FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- South Hall Middle School is directly across the street from the Falcons training facility in this small town 45 minutes from Atlanta, but many of its students there had never met a professional football player.
That changed Tuesday, as several Falcons players and cheerleaders visited the school for the Falcons first annual Thanksgiving luncheon.
About 25 students were able to spend an hour with the Falcons and make Thanksgiving-themed art projects.
That was followed by a Thanksgiving lunch.
“There is no where I would rather be than right here with these kids, this is what Thanksgiving is about,” fullback Ovie Mughelli said.
Falcons and students wrote out two paragraphs about what they’re thankful for and then designed the paragraph into a Thanksgiving card.
The students were able to spend some one-on-one time with the players and talk about what Thanksgiving means to them.
As the students spent more time with the Falcons the questions started to fly, as each middle schooler on topics from playing in the NFL to what their parents do for a living.
“I tried to tell them that I am just an ordinary guy; I brush my teeth, I wash my face just like they do.” rookie cornerback Christopher Owens said.
After the cards and lunch were finished the players and students took turns presenting their projects and reading what they are thankful for.
Mughelli and rookie Garret Reynolds cards were the most creative, each tried their best attempt at a turkey.
Students literally followed in the players’ footsteps, as each Falcon got up to present their card they were followed by youth who sat closest to them.
“It’s a blessing for us all to be here and puts the holiday in perspective,” veteran safety Erik Coleman said.
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