In Marietta, a high school football field now symbolizes more than just athletic competition; it stands as a tribute to a former player whose legacy has transcended the sport. Pope High School made the heartfelt decision to name their stadium field "Matt Hobby Field", in honor of the late football player who passed away from cancer in 2006. This move was reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, as the school commemorated the 20th anniversary of its football fundraiser.
Apart from the naming ceremony, the school also held its 20th annual Matt Hobby Classic football game, a tradition that is directly linked to the player's memory and his family's commitment to battling childhood cancer. Matt Hobby was struck by a rare and aggressive form of cancer known as Ewing Sarcoma, which led to his untimely passing shortly after graduating. He had worn number 70 for the Greyhounds and had become a figure of inspiration when he opt to have all funds raised in his name go towards childhood cancer research instead.
The tradition began with what was known as "4 Quarters 4 Matt", a fundraiser that has since evolved into "4 Quarters 4 Research", raising substantial sums for the cause. To date, over $400,000 has been raised by Pope High School alone. More impressively, the initiative has expanded to include more than 300 schools across the nation, and their collective efforts have generated millions of dollars for research. This was reported in remarks made by Matt’s father, Jud Hobby, and shared by FOX 5 Atlanta.
In the latest iteration of this event, the Matt Hobby Classic raised more than $33,000 in 2024, which brought the total contribution to over $450,000 over the span of 19 years. The Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, which was the recipient of the funds and has been operating for 20 years, affirms that hope and generosity have become the hallmark of Matt Hobby's enduring influence. "It proves that Matt's legacy of hope and generosity is still changing lives 20 years later," said Dean Crowe, founder and CEO of the Rally Foundation, in an interview with CBS News Atlanta.
The community has shown a commitment to continue raising money for this vital cause, reflecting the collective spirit in furthering research and support for those affected by childhood cancer. The newly named field stands not only as a place where touchdowns and tackles are celebrated but also as a ground that honors a life dedicated to greater humanity — a lasting promise to Matt Hobby that his memory will be forever intertwined with the essence of giving and advocacy.
