The Baldwin County School District honored former student Javon Bullard once again for winning a second national title at the University of Georgia, but this time in a much grander fashion.
In 2022, the city of Milledgeville celebrated Bullard as he toured each school in the district for a day.
However, this year, it turned into a weekend affair as he once again visited all his former stomping grounds, but the city and the school district orchestrated a full-on parade for him this go-round.
At the end of the parade route, a few people spoke, most notably mayor Mary Parham-Copelan.
“Javon began to develop his natural athletic ability at Baldwin High School under the guidance of coach Jesse Hicks. Javon Bullard brings great pride to our community through his academic and athletic achievements,” Parham-Copelan said. “It’s proper and fitting to highlight an individual that has brought positive recognition to Milledgeville and continues to give back to his community.”
Bullard, who was named the Defensive MVP of both the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and CFP National Championship, was given a key to the city by the mayor as many cheered him on.
Bullard also spoke following the parade and soaked in every moment of the celebration.
“It means a lot to me and my family. I’m so grateful to see ya’ll,” he said. “Words can’t describe how happy I am just being here. This city is like family and it always has been. I love each and every one of ya’ll.”
On Friday, Bullard made several different stops, including one at Oak Hill Middle School. He spoke to students and gave them words of encouragement about how they can also succeed in life.
Per Macon television station 13WMAZ, Bullard also signed autographs and any item put in front of him.
'Don't let anybody tell you that you can't do it,” he said. “God has a purpose for all of us, God has a plan for all of us. I feel we've got to do what we need to do in order to fulfill God's purpose, so just keep going.'
Bullard totaled 46 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups, seven quarterback pressures and one fumble recovery as a sophomore for Georgia in 2022.
He had a season-high eight tackles in Georgia’s win over Florida but was impressive against Tennessee a week later. Bullard totaled seven tackles, two sacks and a pass break-up versus the Vols.
Against Ohio State in the Peach Bowl, Bullard was the game’s Defensive MVP as he totaled three tackles and one sack, which came against Buckeyes’ quarterback CJ Stroud late in the game. He also had a huge hit on Ohio State star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who dropped what would have been a touchdown from Stroud in the back of the end zone late in the third quarter.
Bullard also had a stellar national title game against TCU, where he recorded two picks. The 5-foot-11 and 180-pound defensive back also had a huge fumble recovery against the Horned Frogs.
Bullard said after the national title game that he loves playing for the University of Georgia.
“I mean, this place is special. It’s special to all of us. I know it’s special to coach (Kirby) Smart and I know it’s special to me,” Bullard said told reporters on Jan. 11. “Just growing up as a kid from the state of Georgia, playing for the University of Georgia, it’s special. So the word ‘dynasty,’ it’s something we’re building together. And that was built before us and it’s going to continue to be built after us. So we’re just trying to leave our legacy and leave this place in good hands.”