Todd Gurley Blames 'Trump Curse' for Georgia Bulldogs' Loss
Former NFL star jokes about President Trump's influence after team's defeat, drawing criticism from fans.
Georgia Bulldogs legend Todd Gurley II has humorously accepted blame for his alma mater's recent upset loss, attributing it to a supposed "Trump curse." The retired NFL running back traveled with President Donald Trump on Air Force One for a campaign event in Georgia on Friday, where Trump endorsed several Republican candidates.
Gurley's appearance with the President drew criticism from some, but the backlash intensified after the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs lost to the Auburn Tigers 27-24 on Saturday. Fans, citing a pattern of misfortune for athletes who have associated with Trump, pointed to Gurley as the cause of the Bulldogs' defeat.
Recent incidents cited as evidence of the "Trump curse" include the U.S. men's national soccer team's loss to Belgium in the World Cup and New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart's season-ending knee injury after a prior appearance with Trump.
In response to the fan outcry, Gurley posted on X, "Damn,' he wrote, 'I done made UGA lose!!'
Gurley's lighthearted post did not sit well with all fans or critics of Trump. Some responded on X, with one user stating, "Yes you did. He burns everything he touches to the ground you f***ing idiot." Another commented, "Nobody forced you to take a political stance brother. Stop acting like a victim."
Gurley, a star for Georgia from 2012 to 2014, went on to an acclaimed NFL career, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors with the Los Angeles Rams in 2015 and finishing his career with the Atlanta Falcons in 2020.
He is not the first prominent figure in Georgia football to align with Trump. Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton previously attended a Trump campaign event in February. Gurley also follows in the footsteps of former Georgia running back Herschel Walker, who received Trump's endorsement during his 2022 U.S. Senate campaign.
President Trump's visit highlighted Georgia's position as a key battleground state in upcoming elections.