10/25/2026
🏈 SOMETIMES THE BIGGEST MOMENTS IN FOOTBALL HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE GAME. 💛🐝
Yesterday, before Georgia Tech took the field against Boston College, I happened to capture a moment that really stood out to me.
Georgia Tech linebacker Kyle Efford who recently announced his medical retirement from football, shared a few words and an embrace with one of the referees before kickoff.
I have no idea what was said between these two, but sometimes you don’t need to hear the words to understand the meaning behind a moment.
For those who don’t know, Kyle is a local kid. He grew up in Dacula, Georgia, and played his high school football at Dacula High School, just down the road from where I call home. To see someone from our own backyard make it to the Division I level and represent Georgia Tech the way he has is something special.
Unfortunately, football doesn’t always give you the ending you dreamed of. Sometimes the game you love gets taken away from you before you’re ready to walk away.
But here’s the thing about football. It’s so much bigger than touchdowns, tackles, wins, and losses. It’s about the relationships you build, the respect you earn, and the impact you leave on the people around you.
And looking at this picture, I’d say Kyle has earned plenty of respect along the way.
As a photographer, I spend most of my time chasing the big hits, the touchdowns, and those split-second moments of action. But every once in a while, I capture something that reminds me why I love doing this so much.
This is one of those moments.
Kyle, your playing days may have come to an end sooner than anyone wanted, but your story is far from over.
From Dacula High School to Georgia Tech, you’ve given the hometown crowd plenty to be proud of.
The game may be over, but the respect you’ve earned will last a lifetime. 💛🏈
