This week in Cobb County history.
Larry Nelson, born September 10, 1947, Acworth golf legend
Larry Nelson was born on September 10, 1947, in Fort Payne, Alabama, but grew up in Acworth, Georgia. He did not play golf as a child, focusing instead on basketball and baseball. After serving in Vietnam, Nelson took up golf at the age of 21. He quickly showed talent, breaking 100 on his first round and reaching a score of 70 within nine months. Nelson turned professional in 1971 and won 10 PGA Tour events, including three major championships. He was part of the U.S. Ryder Cup team and had success on the Champions Tour, with 19 wins. Nelson’s connection to Acworth remains strong, as the city is where he spent his early years, shaping his future athletic path. His accomplishments as a golfer and his ties to Acworth make him a significant figure in the area.
Born September 12, 1959: Charles Scott Madison, Acworth resident and baseball player
Charles Scott Madison, born September 12, 1959, in Pensacola, Florida, is a former professional baseball player and Acworth resident. He played as a third baseman in Major League Baseball, appearing in 71 games over five seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, and Cincinnati Reds. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Madison excelled as a quarterback and catcher, earning All-Southeastern Conference honors three times and becoming the university’s first baseball player named a first-team All-American. He played summer baseball with the Hyannis Mets in 1979 and was selected as a Cape Cod League All-Star. Vanderbilt inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2012, Madison published Just a Phone Call Away, a book recounting his journey through the minor leagues and professional baseball. Madison later lived in Acworth, Georgia, where his life and career became part of the city’s history.
Darren Waller, born September 13, 1992, Acworth-raised NFL tight end
Darren Waller was born on September 13, 1992, in Landover, Maryland, but grew up in Acworth, Georgia. He played college football at Georgia Tech, where he was a standout wide receiver. In 2015, the Baltimore Ravens drafted him in the sixth round. After a brief stint at wide receiver, he transitioned to tight end. Waller had a successful NFL career with the Ravens, Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2020. Known for his perseverance, he overcame substance abuse issues and became a mentor for others, founding the Darren Waller Foundation. Waller retired in 2024 after eight seasons. His time in Acworth played a significant role in shaping his identity, both as a person and an athlete.
