SITTING ON a cozy couch in a living room in Lebanon, excitement and nerves filled the room for a local athletic hero and his family. Zion Logue, a young man with an infectious smile and a humble demeanor, anxiously awaited the biggest moment of his life: the NFL draft. As he sat surrounded by family and friends, Logue opened up about his journey from a small town to the national stage.

“I’ve been playing football as long as I could walk. I have played for as long as I can remember,” Logue explained, his eyes lighting up with nostalgia. “My earliest memories were playing flag football at 4 years old. And, man, it just took off from there. I played all three sports — football, baseball, basketball — for as long as I can remember, but I knew I was destined for greatness one of these days, and football just happened to be that.”

Logue’s love for football was clear from a young age, and his hometown played a crucial role in nurturing his talent. Lebanon High School became the first significant milestone in his journey. Despite his growing fame, Logue has never forgotten his roots. His commitment to giving back to his community does not go unnoticed.

“I have a football camp,” he shared. “My first annual football camp was last May and another this June. I also do a Christmas gift-back. So, I’m very rooted in my community. Bringing my community up is something that I really pride myself on.”

Logue’s football camp is more than just a training ground — it’s a bright spot for many children in Lebanon.

“The football camp was sponsored,” he said with pride. “No parents had to pay anything. It was completely free to kids because I know this area. A lot of parents don’t have the money to send their kids to these football camps and things like that — the things that their kids want to do. I wanted to make sure they could come out, have a good time, interact with me in person, and just have fun.”

Logue’s journey took a significant leap when he joined the University of Georgia.

Reflecting on his college experience, he shared, “Georgia’s everything that I needed for my life. Just going down there and even making connections with some of my teammates, who are going to be some of my best friends later down the line — some in my wedding — it was everything that I needed as a young man, for sure.

The bonds he created at Georgia not only shaped his career but also his character. The sense of community and the competitive spirit laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors.

As we sat on the final day of the NFL draft, the anticipation was clear. Logue’s voice carried a mix of excitement and nervousness.

“I’m just anxious. I’m just ready for my name to be called. I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a child. When I finally see this phone ring, it’s going to be so emotional. I’m not going to be able to hold back tears. I know this whole house is going to be crying. I’m just ready to hear my name.”

Logue’s dream quickly became a reality, but his commitment to his hometown remains the same.

“I just want to live every day as best as I can,” he said. “Every room I walk in, I want to make a difference from the time I enter to the time I leave. That’s even in my community. I really want to give back and just let people know to chase their dreams. Because it can happen — just chase your dream, and everything you want will happen for you.”

Logue drew inspiration from both his family and the legends of the game.

“I looked up to a lot of my family, but I’ve also been a student of the game,” he said. “I’ve watched every hall of fame speech you can think of — every draft that I can remember. I’ve just chased my dream for so long, and now I’m grateful for it to happen.”

Lebanon holds a special place in Logue’s heart.

“Don’t sleep on Lebanon because there’s a lot of talent here that doesn’t get seen,” Logue said. “I hope that people really start turning to this area because there are some gems out here. They just gotta come find it.”

As the clock ticked, the anticipation grew stronger. Finally, the phone rang, and Logue’s face lit up with joy. The Atlanta Falcons had drafted him, and the room erupted in cheers and tears. His dream had come true, and his journey from Lebanon to the NFL was complete.

At that moment, it was clear that

Zion Logue embodied “Where Champions are Made.” His story demonstrates hard work, dedication, and unconditional support of a community that believed in him. As he starts this new chapter with the Atlanta Falcons, Logue’s heart remains firmly rooted in the place that made him who he is today. GN