FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons hosted the football team from Apalachee High School a week after a tragic shooting incident that claimed the lives of two students and two teachers.
The high school players had the opportunity to watch the Falcons’ practice on Friday at their training complex in Flowery Branch.
“I think it’s incredible that you get a chance to see some young kids going through some tough stuff,” said Jerry Gray, the Falcons’ assistant head coach for defense. “I always look and say, ‘Man, what are they going through?’ They’ve got to go back to the school where it happened.”
One of the victims was a teacher who also served as an assistant coach for the Apalachee football team. Nine others were injured, and the community is mourning the loss of those who did not survive.
During the incident, some students sought refuge in the high school’s football stadium, highlighting the proximity of Apalachee to the Falcons’ complex in the Atlanta suburbs.
Before their recent game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Falcons showed their support by wearing Apalachee T-shirts during warmups and holding a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims.
“It definitely meant a lot,” said Falcons defensive end Grady Jarrett. “I played Apalachee when I was in high school.”
The Falcons are gearing up to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, but their gesture of solidarity with Apalachee High School continues to resonate.
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