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What the Atlanta Falcons Did During the NFC Championship Game May Make You a Fan for Life

"It's bigger than football."
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By Sara Laughlin
Director of Digital Content

February 5, 2017

Can’t decide which team to pull for tonight?

Why many are jumping on the Falcons bandwagon against the five-time Super Bowl winning Patriots because they’re the underdog, or made their pick based on politics, here’s the best reason of all:

During the game that paved the Falcons’ path to Super Bowl LI, every player on the Falcons’ roster wore the initials of a fallen military hero to honor them and their sacrifice — an amazing change of pace from the obsessive media coverage of players kneeling during the Nation Anthem earlier in the season.

“It’s bigger than football,” the team shared to their Facebook page with the video highlighting the service men and women below:

The positive response to the team’s decision was overwhelming.

“I have not watching the NFL game this year because of their disrespect of America. But I will be watching your game thank you for saluting our service members. Proud Army Mom”

“You cannot imagine how much this means to the families of fallen heroes…where Kapernick has caused hurt…you cause love and healing…from a military mom of one of this country’s finest.” – Karen D. Curran

There were even comments from friends and family members of these fallen heroes under the video:

“Ryen King is my son and it blessed me to hear his name called. Thank you for remembering our fallen soldiers and the ultimate sacrifice they have made.” – Penn Overton King

“Thank you Atlanta Falcons!!! My grandson’s father is Kalin Johnson. He gave his life for all of us. Thank you for acknowledging the men and women for their sacrifice for our freedom!” – Kim Waits

“Thank you ATL Falcons for honoring my husband and hero, SGT Dakotah L Gooding. Feb 13 will mark 12 years since he left us but so thankful that you have not forgotten!! #95 Jonathan Babineaux will be personally honoring my hero during the game. Koty would be honored!!  From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU” – Angela Gooding

“Thank you for showing your support for our military , I am a lucky one that made it home safely and I thank God daily , but there’s so many that didn’t , so thank you on their behalf , GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!” – Billy Newton

After the incredible reaction they received for honoring these heroes, the Falcons responded:

“Thank you everyone for your support! We wore initials of fallen soldiers on our helmets for our game on November 27. We will continue to support these efforts in the future.”

 

*Note: The writer of this story is a completely biased, lifelong Falcons fan from Atlanta, GA (…and she welcomes you to join the bandwagon traveling across the country) #riseup

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