Gridiron (secret society)
| Gridiron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Founded | 1908 University of Georgia |
| Type | Secret |
| Affiliation | Independent |
| Status | Active |
| Scope | Local |
| Chapters | 1 |
| Headquarters | Athens, Georgia United States |
Gridiron is an American collegiate secret society at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. It was established in 1908.
History
Gridiron was founded in 1908 at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.[1][2] It is considered "the oldest and most prestigious organization on campus".[1] Its members include most Governors of Georgia in the 20th century.[2]
In 2025, David Ballard published The Order of Virtue, a historical thriller about the Gridiron.[3]
Symbols and traditions
Prospective members are called neophytes.[4] Neophytes are required to master Sartor Resartus: The Life and Opinions of Herr Teufelsdröckh in Three Books by Thomas Carlyle.[4]
Membership
The society inducts outstanding student leaders biannually in the fall and spring.[1][4] Gridiron also inducts notable Georgians as honorary members.[1][4] Its membership is all male.[2]
Notable members
- Ellis Arnall, Governor of Georgia[5]
- Chris Clark, former lead news anchor at WTVF in Nashville, Tennessee[4]
- Jimmy Carter, president of the United States[2][6]
- Sam Nunn, United States Senate[6]
- Richard Russell Jr., Governor of Georgia, United States Senate[7]
- Hank Cullen Davis Jr., lawyer and proprietor of Lake Lanier
- Sonny Seiler, owner of the line of English bulldogs, successively named Uga I-XI, that serve as the live mascots for the University of Georgia[8]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Brumby, Otis; Kinney, Bill; Kirby, Joe (April 2, 2011). "Around Town: KSU 'crazies,' Newt share space in Ehrhart's cross hairs". The Marietta Daily Journal. Archived from the original on June 8, 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 More, Jackson (2 October 2014). "5 Things You Didn't Know About Athens". Red & Black. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
- ↑ "Ballard Launches New Book, 'The Order of Virtue'". Fayette County News. 2025-10-29. Retrieved 2026-04-05.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Gridiron Secret Society Selects Fall Neophytes". The Red and Black. October 20, 1960. p. 1. Retrieved April 5, 2026 – via Digital Library of Georgia.
- ↑ Henderson, Harold (Aug 19, 2020). "Ellis Arnall". New Georgia Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2026-04-05.
- 1 2 Guthrie, Blake. "11 Secret Things in Athens-Clarke County You Didn't Know Existed". Movato.
- ↑ Vogt, Sheryl (September 9, 2019). "Richard B. Russell Jr". New Georgia Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2026-04-05.
- ↑ "Frank W. "Sonny" Seiler Dies". University of Georgia Athletics.