Week 3 Open the Gate Honoree: Matt James
9/13/2022 10:00:00 AM | Football, General
Former Wake Forest football player set to be the the honoree for the matchup with Liberty
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Matt James will be returning to Truist Field after spending four years as a member of the Demon Deacon football team from 2011-2014 as a wide receiver.
With Wake Forest, James racked up over 40 catches and 400 yards in his career, while serving on the kick return unit as well. He caught a career-high nine passes for 87 yards in his final game against Duke.
After his football career, which saw stints with the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints, the Raleigh native made it his life's mission to share what he has learned with the next generation.
While pursuing a career in real estate in New York City, James co-founded the non-profit organization, ABC Food Tours. The charity focuses on creating experiences for students facing challenges associated with living poverty in New York City. They want to give these students the opportunity to learn and grow outside of the classroom in many different ways, including food and fitness tours, career boot camps and mentorship. The organization has already helped over 1,500 students through 30 tours so far.
In 2021, James became the first black male lead on "The Bachelor." He took it as an opportunity as a chance to be a role model and positive example of a Black man, for many of whom it may have been "the first time having someone like myself in their home.'" Since the season finale in March of 2021, he continues to use his platform to encourage important conversations and work as a conduit for social change and awareness.
Today, James splits his time in New York City and South Florida and spends most of his off time skateboarding, running and trying new foods.
Open the Gate Information & 2022 Honorees
The Open the Gate tradition has been an important and unique aspect of football games since its inception in 2008. This allows Wake Forest to honor individuals that make its University and Winston-Salem community so special. Honorees ride on the back of the motorcycle with the Demon Deacon mascot and lead the football team onto Truist Field. The first ever honoree was Wake Forest and Winston-Salem legend, Chris Paul.
Week One: Dr. Caryl Guth
Week Three: Matt James
With Wake Forest, James racked up over 40 catches and 400 yards in his career, while serving on the kick return unit as well. He caught a career-high nine passes for 87 yards in his final game against Duke.
After his football career, which saw stints with the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints, the Raleigh native made it his life's mission to share what he has learned with the next generation.
While pursuing a career in real estate in New York City, James co-founded the non-profit organization, ABC Food Tours. The charity focuses on creating experiences for students facing challenges associated with living poverty in New York City. They want to give these students the opportunity to learn and grow outside of the classroom in many different ways, including food and fitness tours, career boot camps and mentorship. The organization has already helped over 1,500 students through 30 tours so far.
In 2021, James became the first black male lead on "The Bachelor." He took it as an opportunity as a chance to be a role model and positive example of a Black man, for many of whom it may have been "the first time having someone like myself in their home.'" Since the season finale in March of 2021, he continues to use his platform to encourage important conversations and work as a conduit for social change and awareness.
Today, James splits his time in New York City and South Florida and spends most of his off time skateboarding, running and trying new foods.
Open the Gate Information & 2022 Honorees
The Open the Gate tradition has been an important and unique aspect of football games since its inception in 2008. This allows Wake Forest to honor individuals that make its University and Winston-Salem community so special. Honorees ride on the back of the motorcycle with the Demon Deacon mascot and lead the football team onto Truist Field. The first ever honoree was Wake Forest and Winston-Salem legend, Chris Paul.
Week One: Dr. Caryl Guth
Week Three: Matt James
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