Wall of inspir8tion

Paul Oliver’s Story

On March 30, 1984, the future Parade Magazine All-American was introduced to the world by his mother, Janice Oliver.  The youngest of three brothers, Paul immediately had a way about him that made people gravitate towards him without being overly talkative.  He had an innate ability to bring his family together and was the brother and son who made sure his family was taken care of from an early age.  He truly separated himself in athletics.

Paul rose to one of the nation’s top five defensive backs during his days at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Ga., with a dozen interceptions and more than 120 tackles during his last two years suiting up for the Hoyas.  But his talent stretched beyond the gridiron.  Paul set Harrison’s 400-meter dash record and was part of the record-setting 4x400m relay team.  As a standout multisport athlete he had the potential to have a collegiate career in track or football.  However, it was football where Paul’s passion existed.

After sifting through scores of scholarship offers, Paul decided to attend and play football at the University of Georgia.  His drive and passion for the sport blossomed in Athens and he connected with another family – his Bulldog teammates and coaches.  It was also on the UGA campus that he met a Bulldog volleyball player who was from California named Chelsea Young and the two quickly became inseparable.  On the field, Paul battled for playing time his first two seasons before starting all 13 contests in 2006 and finishing with 57 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss, and three interceptions.  He highlighted his final season with the Bulldogs by limiting future NFL All-Pro receiver Calvin Johnson to a pair of catches for 13 yards during the win over the Yellow Jackets.

Paul decided to throw his hat in the ring during the 2007 NFL Supplemental Draft and was selected in the fourth round by the San Diego Chargers.  He ended up playing in 57 games for the Chargers between 2008-11, starting 12, and had 144 stops to go with an interception during each of his four years in the League.  During this period, Paul, the quiet, driven defensive back, and Chelsea, the outspoken volleyball setter, married and had two sons, Simeon and Silas.  Paul’s love for his wife and kids was described as “relentless” while his “greatest passion” in life was being a father and husband.

Paul departed this world too soon on September 24, 2013 at the age of 29.  His legacy will never be forgotten by his Bulldog family.

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