 photo by steed media service |
Donald
“D.J.” Shockley Jr. is living out his dream on several
fronts. Shockley has been a veritable highlight film ever since the
College Park, Ga., native emerged with All-State honors at North
Clayton High School, where he was coached by his father, Don Sr.
Shockley ranks fourth on the University of Georgia’s all-time
single-season passing list, racking up 2,311 yards, before playing for
the team up the street from his childhood home, the Atlanta Falcons.
Now, Shockley gets to fulfill another dream by giving back to the
community, particularly with his foundation that benefits his two
brothers, who both suffer from Fragile X syndrome.
–terry shropshire
Tell us why you decided to attend this event for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta?
It’s great. You know, I’ve been to a lot of hospitals
myself, and been a part of this even though I was in college. And any
way to give back and this is a fun way to give and it’s always
fun to go out and help people, but at the same time have fun.
Do you participate in other charitable events?
I actually have a foundation for Fragile X syndrome. It’s a
syndrome that makes [people] act younger [than] they are. I have two
brothers that have it.
This year, [we] actually gave out a whole bunch of tickets to disabled
kids … and seeing them and seeing the excitement on their
faces when they get to come to the games, and they see [athletes] that
they see on TV … to be able to do that, it’s great
for me.
How do you prepare for the game as the backup quarterback to Matt Ryan?
I think you have to prepare like you’re gonna play … and
make sure you’re doing the same things that the starters are
doing and be ready to play.
