ROANOKE, Va. - The second round of the college football playoffs starts on New Year’s Day, which means these athletes get to come home for the holiday.

Chris Cole, who is a linebacker for the University of Georgia, decided to spend his break giving back to his hometown of Salem, Virginia.

During the Roanoke Sheriff Office’s shop with a deputy event, Cole was among the volunteers giving back to kids in his community.

|RELATED COVERAGE: Former UGA football player files lawsuit against school in transfer portal battle|

He talked to us about what it means to be a role model for others in the Roanoke Valley.

“For me, it definitely means a lot. This community has meant a lot to me growing up. Being blessed and being able to give back to them while I have a couple days off is a blessing for me, to put smiles on kids’ faces,” Cole said.

Leading up to the big game, Cole says he’s confident that his team will be ready.

“Honestly, we feel great, we have a great team bond, I feel like over the season we’ve gotten so much better every single week, so I’m excited,” he said.

Chris’ Georgia Bulldogs will play Ole Miss on New Year’s Day.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.