DJ Giddens Recognized With Official Holiday in Hometown

Today is DJ Giddens Day! Are you celebrating accordingly?

Junction City, Kansas, has officially designated July 3 as DJ Giddens Day. At Tuesday night’s city commission meeting, Mayor Pat Landes read a proclamation declaring the holiday in honor of the standout running back’s contributions to the community and football program.

Giddens, an NFL running back for the Indianapolis Colts, has become a local icon since his standout performances at Kansas State. His presence at community events, charity fundraisers, and youth football camps has made a significant impact around Junction City. The proclamation cited his leadership on and off the field as a key reason for dedicating a day in his name.

The celebration holds deep meaning for Giddens and the community as his roots trace back to Junction City, and his dedication to local outreach resonates with residents and civic leaders alike.

The vehicle for this honor stemmed from grassroots efforts across the city. Community members and local youth coaches submitted petitions and letters to City Hall highlighting Giddens’s character, humility, and visibility in town. Mayor Landes said the effort illustrated what citizens can accomplish when they unite behind a positive role model.

DJ Giddens Day will be marked by celebratory events at local parks and schools. Those include a youth football skills clinic and autograph sessions, followed by a brief ceremony at City Plaza. The proclamation encourages schools and youth organizations to use the day to promote education, teamwork, and civic pride.

For Junction City and Giddens himself, this declared holiday is more than symbolic. It’s a reflection of a hometown investing in its heroes and a testament to how sports figures can uplift a community.

As Giddens prepares for the next step in his career, July 3 will carry a personal legacy, one that ties his future success to the place that raised him.