Fans give Bulldogs warm welcome home to Athens

ATHENS, Ga. - The Georgia Bulldogs have arrived home to Athens following a heartbreaking loss at the College Football Playoff National Championship Monday night.

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As the team buses rolled into Athens Tuesday, fans lined the streets to welcome their Georgia Bulldogs home. The Dawgs rolled into Athens shortly before 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, and they were greeted by dozens of proud fans lined up in front of Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall.

“I wanted to come out here to show my support and to tell them that we love them win or lose,” Martin Davis said.

FOX 5 was there as the football players, coaches, and other staff members exited buses and received a warm welcome home. Fans were chanting, "It's great to be a Georgia Bulldog" as the team arrived.

Fans chanted and voiced their appreciation as players, coaches and staff got off the buses.

“I wanted to be here for them win or lose just to tell them how proud we are of them,” Jill Gambill said.

One young fan even drew pictures for his two favorite players.

“I drew this one for Sony Michel to show my support and this one for Mecole Hardman Jr.,” Dylan Davis said.

Davis wasn’t sure if he’d be able to hand his artwork to his two favorite Dawgs, but when Hardman Jr. got off the bus, Davis’ wish came true.

“You made this for me man?” Hardman Jr. said. “This is really cool.”

Although the Cinderella season didn’t end exactly as Georgia had hoped, fans say they are proud of the remarkable season the team had.

“This is only the beginning for Georgia,” Martin Davis said. “The future is so bright.”

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