2019-20 Georgia Tech Everyday Champions Issue #3

FOOTBALL | EVERYDAY CHAMPION

maximize their return without much thought for the communities they are investing in. Do you see your project as setting an example for others? Morgan: “There are a lot of people out to make money in this sector. But it should be about making money in a responsible way and making money with connections to these communities. I feel I was put in a position to be an intermediary. I came from a distressed area and transcended my circumstances. Now I have all these connections and access to resources to go into these projects and make them real. The potential is really exciting.” EC: For someone so new to the business world, you seem to have a tremendous grasp on things. How much of that stems from your business management studies at Georgia Tech? Morgan: “Georgia Tech, first and foremost, cultivated in me a sense of responsibility. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience both in terms of education and athletics. When I came out of Georgia Tech, I felt very prepared for the real world. Georgia Tech doesn’t coddle student- athletes. They expect excellence. You are not going to be in a lackluster, remedial major; you are going to be on a very serious degree path. You have to apply yourself and be the real deal. It positioned me to take on the world in a real way and has been incredibly beneficial to my life.” EC: Did you appreciate that at the time? Morgan: “Absolutely not. Fortunately, it became entrenched in me anyway. Education was secondary to me when I was in college but I couldn’t give a secondary effort. I developed a skill set that I would use later. People try to separate intellect and business, but it’s just a language barrier most of the time. I had the language from being in that setting.” EC: Let’s wrap up by looking back on your Georgia Tech football career. What stands out? Morgan: “The highlights were the team victories. The individual success was important but nothing compared to winning the 2009 ACC championship and standing on that podium with my teammates.”

community? And will the community have a say in what happens in Opportunity Zones? I don’t subscribe to the top-down approach. I want residents to have a voice. I want to engage the stakeholders and hear their voices. That’s what I’ve been doing with the project in Coatesville. We listened, purchased 22 acres and are developing a plan to build a sports facility, an events center and an education center focused on skilled trades and entrepreneurial support. These are things we think will be financially sustainable for the community.” EC: That’s such a refreshing perspective. No doubt there are a fair amount of Opportunity Zone investors who are just looking to

Morgan was an All-American at Georgia Tech, leading to a nine- year career in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans.

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