the Walker’s made sure he worked to achieve that goal.
His father was even his high school coach.
“Just to be held accountable,” Walker said. “Obviously, that’s my dad, so he’s going to coach me hard on the field and when I get home. So that just makes me go even harder.”
Added his father: “I think the extra things he was doing just separated him from the others.”
Walker was the first pick in the 2022 draft, and he’s coming off his best season with 10 sacks. His mission this year is to continue to develop his moves and skills as a pass rusher.
“Going into year three, obviously I put it on myself, and I know the coaches and players are all looking to me to take a step forward. A major step forward and just be a leader. Be the player that I know I can be and who they know I can be.”
For Walker, success may just be a pathway to do what matters most: making an impact and continuing to inspire his local community.
“It’s a blessing. To see him grow up to be a young man, but also to be a young man who giving back to his community from where he comes from,” Stead said. “He didn’t necessarily have this opportunity, especially here in Thomaston because we’re rural. … Allowing these kids to have that opportunity and for the parents to see exactly what they go through. It’s a blessing.”
The rec field in the small Georgia town may now begin dreams for young athletes, just like they did for Walker.