Ironhead Gallon is used to having to make quick decisions. As a former first-team All-Sun Belt linebacker for Georgia Southern from 2012-17, Gallon led a strong defense while racking up 232 tackles and four blocked kicks during a stellar career in Statesboro. Now, Gallon is using those instincts and teamwork skills in a new field as he is working as a firefighter/AEMT with the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. Simply put: Gallon has gone from tackling running backs to tackling fires.
After a strong senior season in 2017 where he totaled 102 tackles, Gallon went to training camp with the Arizona Cardinals before getting cut on the final day after playing through training camp with a knee injury. The following year, he went to camp with the Philadelphia Eagles before meeting the same fate. He tried his luck in the Canadian Football League, but the pandemic and an Achilles injury wiped any chance of that happening. Eventually, Gallon hung up his cleats and decided to pursue a life working in civil service.
Recently, GSEagles.com got a chance to catch up briefly with the Madison, Georgia, native in between shifts to see how things were going.
Q: Your journey after college took you to the Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, and then to the CFL with the Ottawa Redblacks. Tell us what that journey was like.
A: It was very interesting. First and foremost it was a blessing to continue my athletic career. Anytime you get to keep playing the game, it was a blessing. My major injury in Canada was when I tore my Achilles, but it was a blessing to overcome it.
Q: Now that you're not in football, you've moved over to firefighting up in Atlanta. Tell me about how you got into that and what drew you to that.
A: I took a leap of faith. My other childhood dream was to be a firefighter, so when the opportunity came, I took a leap of faith.
Q: What skills did you learn through football that help you succeed in your new path?
A: Knowing how to work with a team and being a teammate. Everyone has their job that they have to do to be successful, so taking accountability for my job and doing what my officer needs to do. It's a tough job, but being able to push yourself beyond your limits is important.
Q: Finally, what's hotter: a fire that you're trying to put out or practicing at Beautiful Eagle Creek in July/August?
A: It gets really hot at Eagle Creek, but going into burning buildings is a new level, especially with our equipment. I would have to say that beats Eagle Creek.
