TIFTON — Tifton native and NFL player Larry Dean was honored at Thursday night’s City Council workshop with a special recognition.

Councilwoman Julie Smith unveiled a new roadside sign that says “Welcome to Tifton, Hometown of NFL Linebacker Larry Dean.”

Dean is a graduate of Tift County High School and currently a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

At a July workshop, the council discussed the sign matter after receiving a letter from local woman Jadonna Johnson requesting signs to honor Dean, who has continuously given back to the Tifton community since entering the NFL.

Some of the activities that Dean has provided through his Larry Dean Foundation include the Stop the Violence basketball tournament, back to school rally, football and cheerleading camps and the largest site for the Tiftarea YMCA summer feeding program. Additionally, he has been a sponsor for TCHS basketball, Tift County seventh and eighth grade basketball, TCHS cheerleading, lupus awareness and Tift County fireworks.

With Thanksgiving approaching, Dean said he and his volunteers recently gave away 110 turkeys to families in need.

“We wanted to recognize Larry and his accomplishments and his contributions back to the community,” said City Manager Larry Riner.

“On behalf of the city of Tifton, Larry, we cannot thank you enough for what you do,” Smith said. “You are such a wonderful mentor. You are a fabulous example for the youth in our community and you set the bar very high.”

She added, “When you do these things for the youth of this town, they will not forget it. They’re our future leaders and you’re planting those seeds for them to take care of this community as they mature and as they grow up.”

Smith said they wanted to recognize him in a special way.

“We’re so proud that you’re a citizen of Tifton and that you haven’t left Tifton behind. You come back and you give and that’s just so honorable,” she concluded as she unveiled the signage, which will be installed around town. The crowd clapped and cheered.

Councilman Wes Ehlers pointed out that he wears a bracelet that says “Go mad. Go out and make a difference.”

“Larry embraces that full-heartedly,” he said.

Dean thanked the city, as well as the Lord, his supporters, family, pastor and Johnson. He said he embraces being someone who the kids can look up to.