Former NFL star Herschel Walker praises Trump as 'great president' who's getting a 'raw deal

Herschel Walker, a former Georgia Bulldog and honorary co-captain for his alma mater at Monday's College Football Playoff National Championship, sang praises of President Donald Trump in an interview with Fox News' "Fox & Friends."

The Heisman Trophy winner also spoke about first responders, the military, NFL player protests, and his thoughts on the matchup between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide on Monday night at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

"I'm excited about him being here," Walker said Monday when asked about Trump's plans to attend the game. "We've talked, and we're going to meet tonight. I haven't seen him in a while."

In the 1980s, Walker played for the United States Football League's New Jersey Generals, a team owned by Trump, before joining the NFL's Dallas Cowboys.

"We've been friends ever since. We still work together on some things," Walker said. "Well, we did before he became the big man on campus, as you may say."

"So, tonight I'm excited to see him," Walker continued. "I'm glad he's gonna be at the game because he loves football."

What else did Walker say?

Walker has been outspoken and uncompromising in his support for Trump and his distaste for the NFL's national anthem protests.

"It's sad that what's happened with all the kneeling and standing, and all that because Donald Trump is a great man," Walker said. "He's a great president, and I wish people can understand that. I think the president is getting a raw deal."

"I say respect the White House, guys," Walker said. "We voted for him to be president and because of that, we have to respect him as our president."

Walker doesn't shy away from his feelings about first responders and the military. He said they are why the U.S. is the greatest country in the world and they are among the reasons why Trump was elected.

The former football player also talked about his partnership with Rocky Ridge Gives and the True American Hero Giveaway. Someone who has an exemplary record in the military or as a first responder will win a customized, hand-painted, and American-made 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 worth $80,000.

The nomination deadline for the award is Feb. 28.

Did Walker predict who he thinks will win the championship?

"Georgia is gonna do well," Walker said. "Georgia is gonna surprise a lot of people. I think they've surprised people all year. I said it at the second game of the season when they beat Notre Dame."

But he didn't commit to a predicted winner.

"Georgia is a rough team just like Alabama, so it's gonna be a good game," Walker said.