The state of Georgia declared March 13th ‘Marcell Dareus Day’ for his excellence on and off the field. March 13th is, of course, Dareus’ birthday.

Marcell Dareus continues to give Buffalo Bills’ fans — and people around the world — reason to love him. As a result, he continues to be recognized for his achievements. Most recently, the state of Georgia gave quite the commendation to the Atlanta-resident.

Dareus celebrated his 27th birthday on Monday, March 13th and thanks to State Representative Erica Thomas and Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, his birthday was recognized throughout the state.

This isn’t the first time Marcell Dareus had something like this happen. After his 2nd Annual Christmas Party was a success, the city of Buffalo declared December 23rd (the day of his party) ‘Marcell Dareus Day.’ The party hosted 175 children at the Williams-Emslie Family YMCA in Buffalo, NY and even included Dareus dressing up as Santa.

To have your name recognized like that in two different states, you must be doing something right — and Dareus is.

Here’s what the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle had to say about receiving the commendation from Georgia:

“I’m so happy and honored to have a day named after me in Georgia, one of my adopted homes that has treated me so well,” said Dareus. “The city of Atlanta and the whole state means a lot to me. They’ve welcomed me with open arms and now with this great honor, I feel like a true native.”

State Representative Erica Thomas also had some words for Marcell Dareus and something she has in common with him:

“Marcell Dareus is a distinguished gentleman with a kind and unwavering heart for children,” says Representative Thomas. We were both in the foster care system and vowed to use our success to help other kids that grew up in similar situations. In the state of Georgia there are over 13,000 kids in foster care.”

Dareus has seen a lot of success, both on and off the field. He made a name for himself at Alabama, especially when he was named the Defensive MVP of the 2010 BCS National Championship Game. He played well enough in college to be drafted third overall in the 2011 Draft — of course, by the Buffalo Bills.

Since then, he has gone to two Pro Bowls and has totaled 291 tackles, 34 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 13 passes defensed, 17 stuffs and one block in 86 games.

In the commendation written by the state of Georgia, Dareus was recognized for his efforts in the community as well. This included Thanksgiving when he handed out meals to Birmingham, Alabama residents (where he grew up), hosting veterans to watch Bills’ games from his suite and most recently his humanitarian trip to Haiti — which was a huge success.

Here’s an excerpt from the commendation:

“…his dedication, hard work, and competitive fire have earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates and peers and have given inspiration to many, and it is abundantly fitting and proper that this outstanding athlete be appropriately recognized.”

For a full look at the commendation by Georgia, click here.

For a better idea of what he has been doing these past few months in the community, check out the following:

Dareus Gives Back to Buffalo For Halloween

Dareus Feeds the Needy for Thanksgiving

Dareus Hosts 2nd Annual Christmas Party, Dresses as Santa

December 23rd is Declared ‘Marcell Dareus Day’

Dareus Takes Humanitarian Trip to Haiti

Marcell Dareus Releases Video of Trip to Haiti

Marcell Dareus will not only continue to give back, but will look to have a much more productive season on the field next year. After only playing 8 games last season, due to a suspension and injury, the Buffalo Bills will be more than happy to have him back.

Especially on a defense that struggled mightily.

In case you missed his video of the Haiti trip, here you go:

Who’s ready to see Mr. Big Stuff in full action next season? Leave any thoughts/comments below!