From Troup High standout to Georgia’s first African American marshal, Ruben Hairston will enter Fort Valley State’s Athletics Hall of Fame on April 25. Tommy Murphy From local football star to the first African American marshal in Georgia, Ruben Hairston has had an interesting career, even a brief stint in the NFL. Next month, the former Troup Tiger tight end will be honored by his alma mater, Fort Valley State University, with an induction into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame. For Hairston, it’s been quite the journey. The self-described country boy from LaGrange credits God for his blessings. Hairston grew up on Glass Bridge Road in rural Troup County. Growing up, he loved playing football even when he didn’t have anyone to play with, so he would have to toss the ball to himself. “I would throw it over my head, and I would catch it. I played a lot by myself, but I had friends in the neighborhood, and I loved just running and catching the ball back then. I never thought that it would take me to college and allow me to play in the NFL,” Hairston said. “I really didn't want to go to college. I had offers to go places, but I really didn't want to go, but my mom wanted m
