In 1897, Georgia nearly banned football after the tragic death of a young player, Richard von Gammon, during a game.
The incident led to a widespread reaction, with several universities disbanding their football teams and the introduction of anti-football legislation in Georgia.
However, a heartfelt letter from von Gammon’s mother to the state representative played a pivotal role in preventing the ban. Despite her son’s death, she advocated against using the incident to hinder the progress of athletic sports at universities.
This story is a significant chapter in Georgia football history, highlighting the intense debates around the sport’s safety and cultural value during its early years.