'We Play For' - CPL Matthew D. Conley
The entire Falcons roster will honor fallen heroes Sunday by wearing initials on their helmets. WR Mohamed Sanu will wear MC for CPL Matthew Dwain Conley, who also played quarterback in high school.
On Thanksgiving, we give thanks for those who gave all. Today we remember Corporal Matthew Dwain Conley.
Matthew Conley was raised in Green Hill, Alabama.
CPL Conley attended Rogers High School, where he was the quarterback on the football team.
Upon graduation, CPL Conley enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
CPL Conley's first assignment was at the Naval Submarine Base Bangor.
He was reassigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines and was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
While conducting routine combat operations, CPL Conley was struck by a roadside bomb. He had stepped out of his vehicle to assist fellow Marines.
CPL Conley was killed in action with only weeks left in his deployment.
CPL Conley is seen in this photo with fellow Marines, Chris S. and Greg S. The photo was taken the day before Greg went home and was the last time Greg saw Conley - who he had trained to be Squad Leader at the end of his tour. Conley was training Chris to become Squad Leader when his tour was over.
CPL Conley left behind a young wife, his unborn daughter, his parents, two sisters and many other family and friends. He was buried on his 22nd birthday.
CPL Conley and his wife, Nicole, on their wedding day
CPL Conley was killed weeks before he was scheduled to come home and see the birth of his daughter.
Memorials in Green Hill, Alabama
Memorials in Green Hill, Alabama
Memorials in Green Hill, Alabama
CPL Conley will always be remembered for his bravery and courage while serving his country. Jason Isbell, who grew up in the same community as Matthew wrote Dress Blues in his honor. There is also an article on ESPN.com, "Bedtime Stories for Catherine."
The entire Falcons roster will honor fallen heroes Sunday by wearing initials on their helmets.
WR Mohamed Sanu will wear MC for CPL Matthew Dwain Conley, who also played quarterback in high school.
