Peach Tree Times

Former football player and U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker wrote an op-ed for Fox News in favor of school choice.

The article, titled "School choice is gateway to the American Dream," focuses on his own struggles with school in his early life, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

"I was embarrassed to speak up in class or to ask my teachers for help, so my grades suffered" Walker said in reference to a speech impediment he had as a child. "I lived in fear of what my classmates might do or say to me next on the playground."

Walker said that education is "the civil rights issue of our day", echoing former President Donald Trump. Although public education ended up working for him, it's not the right fit for everyone, Walker said. Walker attributes his success in school to the vast support network he had available, but acknowledges that not every child has access to these resources.

"With the help of God, my parents, teachers, and coaches, I went from having some of the worst grades to being one of Johnson County’s best students" Walker said. "As a product of public education, I was able to achieve the American dream because of all the support I had. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many kids living in lower-income communities."

Walker has won a Heisman Trophy at the University of Georgia and played in the NFL, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. He is currently running against Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA), who won the position in a special election after former Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) died.

Walker's campaign has widespread support from Republicans, including Trump, who encouraged Walker to run and recently endorsed his campaign, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.