ATLANTA -- Countless fans on lunch breaks and kids in gym class got quite the surprise Tuesday afternoon.
The entire team and several Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders made appearances at 12 stops around the city. Half of the stops were at area schools where the team delivered new sports equipment and promoted physical fitness. The Falcons also took the chance to tip a hat to the fans and for the NFL's league-wide United Way Hometown Huddle festivities.
This marked the 10th year of Hometown Huddle, a series of volunteer projects implemented on the same day in all NFL cities. This year the league focused on its "Play 60" initiative, which strives to get kids to stay active for 60 minutes each day.
“Our players recognize the value of staying healthy and it is important that young fans also understand the benefits of exercise,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said.
Director of Community Relations Kendyl Moss said the team's mission was to help children at area schools get active and know the importance of staying physically fit.
"Some schools have very old sports equipment," Moss said. "Sometimes that new ball can make the difference in a kid's interest in sports."
The Falcons combined Hometown Huddle with a "fan blitz" for maximum effect.
Quarterback Matt Ryan and his teammates split time marveling at the animals, signing autographs and taking pictures at the Georgia Aquarium. The surprise appearance came to an end with players, Falcons Cheerleader Joie and Owner and CEO Arthur Blank shaking hands and talking with a group of fans and children in the aquarium lobby (click here for photos). Other players appeared at The Varsity, The Home Depot and other spots around Atlanta.
Ryan and his teammates then spent more than an hour with students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School. The group led physical fitness activities and competed against each other in a three-point shooting contest (congratulations to cornerback Chris Houston).
"I feel great about it," running back Michael Turner said. "We're getting out here and having some funs with the fans, especially with the kids. It's mostly for them, spending time with the kids."
"I thought they really enjoyed it," added Head Coach Mike Smith. "They had an opportunity to go to a number of different business... They also had some opportunities to go to schools and visit with kids. I think it's great for our guys to give back to the community and go out and interact with their fans."
RELATED LINKS:
- BLOG: Falcons visit Fish, Fans
- TWITTER: Recap the Falcons day with the AF.com crew
- VIDEO: Falcons all over the community for Hometown Huddle
- PHOTOS: Images from Hometown Huddle 2008
