Jason Snelling signs his Falcons jersey before presenting it to the school.

At 24, L.C. Bird graduate Jason Snelling is already living every athlete’s dream. Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons as a seventh-round pick in 2007, the running back saw his first career start last November against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and scored his first NFL touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals a month later.

As the Falcons entered into their bye week last week, Snelling took some time off from his busy NFL schedule to visit his alma mater for homecoming. During halftime at Bird’s 21-7 win over Monacan, coaches honored Snelling’s accomplishments by retiring his number 42 jersey.

“I am so honored and flattered that they would retire my jersey,” says Snelling. “I am glad that I was able to come back here during my bye week to see all of my old coaches and the people who helped me get where I am now. It was also nice to have the opportunity to see a game; I haven’t seen one in a long time.”

Looking at Snelling’s high school and college stats, it’s no surprise that the school decided to retire number 42. A four-time all-district tailback, Snelling was named to the all-region team three times while in high school and had over 3,300 yards rushing, including 1,444 yards and 14 touchdowns in his senior year. While at UVA, Snelling had 1,324 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, as well as 775 receiving yards and 4 receiving touchdowns.

“Jason is probably one of the most outstanding players that we have had here, which is obvious considering the level that he is playing at,” says Ron Paquette, Bird athletic director. “It is a great honor to have him back here at his old stomping ground and we are very excited about him being here. Jason is a special kid; he was a special player then and is a special young man now. He is a quality young man who is a great representative of L.C. Bird football.”

Despite his many accomplishments, Snelling remains modest, more focused on his team rather than on any individual accomplishments or goals.

“I’m really proud of how our team has been playing so far this season. It’s still early and we have a long season ahead, so I hope that we can just keep winning games and do our best to crack into the playoffs,” says Snelling. “Just being able to play nationally is a dream come true. It’s a kid’s game that I can do as an adult, so it is really fulfilling.”

Getting his first start this year against the Carolina Panthers, Snelling had one reception for 11 yards.

“It was good to get out there and start and I hope that I am able to get some more plays. I just want to do whatever is necessary for the team’s success,” says Snelling.

While working to make his team successful, Snelling credits much of his own success to his time spent at Bird.

“Going to Bird was very beneficial because it prepared me for life at the next level,” says Snelling. “It prepared me to be successful academically in college. Graduating was the most exciting time of college for me and it was because of the support of the people around me.”

As his former coaches honored the standout graduate, they shared Snelling’s level of excitement for his future career.

“We are really, really excited for him. We have a lot of pride in what he has done and accomplished already,” says Bird coach Scott Preskitt. “He’s all class.”

nderatto@villagepublishing.com | 751-0421

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