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Kelee Ringo came up with heroic moments in UGA’s biggest games. To him, his mother’s the real hero

By Zach Klein, WSB-TV

2022 CFP National Championship - Georgia v Alabama INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 10: Kelee Ringo #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs carries the ball into the endzone after getting an interception in the fourth quarter of the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

By Zach Klein, WSB-TV

In the biggest moments, Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo never folds.

The matchup between top two teams in the rankings with Tennessee trying to get back into the game, Ringo is there. The SEC East title on the line with a win, it’s Ringo again preventing a touchdown.

In the biggest game in program history against their rival with the game on the line, Ringo became a hero.

But if you ask him, Ringo will tell you the only hero in his family is his mother, Tralee.

“A week after I got to the University of Georgia, she told me she actually did have breast cancer.”

Every round of the NFL Draft airs LIVE on Channel 2 Thursday through Saturday. Watch SportsZone: Draft Edition LIVE from Kansas City at 7 p.m. hosted by Channel 2 sports director Zach Klein and Channel 2′s Alison Mastrangelo.

Tralee Hale underwent months of chemotherapy all during the height of COVID-19 pandemic. After her treatments, tests showed she was cancer-free.

Kelee’s star power and NIL options could have made him rich. Instead, he has led impressive fundraising for the Bulldogs Battling Breast Cancer Foundation.

The foundation advocates for early detection and assistance to women in need through St. Mary’s Hospital, the same hospital that treated his mother.

“Honestly, I feel like just being able to get back to the community of breast cancer is a great feeling for me,” Kelee Ringo said.

Ringo is already a champion in the college football world. Now, his eyes are on a Super Bowl and that starts with the NFL Draft this weekend.

“First round, it’s my standard for myself.”

Ringo worked out with 5-time Pro Bowler and 2013 interceptions leader Richard Sherman. Wherever his name is called, he’ll be ready.

“It’s gonna be a great feeling of course. Going through all the things we’ve been through together. It’s a huge sigh of relief, but it’s also the beginning of a new chapter.”

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