Malcolm Mitchell admits he didn’t like reading when growing up. His focus was football, and his skills took him from Valdosta to the University of Georgia and now the NFL.

But when he got to college, Mitchell said he finally acknowledged that he couldn’t read and write as well as should. And he challenged himself to make it happen. While still in college, Mitchell authored a children’s book titled, “The Magician’s Hat.”

On Saturday, the 24-year-old visited an Atlanta bookstore to read his book and sign dozens of copies as part of his efforts to encourage reading.

“This is just who I am,” Mitchell said. “Books. Football. Writing. This is me.”

Read more about Mitchell's mission on myajc.com.

Malcolm MItchell talks Greyson Lambert, UGA receivers

About the Author

Featured

Austin Walters died from an overdose in 2021 after taking a Xanax pill laced with fentanyl, his father said. A new law named after Austin and aimed at preventing deaths from fentanyl has resulted in its first convictions in Georgia, prosecutors said. (Family photo)

Credit: Family photo