Former RB Herschel Walker was named Bahamas Ambassador

Herschel Walker, the soccer legend who unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate in Georgia, has been chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to be ambassador to the Bahamas.

Trump made the announcement on Tuesday in a post on Truth Social, his social media website. He described Walker as “a successful businessman, philanthropist and former Heisman Trophy winner.”

Walker, a Republican, tried to unseat Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock two years ago with Trump’s support. During the campaign, Walker benefited from nearly unrivaled name recognition from his football career at the University of Georgia and in the NFL. However, his efforts were unsuccessful as he was unable to escape a series of damaging allegations, including claims that he paid for the abortions of two former girlfriends, even though he supported a nationwide ban on the procedure.

He campaigned for Trump this year in his home state of Georgia.

To hold the ambassadorship, Walker must have his nomination approved by the Republican-led Senate next year.

Walker had a successful football career at Georgia from 1980 to 1982, with the Bulldogs going 34-5 in his three seasons. He led them to an undefeated record and national championship in 1980, and won the Heisman Trophy in 1982.

After a stint in the USFL, Walker played in the NFL for more than a decade, reaching two Pro Bowls and enjoying stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.