Ray Goff has been involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes program for as long as he can remember. And that hasn’t changed just because he is not playing or coaching anymore.
That relationship continued Tuesday as Goff was in Macon speaking to students, coaches and parents to spread his message at the FCA banquet.
“It’s always great to be out in the state of Georgia,” said Goff, the former Georgia football player, assistant coach and head coach. “It’s all about getting to come out and share what Christ has done in my life and what he can do in their lives. FCA was a big part of my time at Georgia because it didn’t matter what faith you belonged to, the FCA was for every faith.
“It was just a great vehicle to talk about Christ, and it continues to be a great way to share our faith with kids.”
Goff said that the number of FCA events he attends varies from year to year.
“Some years, I don’t do many of them, but whenever they call me I will come,” Goff said. “I love children, and I will always do everything I can to help. Kids today are looking for that outlet and what life is all about. Most of them figure out pretty quickly that it isn’t cars or drugs or alcohol. The most fulfilling thing they can be a part of can only be filled by Christ, and I think most of them figure that out.”
Goff, who had a 46-34-1 record in seven years as the Bulldogs’ head coach, admitted that he thought about coaching again after he was fired at Georgia following the 1995 season.
“Yes, I considered it. But then I woke up and realized it was just a dream,” Goff said with a smile. “I kept thinking about how I had grown up in Moultrie, Georgia, and never moved one time until I went to college. I had two young girls at the time, and I just didn’t think it was fair for me to move them all over the country so their daddy could coach football. That was the main reason I decided to get out of it.
“We have been lucky enough to stay in Athens ever since, and if things go the way I would like them to go, I will even die in Athens.”
Goff still attends a handful of home games each year but prefers to watch the games on television.
“I love people, but I am not much of a crowd person,” Goff said. “It bothers me a lot to hear the fans screaming at these college age kids when they never know they could be sitting next to their mommas or daddies. I love Georgia football, and I am proud to be a part of that tradition, and going into that stadium is still a great thrill, but sometimes it’s just easier to watch it on television.”
